Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers as part of places to camp around Loyalhanna Lake, Bush Recreation Area sits alongside a large boat dock and launch on the Loyalhanna Creek, giving it a distinctly water-oriented character. The campground runs along an inner and outer loop, and site numbering offers a useful shortcut: lower-numbered sites tend to sit more open and exposed near the water, while sites numbered 25 and above are set further back in a wooded area with more shade and privacy. RVs are welcome, though the 22-foot length limit is a real constraint, and several sites have notable slope, so leveling blocks are worth packing.
Water access is the draw here. Motorized boating is allowed, and shore fishing is available, though high water levels from the nearby dam can affect conditions. The boat launch accommodates two vessels at a time. A playground and open green space make this a practical choice for families with young children. Showers on site have been noted as clean with large stalls.
Cell coverage runs thin. Verizon users report two bars at best, so plan accordingly for navigation and communication. On that note, GPS directions have led some campers down the wrong road; staying on Bush Road all the way to the campground entrance is the more reliable approach. Reservations are handled through recreation.gov, and availability can tighten quickly around holiday weekends. Nearby alternatives worth considering include Millers Campground and Keystone State Park Campground if Bush fills up.
Description
Overview
The Bush Recreation Area is located next to the scenic Loyalhanna Lake. This location provides picturesque views of the lake as well as opportunities for bird watching, boating, fishing, hunting and paddle sports.
Recreation
The Bush Recreation Area offers boating with unlimited horse power. Visitors to the area can kayak or canoe the lake as well, and take advantage of kayak rentals located in the Bush Recreation Area. The Loyalhanna Lake offers great fishing opportunities, with multiple bass tournaments each year. This lake also has some of the best channel catfishing in Pennsylvania, with multiple fish stockings each year. If you like fishing from shore there are plenty of opportunities to fish both moving and still waters. Those that like to go bike riding can find the West Penn Trail located at our sister project just 10 minutes away.
Facilities
This campground has a variety of sites available from full RV hookup to primitive tent camp sites. Picnic tables and campfire grill rings are equipped at every campsite. Patrons at the campground will have access to flushing toilets, drinking water, showers and a dump station.
Natural Features
The campground is located in a beautiful valley overlooking Loyalhanna Lake. Among terrain characterized by its diversity, visitors will discover rolling foothills of the Laurel Highlands, from which the headwaters of the Loyalhanna Creek flow.
Nearby Attractions
The West Penn Trail offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities within a short 10 minute drive. Additionally the site of Loyalhanna dam provides interpretive displays of the dam as well as a great scenic view.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBush Recreation Area is located in Pennsylvania near Saltsburg
Directions
From Pittsburgh, take I-376 E (12.1 miles) keep left and continue onto US-22 E. Make a left at PA-981 N located in New Alexandria, PA near the Sheets gas station. Make a left onto Bush Road, passing Mannitto Golf Course, make another left into the Bush Recreation Area. 200 Boat Dock Road New Alexandria PA, 15670
Address
440 Loyalhanna Dam Road
Saltsburg, PA 15681-2206
Coordinates
40.438291 N
79.4364625 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
Verizon5GGood Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/28/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 39 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 42 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 4 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr 12 min from Weirton, WV
