Beach Camping Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

You don’t have to leave western Pennsylvania to find beach camping. Around Pittsburgh, over 1,000 campsites put you close to lakeshores and riverbanks, with sand underfoot and water just steps away. Average nightly rates sit at $55, and you’ll spot options right at that price point. Sites like Sunset Valley (13 reviews) show off why campers keep coming back—easy lake access, room for pets, and plenty of shade. Showers and toilets come standard at most spots. Days fill fast with swimming, fishing, or hiking local trails. Pack your gear, leave the city behind, and settle in for a fresh take on Pittsburgh’s outdoors.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Pittsburgh

You don’t have to leave western Pennsylvania to find beach camping. Around Pittsburgh, over 1,000 campsites put you close to lakeshores and riverbanks, with sand underfoot and water just steps away. Average nightly rates sit at $55, and you’ll spot options right at that price point. Sites like Sunset Valley (13 reviews) show off why campers keep coming back—easy lake access, room for pets, and plenty of shade. Showers and toilets come standard at most spots. Days fill fast with swimming, fishing, or hiking local trails. Pack your gear, leave the city behind, and settle in for a fresh take on Pittsburgh’s outdoors.

100% (19)

Top-rated campgrounds near Pittsburgh

1. Sunset Valley

100%

(21)

45mi from Pittsburgh · 1 site · Tent

We have 104 acres along the Allegheny river that we are willing to share with people who enjoy the outdoors. My husband and I, have been living here for twenty years and just enjoy the beauty this valley has to offer. We see bald eagles everyday, and every once in while some otters can be seen playing in the river. Black Fox Island is visible downstream and provides a pool in the river that is a mile long. A person can easily paddle upstream; when the river is at normal summer levels. Over 100 years ago, this was an industrial area with railroads, deep mines, strip mines, and gristmills. Some remnants of those times are still visible. Paddling, biking, walking, fishing and swimming are some of the activities to do here, but doing nothing and watching the river go by seems to be the most popular.

2. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins

40mi from Pittsburgh · 12 sites

Austin Lake stands out as a unique destination, offering a sprawling 1,300 acres of natural beauty nestled in the picturesque Appalachian foothills of the Ohio Valley. This expansive campground features an impressive 80-acre stocked lake, perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating, with a 25 hp limit to ensure a serene experience on the water. Adventure seekers will find a wealth of activities to enjoy, including a thrilling Wibit inflatable obstacle course, pontoon rentals, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, paddle boats, bumper boats, and pedal karts. For those looking to explore on land, golf cart rentals, a gem mine, and a gaga ball pit provide additional fun. Families can enjoy various playgrounds scattered throughout the park, as well as basketball courts, sand volleyball, corn hole, and foosball. A snack bar and camp store offer refreshments, including ice cream, to keep everyone energized. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through the property, while a beautiful, shady creek runs the length of the campground, inviting guests to discover creek life and engage in water play. With its diverse range of amenities and activities, Austin Lake is the perfect getaway for outdoor lovers and families alike.

3. Raccoon Creek State Park

91%

(11)

195 sites · Frankfort Springs, Pennsylvania

Wildflowers, wetlands, and woodlands provide photo-worthy views through every season.

Electrical hookup

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4. Loyalhanna Lake

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(1)

44 sites · Orchard Hills, Pennsylvania

Come watch the leaves change at this East Coast dreamboat. Loyalhanna Lake, just an hour outside of Pittsburgh, is just the city-goer’s escape you’ve been looking for. With topography ranging from rolling hills, to steep hillsides, and even ravines, you’ll know you're not in Pittsburgh anymore Toto. Whether you're a water-dweller or a landlubber, this park incorporates all the finest leisure to entice you to let loose. Fishing your jam? Try Serviceberry Run if you want a sure thing! Cast your line and anything from catfish, bass, and musky, will bite. A unique opportunity is to paddle the self-guided Willow Water Trail. But if you wanna try something different, go for one of the multiple hiking and biking trails in the area. Didn’t get enough on your day trip? Good news--the park has a campground that can accommodate you plus a group of your lake lovin’ besties.

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Toilets

5. Crooked Creek Lake

46 sites · Lenape Heights, Pennsylvania

Soothe your nerves and brush up on your history at fun and educational Crooked Creek Lake! In addition to camping by a beautiful body of water in an area that’s breathtaking anytime of year (but especially in autumn), Crooked Creek Lake offers the opportunity to journey back in time on the Auto Tour Trail. The trail provides a history of the area all the way back to the Revolutionary War and includes information about one-room schoolhouses (talk about old-school!) and the first water-powered sawmill. You'll also have a chance to visit the environmental learning center. If you’re not too distracted by enjoying the environment first-hand, that is. With picnic areas, fishing, trails and even a beach area, Crooked Creek has everything you need for a wickedly cool weekend getaway.

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6. Keystone State Park

104 sites · New Alexandria, Pennsylvania

Get back to nature with a glistening lake, soaring herons, twinkling fireflies and, oh yes, a yurt

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7. Moraine State Park

88%

(4)

13 sites · West Liberty, Pennsylvania

Snowmobiles, sailboats, and saddles all welcome.

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Showers

8. Beaver Creek State Park

25 sites · Lake Tomahawk, Ohio

Follow your bliss to Beaver Creek. Cradled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Ohio, it’s quite the sight to behold! This wonderland is comprised of Little Beaver Creek, which is a state and national wild and scenic river, and 2,722 acres of forest wilderness. The park’s rich human history, unique geology and unusual flora and fauna make it nirvana for historians and naturalists alike. Campgrounds, including group sites and a primitive area, rest along Little Beaver Creek. Several miles of hiking trails also meander along its edge, freckled with delicate wildflowers.

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

9. Fernwood State Forest

100%

(3)

22 sites · Wintersville, Ohio

Discover Fernwood State Forest's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

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10. Jefferson Lake State Park

24 sites · East Springfield, Ohio

Eager for a weekend of quiet relaxation? Get away from it all at Jefferson Lake State Park. Surrounded by aged-old oak and hickorys, you’ll feel like you’re a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Come explore Jefferson Lake’s 17 acres as you paddle around on canoe or kayak. Hit up one of the eight hiking trails to get your exercise for the day. Want to spend the whole weekend nestled amongst the trees? Pitch your tent at one of Jefferson Lake’s many first-come, first-served campsites. Now take a deep breath… you deserve to relax this weekend.

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11. Ryerson Station State Park

44 sites · Wind Ridge, Pennsylvania

Discover Ryerson Station State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

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12. Ohiopyle State Park

92%

(39)

224 sites · Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

Hiking, mountain biking, or whitewater rafting? Pick your challenge at Ohiopyle.

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Public campgrounds near Pittsburgh

100%

(7)

Raccoon Creek Park Campground

24mi from Pittsburgh · 182 sites · Tents, RVs · in Raccoon Creek State Park

100%

(1)

Bush Recreation Area and Campground

25mi from Pittsburgh · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Loyalhanna Lake

Sioux Campground

25mi from Pittsburgh · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Raccoon Creek State Park

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(3)

Raccoon Creek Park Group Campground

25mi from Pittsburgh · 3 sites · in Raccoon Creek State Park

Pioneer Campground

26mi from Pittsburgh · 4 sites · in Raccoon Creek State Park

Crooked Creek Lake Campground

30mi from Pittsburgh · 46 sites · Tents, RVs · in Crooked Creek Lake

Keystone Park Campground

31mi from Pittsburgh · 104 sites · Tents, RVs · in Keystone State Park

83%

(3)

Muskrat Cove Campground

34mi from Pittsburgh · 1 site · in Moraine State Park

100%

(1)

Moraine Park Campground

36mi from Pittsburgh · 11 sites · in Moraine State Park

Five Points Campground

37mi from Pittsburgh · 1 site · in Moraine State Park

Beaver Creek Campground

39mi from Pittsburgh · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaver Creek State Park

100%

(3)

Hidden Hollow Campground

41mi from Pittsburgh · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Fernwood State Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

R

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sunset Valley

Paul and Valerie’s place is so peaceful. They and their neighbors are so kind and welcoming. Beautiful water and sunsets. We’ll be back.

D

Danielle

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sunset Valley

What a hidden oasis! Peaceful in so many ways. Beautiful clean property with lots to explore. Being able to sleep riverside added a special touch. Sunsets and moon rises were unreal. Hosts made the group of girls feel welcome and safe. 5 stars!

M

Mackenzie

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Sunset Valley

We absolutely loved our stay at sunset valley! We had a beautiful spot right on the river. Paul and Vallerie were so nice and accommodating. We would definitely come back!

Terrence

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sunset Valley

We had a great time and wood was available too! Plenty of places to set up camp. Then there's the river. We didn't catch anything this day, but the scenery made up for that, 😄. Paul and Vallerie were really helpful and friendly. 5 Stars on this one! We will post a video on our YouTube channel at Get Livin Outdoors.

B

Bob

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Sunset Valley

Paul and Vallerie's place was amazing. It was clean, well kept, and had beautiful views of the river. It would be a nice place to go with a group of friends or family. I would definitely recommend the private spot to anyone that loves camping. Paul and Vallerie was very helpful on everything or if you had any questions.

J

Jack

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sunset Valley

5/5, great spot, owners were fantastic and really helpful.

E

Elirita

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sunset Valley

My friend and I camped out this week end at sunset valley and we love the place, well maintained, beautiful scenery. Great host and private. If your curious how beautiful this place “you can check out my youtube channel: Elirita Shurina” I normally won’t do reviews but I feel like doing so cuz Valerie the owner was very welcoming. Thank you for sharing your land to the campers like us.

River! Look at that house across the way. 😳

Jessica

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sunset Valley

We arrived on 6/6 and left 6/8. I would very highly recommend this place. As much as I want to keep it a secret bc this place is amazing and will be booking quickly I’m sure. I met with Paul right when I got there. Great communication. The awesome thing was he showed me how to get to the site. He also had a print out of the rules, emergency services near by, and so much more. The property is so beautiful as you will see in the pics. It’s a huge site and very well kept. There are so many spots you can choose from but if you have a large group, get there first to get right off the river bank. The view of the river and the homes across are great. Even though there are houses across the river it’s not like they are right there. You still hear the sounds of nature all night. Great spots for fishing or just chilling by the fire. If you forget your bait, there were a lot of dead/sleeping crickets in the am I am sure the fish would love to grab. Lol Anyone that solo camps. I would recommend booking here. It is secluded but also very safe. We also got to meet Vallerie and she gave us some recommendations on things do to also. The area is cell kept around the site but also the road getting there. There is a porta potty onsite and I honestly have never seen one so darn clean. That was an extra plus. Once again I would 100% recommend this place but I’m wanting to come back for my birthday in August so y’all don’t book it up. Thank you Paul and Vallerie for letting us stay.