Best places for camping near Pittsburgh

A camping trip can be just what you need to relax and recharge. The Pittsburgh area offers a variety of camping options. Here's a guide to the best camping near Pittsburgh.

Bear Run Campground
Robert Wehr, an engineer by trade, was the brainchild of Bear Run Campground, which opened to the public in 1929. His passion for families and the great outdoors inspired what those who travel not too far from Pittsburgh enjoy today. Some features of the campground: close proximity to Moraine State Park, heated pool, camp store.

More: Best Pittsburgh hiking trails | Best Pittsburgh national parks

Mountain Top Campground
A mere 30 miles outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Pittsburgh, Mountain Top Campground is another popular camping destination. In addition to pull-in and back-up sites and amps for campers, Mountain Top also has a limited 10 sites along with bathroom and showers. Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available.

Washington KOA
Take a break to breathe in the fresh air surrounded by trees at Washington KOA in southwest Pittsburgh. The wooded hill area is roughly 28 miles from the city center of Pittsburgh and features volleyball, horseshoes and a pool as some of the activities to keep campers occupied.

Check the KOA website here for more information on nearby locations just as close to Pittsburgh.

Buttercup Woodlands Campground
Dubbed as "a bit of happiness this side of heaven" per the Tanski family who runs the campground, Buttercup Woodlands Campground is a place like none other. Some amenities along with the large campsites and tent areas: laundromat, campground store, picnic tables, basketball court.

Whispering Pines Family Campground
Located in the Red Rock Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Whispering Pines Family Campground is an idyllic choice for those who want a camping experience filled with hiking, fishing and hunting. Rent cabins for family fun or go the more rustic route and stake your claim at one of the campsites with a camper or pitched tent. Some features of Whispering Pines: horseshoes, campground general store, trolley rides, bingo games.

Peaceful Valley Campground
A fishing pond and proximity to the North Washington Rodeo grounds are some of the pulls for this campground, which includes space for campers and tents. Amenities at Peaceful Valley include an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant for campers. The camp general store serves up tasty treats for campers, like hand-dipped ice cream and soft pretzels.

Smith Grove Campground
Family owned and operated for more than 40 years, Smith Grove Campground is set in Western Pennsylvania across a sprawling 56 acres. Tent pitching and campers are permitted within the campground area. Some featured activities: hiking, fishing, golfing, swimming.

Camper's Paradise Campground
Nestled beside Cook Forest, near Clarion River and within the Allegheny National Forest, Camper's Paradise Campground is a paradise within itself. Rent cabins within the wooded hills or take the more rustic route with pitched tents. Featured activities: horseback riding, petting zoo, miniature golf.

Rose Point Campground
Since 1970, Rose Point Campground has been providing a family atmosphere to enjoy camping and all that Mother Nature has to offer. Rose Point is a full-service campground and boasts a four-star recreation program along with heated swimming pools, bingo and craft classes.

Keystone State Park
Located within the 1,200 acreage of the park, Keystone State Park's campground features a full-service campground and lake recreation activities.

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