Camping is a popular activity in the spring and summer as the weather gets nicer and many people want to get back into nature. Camping out in the backyard with a tent is a time-honored tradition, but if you want a larger, more family-friendly experience, campgrounds are a great place to spend a vacation. Pack your tents and hook up your RV for this tour of some of the best campgrounds near Pittsburgh!
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
449 Campground Road, Harrisville, PA 16038
724-901-1158
Jellystone Park is a national franchise of campgrounds stretching across the United States, but Jellystone Park Kozy Rest in Harrisville is notable for being one of the highest-rated camp resorts in the country and winning many awards from camping-related publications. If your main concern about camping is that your kids will get bored, Jellystone Park Kozy Rest ensures that that won’t be a problem with the number of diverse activities the campground offers. From classic campground fun like swimming and archery to offerings like gem mining and laser tag, there’s enough to do to satisfy every child and family member. Commemorate your trip by taking pictures with Yogi Bear, Boo Boo and Ranger Smith!
Bear Run Campground
184 Badger Hill Road, Portersville, PA 16051
724-368-3564
This campground is less than an hour away from Pittsburgh but feels like traveling far into the forest away from the city. Centered around Lake Arthur, Bear Run Campground offers a plethora of waterfront activities like fishing and boating. Guests can rent their own kayaks, canoes and paddle boards and take them out on the lake for a day of fun. Animal lovers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will enjoy the on-site nature walk, where campers can see Butler County’s native wildlife. If you’re looking for a more unorthodox camping experience, Bear Run Campground hosts themed weekends throughout the summer and fall seasons, with themes like “Island Getaway,” “Christmas in July” and Halloween.
Falling Waters Campground
11364 Ellenton Mountain Road, Shunk, PA 17768
570-924-3427
Falling Waters Campground itself is a humble spot, on the smaller side compared to other campgrounds. Nature is the main attraction here, with hiking and walking trails on the campground leading to Buttermilk Falls, which is what the area is best known for. Its
location is another boon, as Falling Waters Campground is close to several state parks and natural landmarks, including Worlds End State Park, Loyalsock State Forest, Ricketts Glen State Park and Gangola Lake. All of these provide their own slate of things to see and do, so you can keep busy during the day and spend your nights under the starry skies.
Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins
1002 Township Road, 285A, Toronto, OH 43964
740-544-5253
If you’re willing to travel out of state to go camping, Austin Lake has been a popular camping destination for nearly 80 years and continues to delight families to this day. Austin Lake itself is the real centerpiece of the campground, with a heavy focus on water-based activities like fishing and boating. Bumper boating and playing on the campground’s inflatable water toys comes at an extra cost, but both are very popular among children.
One of Austin Lake’s best-known attractions is Pollywog Pond, a natural habitat for frogs and tadpoles. The campsite is close to several golf courses, museums, historical sites and places to shop and eat. It’s worth noting that Wi-Fi at Austin Lake is fairly minimal, as is phone service, so it’s an ideal place to go if you want to disconnect from your electronics and social media.
Honey Bear Campground
11601 Piney Ridge Drive, Huntington, PA 16652
814-643-3377
A peaceful, family-owned campground, Honey Bear Campground has a simple, relaxed approach to camping. The campground is small and rustic with gorgeous scenery and is centered around Lake Raystown, where campers can go swimming and fishing. The campground owners host a nightly campfire at the site’s fire circle. While it may seem like it’s far out in nature, it’s very close to the rest of Huntington if you need to go into town to pick up any supplies or food.
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