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Map showing campground location near Saltsburg, Pennsylvania
Camper submitted image from Bush Recreation AreaView 11 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Saltsburg, Pennsylvania

Bush Recreation Area

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Within Loyalhanna Lake, Bush Recreation Area provides a Corps of Engineers campground that combines water access with family-friendly amenities. The facility sits alongside a large boat dock and launch on Loyalhanna Creek, where motorized boating draws visitors throughout the season. Sites range from open areas near the water to more wooded spots further back, with higher-numbered sites starting around #25 offering increased privacy among the trees.

The campground features 30-amp electric and fresh water hookups, though no sewer connections are available. A playground and green space occupy the central area, making the facility popular with families. Kassie F. notes that "motorized boating is allowed and there's access for fishing from the shore," though water levels can affect fishing conditions depending on dam operations. Several sites have sloped terrain that may challenge larger RVs.

Campers report clean shower facilities with large stalls, though maintenance can be inconsistent. Cell coverage runs about two bars for Verizon users. GPS directions may route visitors incorrectly, so staying on Bush Road directly to the campground entrance proves more reliable. The facility requires reservations through recreation.gov, and those exploring campsites near Saltsburg will find this location fills quickly during peak weekends. The dump station has experienced periodic closures for construction.

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Location

Public Campground

Bush Recreation Area is located in Pennsylvania

Detail location of campground

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

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 3/14/26

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 3/14/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites 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

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests commonly noted this as a family-friendly campground with good basic amenities and water access. Some feedback indicated concerns about sloped sites and maintenance issues with facilities.

i
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2021

Is not bad

This campground is not bad but is not great there is running toilets and hot showers but not very well maintained if you have a large trailer may run to some problems most of the sites are sloped and the water is not filtered

Site11
Month of VisitAugust
AnnaMarie S.
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

great little gem

This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time. The only problem is the beach is not that great. However we stayed out in the boat on the lake most of the time. It’s a great place to fish and swim and just relax.

Site012
Month of VisitAugust
Tim J.
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2020

Nice Campground

We rented space 16 late August 2020 and our friends (and their kids) rented #17 on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots! Our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground. We had 30A electric and fresh water (no sewer). Our picnic table was (nearly) brand new composite material and easy to move around. The host was right across from us and very friendly. The campground also had a nice shower just a few spots from us and my wife said it was clean with large stalls. The lake level was high because of the dam nearby so fishing was non-existent, but it was peaceful and pleasant. Verizon cell coverage was 2 bars, at best. Don’t follow the GPS directions because it will take you down a wrong road and around to the main road. Instead, stay on Bush Road all the way to the campground entrance site. One of our favorite spots this season. Worth a repeat. I’d give it 5 stars if it had a sewer hookup.

  • Review photo of Bush Recreation Area by Tim J., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Bush Recreation Area by Tim J., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Bush Recreation Area by Tim J., September 21, 2020
  • (5) View All
Kassie F.
Reviewed May. 25, 2019

Not too shabby

My husband & I recently purchased our first 20ft. pull-behind camper. Having made reservations for a tent site for Memorial Day weekend back in February, there were slim pickings when it was time to find a site w/an electric hookup mere weeks before the 3 day weekend. I stumbled upon Bush Recreation Area on recreation.gov (FYI- the website has been redesigned & is still working out kinks) and it was the only campground w/availability. It’s located east of Pittsburgh and is tucked alongside a large boat dock/launch on the Loyalhanna Creek. Motorized boating is allowed and there’s access for fishing from the shore. Some of the sites are more open & exposed (see picture) but others are back in a more wooded area further away from the water. There wasn’t a map for the facility on the website; we stayed at site 18 & noticed the higher the site number (starting at about #25), the further back in the wooded area it was, where there’s more privacy. It’s definitely a great choice for families, especially those w/young children- there’s a nice playground and green space. Reservations are required (recreation.gov) and as of 5/25/19 the dump station is closed & undergoing construction. My husband and I prefer places w/easier access to hiking & biking trails and more privacy, but for our first weekend in our new camper, it worked out well!

  • Review photo of Bush Recreation Area by Kassie F., May 25, 2019
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bush Recreation Area located at Loyalhanna Lake?

Bush Recreation Area is situated directly on Loyalhanna Lake, providing waterfront access to campers. The recreation area is a small, quiet campground that offers a peaceful setting around the lake. The exact location coordinates aren't specified in available information, but the campground is positioned to provide convenient access to both the lake and boat launch facilities. For specific directions, contact the campground management or check the official Army Corps of Engineers website that manages Loyalhanna Lake facilities.

What amenities are available at Bush Recreation Area campground?

Bush Recreation Area offers basic camping amenities including 30-amp electrical hookups and fresh water access (no sewer connections). The campground features a playground that's conveniently located for families with children. Bathroom facilities include running toilets and hot showers, though maintenance may be inconsistent. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table. The campground layout includes both inner circle sites and other locations, with some sites experiencing sloped terrain that might be challenging for larger trailers or RVs.

What recreational activities can I do at Loyalhanna Lake near Bush campground?

Loyalhanna Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities right from the Bush Recreation Area. The lake is great for swimming, with many campers spending most of their time out on the water. Boating is popular, with a boat launch large enough to accommodate two boats simultaneously. While there is a beach area, it's described as not particularly impressive, so most visitors prefer spending time on boats. The playground at the campground provides entertainment for children. The small, quiet lake setting creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for family-friendly water recreation.

Is there a map available of Bush Recreation Area campground?

Yes, maps of Bush Recreation Area are available. The campground features numbered sites arranged in an inner circle pattern with additional surrounding sites. Sites #16 and #17 are located on the inner circle near the playground. For a detailed layout showing all campsites, facilities, and amenities, check the official Army Corps of Engineers website that manages Loyalhanna Lake. You can also request a map upon arrival at the campground or contact the management office in advance to have one sent to you for trip planning purposes.

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