The best camping near Keystone State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Keystone State Park adventure.

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Keystone State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Keystone State Park

Keystone Park Campground

104 sites · RVs, Tents In Keystone State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Keystone State Park

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Muddy Myst

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Kittanning, PA

Eco-Campsites and Recreation Area located in the heart of Western Pennsylvania! The site is in a great location, only a 12 minute drive from Buttermilk Falls and the Rails to Trails Bike Path that runs along the Allegheny River. For those interested in fishing we are only a short drive from Pine Creek, Cowanshannock Creek, Keystone Lake, Mahoning Dam, and Crooked Creek Lake. For those interested in off-roading, the Scrubgrass OHV park is only 20 minutes away.

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The Blue Canoe

141 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Connellsville, PA

The Blue Canoe The Blue Canoe is a magical place. Just say “Youghiogheny” three times and Pennsylvania’s most perfect campsite will appear before you. If you can’t pronounce Youghiogheny, just book us online. Still magical, because we sit right between the Youghiogheny River and the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail. So every campsite comes with a view of the trail or river. We know you want to get right to the fun part, so we make the getting settled part painless and easy. Bring your own accommodations and enjoy options for hookups. Or stay in one of our full-service, deluxe cabins. Camp your way!

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All Ferns Most of the Time

1 site · Tent20 acres · Rockwood, PA

This spot is best for a van camp location but plenty of space for tents and hammocks. You'll find a drive-up deck if you wish to park there. Firewood is available providing you use downfalls as kindling in the stone fire pit. A 8x20' deck and picnic table are 20 feet from the fire for stargazing. When the ferns are full grown they are 3 feet tall and everywhere. A 10 minute walk takes you through a dense pine forest with large rock formations and a nice creek with many gurgling fall areas. If there looks like a cave amongst the large rocks, then it probably is a bear den. There is a lot to do near by. Some note worthy locations : Cranberry Glade Lake (good for kayaking or fishing), Ohiopyle, 7 Springs, Fallingwater, Living Treasures, Caddie Shak, and Hidden Valley are all about 25 minutes away. This property also borders Laurel Ridge State Park. There is a Dollar General and a gas station about 15 minutes away for convenience needs.

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Ridge Top Retreat

5 sites · Lodging, Tents150 acres · Westover, PA

We are located in beautiful Clearfield county Pennysalvina. Our farm is on over 150 acres. It’s has been in the family for generations. It has beautiful farm views with wooded areas. There is lots of wildlife to see. Including bear, bobcat, deer, eagles, fishers, and many other species. We have lots of hiking trails and our property also boarders state game lands. It’s a short drive to the Susquehanna River and other parks. You can also enjoy the cows, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, and turkeys at the farm. Contact the host and set up a time to visit and feed the animals. Learn more about our family farm and the animals. We also have a sawmill and wood shop. Nearby is Bilgers Rocks, Rock Run Atv Park, Prince Gallitzin State Park, the Susquehanna River, and many other fantastic outdoor activities. It’s a place to unwind and relax. And connect with nature.

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Ferns in the Forest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs32 acres · Farmington, PA

Learn more about this land: This wooded area is 5 miles away from the Ohiopyle State Park whitewater launch area and GAP bike trail. We are less than 9 miles from Frank Lloyd Wright's Classic Fallingwater and about 8 miles from Kentuck Knob one of the last resident homes he designed (both are open for tours). Fort Necessity National Battlefield is 5 miles away. There are numerous native trout streams in the area. Youghiogheny Reservoir is 7 miles away for fishing, boat rentals, and water-sports. The Fern House is the primary camp cabin on the property in 2024. Although if someone would want to park a "self contained" camper or small RV on the property we would permit the unit to occupy the area in front of the driveway just pass the entrance gate. It is not within the ferns and is next to the road. There is an electrical outlet available at this small RV or van camper site. We are "nice pet" friendly. We have a mountain spring (when the spring is running) up the trail road (450 feet away). The ferns will normally be in full glory by the end of May to the beginning of October and are amazing, covering the forest floor. Deer, bear, wild turkey, fox, chipmunks, squirrels and many woodland birds abound the property especially owls. A picnic table, fire ring and firewood is available on the property. Free WiFi on the property as long as the plant life is not too thick! There is a mile hiking loop right on the property and many challenging trails in the area, including the starting point for the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.

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Footbridge Haven Farm

2 sites · Tents25 acres · Mt Pleasant, PA

My wife and I and our four children moved to this 25 acre farm in 2017, and the creek and adjoining Mammoth Park soon became our favorite spots to relax. Our two boys swim and fish in the holes, while the girls enjoy picking flowers and making "houses" among the trees. We also love hosting friends and family for cookouts, or spending a Sunday afternoon in the cool shade beside the creek. On our 15 acres of pasture land, we raise chickens, pigs, a few dairy cows, and some steers. We are not a certified organic farm, but we raise our animals on pasture grass as much as possible, without chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. The Mammoth Park, which adjoins our property, features a 20-acre lake, a new 9-hole disc golf course, walking trails, pavilions, ball fields, a giants slide, RC airstrip, and more. We'd love to share our favorite spots with you! Learn more about this land: Relax to the sound of the babbling brook, stroll through woods and pastures, cool off in the stream, or join us for an outdoor milking experience. Take a hike, catch a sunset view, firsh or throw a round of disc golf at the beautiful Westmoreland County Mammoth Park. Our 25-acre farm is located at the base of the Chestnut Ridge in the Laurel Highlands, beside the Westmoreland County Mammoth Park. Our camp site features a pavilion, fire place with a grill, fire ring, and swings, all beside the beautiful, clear waters of the Welty Run. You can park at our buildings and walk to your site, or park at the site. Small campers are allowed with 4x4 vehicles. Nearby attractions include golf courses, state parks in the Laurel Highlands, Frank Lloyd Wright houses, caverns, and white water rafting. Or, schedule your stay around our local events like the Westmoreland County Airshow, Westmoreland County Fair, or the one-of-a-kind Kecksburg UFO festival. Whether you're looking for a beautiful, relaxing retreat, or a base camp for exploring the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, we look forward to hosting you at the Footbridge Haven Campsite. Directions: On Blacksmith Road off of Rt 982, you will pass our house (715) on the left, with 2 driveways. Go past both driveways, and you will see a pasture fence on your left. Continue to the end of the fence. There, turn left between the telephone pole and the corner of the fence. There is an opening in the trees, leading to the site. There is a picture of the entrance in the pictures.

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Ranger's Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Jennerstown, PA

Nestled in the Laurel Mountains the property offers a secluded, quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of life! Nearly unlimited activities nearby as well! 1/2 mile from the Laurel Highlands hiking trail, 2 golf courses within 5 minutes, Jennerstown speedway 2 miles away! Three Vail resorts nearby, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain! Swimming, fishing and canoing 10 mins away at the Quemahoning dam! 9/11 memorial 20 minutes away! 9 for 9 miners rescue memorial 10 minutes away! Public Game Lands 2 miles away! 30 minutes from historic Johnstown "The Flood City" which is home to the steepest incline plane in the world! Historic Ft. Ligonier, Linn Run State park and Idlewild theme park is a 15-20 minute drive over the mountain! Pittsburgh Airport 90 minutes away! Latrobe airport "offering Spirit airlines" 25 minutes away! Mountain Ridge ATV park located off hwy 160 is a 20-25 minute drive! We offer water fill and sewage dump for a small fee! We are committed to the continued development of our property and have plans to add more amenities in the future for guest convenience!

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Lisa F.’s Land

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Somerset, PA

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Sunset Valley

1 site · Tent104 acres · Parker, PA

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.

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Evelyne’s Farm

1 site · RV, Tent128 acres · Eighty Four, PA

We have a stunning flower farm 43 min out of down town pittsburgh. We have restored 20+ Acers of wildlife habitat. & the seeded over 50 acers of wildflowers We have 2 streams that run though our property. That you can go wadding though full of frogs & small fish. As well as a marsh full of dragon flys

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Don Huey Country Camp

11 sites · RVs, Tents29 acres · Indiana, PA

The Don Huey Country Camp ground has a ot to offer as it's only 1 mile from downtown Indiana, Pa. Not far from many area attractions and the area's restaurants but yet a "very quiet" country farm. You can if you like get upfront and personable with the farm animals - Alpaca's, goats cows and the star of the farm "Pickles" the pig. We have both full service sites and primitive tent sites to enjoy. We did add a swimming pool and playground area for the kiddies !Learn more about this land:We are located east of Indiana,Pa. just off of Jimmy Stewart Airport road in the country but close enough to major roadways and down town Indiana area restaurants to keep it convenient.

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Nature Works Farm

1 site · Lodging35 acres · Homer City, PA

We are a small scale farm and nursery specializing in a wide selection of garden plants including flowers, herbs, vegetables and hanging baskets. As part of our commitment to local agriculture, we also produce and sell seasonal produce, cut flowers and eggs, as well as raise a variety of livestock. We love to share information and open our farm to others, so we frequently do tours and teach classes on a variety of subjects related to what we do on our 35 acre farm. Learn more about this land:This cozy cabin is nestled next to a stream on our 35 acre farm. Make yourself at home in nature with 2 beds, a comfy pull-out couch, covered front porch and a reading desk and generous dining table. This small cabin is great for those wanting to experience nature and farm life with a little more comfort and amenities than tent-camping. We are a chemical-free farm and nursery. Our grazing livestock may be visible in nearby fields, as the cabin is situated in the midst of our small, diversified working farm.Things to do nearby: Yellow Creek State Park is located 7 miles down the road offering hiking, canoeing, swimming, fishing and much more! The Ghost Town Trail is accessible via the Heshbon trailhead, just 5 miles down the road. A scenic biking and walking trail along the Blacklick Creek. The quaint town of Indiana, PA is just a 15 minute drive from the cabin. A college town providing great restaurants, coffee shops, bars, breweries, and a farmers market. Other nearby attractions include the historic town of Punxsutawney, the quaint Amish town of Smicksburg and the charming town of Ligonier.Additional Things to Note: The cabin is located at Nature Works Farm and Nursery, a small, diversified farm where we live and work. You can see our home from the cabin and will most likely see us out and about. We will give you the most privacy as we possibly can, but we are also open to interacting with you if you'd like to learn about and tour the farm. One hour informational tours are available upon request for an additional fee. We have cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and ducks that are mostly in fenced pastures, however, the chickens and ducks tend to wander where ever they'd like :) From April-July, our greenhouses are open to the public as a retail plant nursery, so expect to see and hear cars and people coming and going from our main parking lot, located about 100 yards uphill from the cabin. Additionally, the cabin is situated about 200 yards from the main road, so car and truck traffic can be heard. A private composting toilet is located just outside the cabin. Sawdust is provided, just add a scoop of sawdust before and after you go! Pillows and linens are provided for all beds. There is no electricity or running water, however LED battery lights are situated around the cabin and there is a garden hose available to use for rinsing hands and dishes. In the event of freezing temperatures, water will not be available.There is very limited cell phone service on our farm and no access to the internet at the cabin.

The best camping near Keystone State Park guide

Overview

About

When you need a break from city life, this park provides an idyllic oasis. Located in Derry Township, this 1,200-acre park offers swimming, boating, and multiple hiking trails. In spring, the flora and fauna are visual treats, from colorful wildflowers to migrating birds.

Boaters with a launching permit can put in at the north shore. Boats and canoes are available for rental near the main launch. Fishing is open year-round, with trout and largemouth bass among the favorite catches.

A sandy beach borders the swimming area, which is open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Plan a cookout in a covered pavilion, or grab munchies at the concession. In winter, you can ice skate on the lake or cross-country ski on the trails.

Two campgrounds offer about 100 ADA accessible sites, some with electric hookups. Modern cabins with full kitchens sleep up to six and are located near the dam. More rustic overnight accommodations include three camping cottages and two yurts with cooking facilities.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Keystone State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers a full bloom of activities, but also brings crowds. Winters can be harsh, making some areas less accessible.

Know before you go

Check the park's website for any alerts or closures before your visit.
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking and outdoor activities.
Remember to pack out all your trash and respect wildlife habitats.
Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Accessible facilities are available; inquire at the park office for more information.