Laurel Summit State Park

2 reviews

770 Linn Run Road, RECTOR, Pennsylvania, 15677, United States

Quick Facts

2,739 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

No specific open or ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Bureau of State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,739 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

No specific open or ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Bureau of State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Laurel Summit State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee details provided. Site primarily offers amenities like picnicking and trailhead parking.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

99 Google reviews

"User reviews describe Laurel Summit State Park as a location popular for its variety of trails and cooler temperatures, with some minor complaints about inadequate road signage and issues with accessing certain facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

770 Linn Run Road, RECTOR, Pennsylvania, 15677, United States

Laurel Summit State Park

770 Linn Run Road, RECTOR, Pennsylvania, 15677, United States

Driving directionsLaurel Summit State Park is in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, at the intersection of Linn Run Road and Laurel Summit Road.

The road into the park lacks adequate signage according to user reviews. Accessibility challenges are noted for motorized site users who need to unlock a gate.

Best Time to Camp at Laurel Summit State Park

At nearly 3,000 feet elevation, Laurel Summit enjoys its own microclimate where mountain breezes keep summer days refreshingly cool and winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland. Spring and fall showcase nature's artistry with moderate temperatures and gentle winds, creating ideal conditions for hiking and picnicking. The park's elevated position means you'll often find yourself above the valley fog, basking in sunshine while towns below remain shrouded in mist. Winter visitors should prepare for true mountain conditions with freezing temperatures that create stunning ice formations along the trails.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

High elevation provides refreshingly cool summer days, a noted visitor benefit.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Scenic trails and overlooks imply strong fall foliage viewing, though specific reports are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Bog and meadows likely interesting in spring; limited explicit seasonal reviews.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in PA

Winter activities (cross-country skiing, snowmobiling) and positive review signal for winter use.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: No specific open or closed season mentioned.

About Laurel Summit State Park

Perched high in the Pennsylvania mountains, Laurel Summit State Park beckons as a refreshing mountain retreat where crisp air and peaceful trails await. This intimate picnic area, lovingly maintained by the Bureau of State Parks, provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the mystical Spruce Flats Bog and the rugged Wolf Rocks Trail. While facilities remain purposefully simple—a sheltered pavilion, fresh water, and clean restrooms—the park's true allure lies in its role as your gateway to some of Pennsylvania's most captivating natural wonders.

Laurel Summit State Park is primarily a day-use area with no overnight camping options. The park focuses on picnicking, hiking, and winter activities.

Weather and SeasonsAt nearly 3,000 feet elevation, Laurel Summit enjoys its own microclimate where mountain breezes keep summer days refreshingly cool and winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland. Spring and fall showcase nature's artistry with moderate temperatures and gentle winds, creating ideal conditions for hiking and picnicking. The park's elevated position means you'll often find yourself above the valley fog, basking in sunshine while towns below remain shrouded in mist. Winter visitors should prepare for true mountain conditions with freezing temperatures that create stunning ice formations along the trails.

ElevationRising to an impressive 2,739 feet above sea level, Laurel Summit stands as a natural air conditioner for the region, offering temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than the valleys below. This mountain oasis provides welcome relief during sultry summer days and transforms into a winter wonderland when cold fronts sweep across the highlands. The elevation creates unique growing conditions that support rare plant communities and offers visitors a taste of more northern climates without leaving Pennsylvania.

Natural Features and SceneryFrom your vantage point at 2,739 feet, Laurel Summit reveals a landscape of rare beauty where mountain meadows give way to mysterious wetlands and weathered rock formations. The crown jewel, Spruce Flats Bog, harbors ancient plant species typically found hundreds of miles north, creating an ecological time capsule that fascinates botanists and nature lovers alike. The dramatic Wolf Rocks Trail leads adventurers through dense mountain laurel thickets to stunning overlooks where massive sandstone boulders frame panoramic views of the surrounding ridges and valleys.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of Westmoreland County's mountain country, Laurel Summit State Park occupies a unique geological position where ancient forces created a high plateau blessed with cool temperatures and rare ecosystems. This elevated sanctuary at 2,739 feet serves as the starting point for two of Pennsylvania's most intriguing natural features—the ethereal Spruce Flats Bog, a remnant from the last ice age, and the Wolf Rocks Trail, where weathered sandstone formations tell stories millions of years in the making. The park's position atop the Laurel Ridge provides a natural respite from summer heat and a front-row seat to nature's seasonal transformations.

Best Campsites

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Check-in

Visitors are permitted between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Stay Limit

No consecutive stay limit provided.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.

Groups

Group camping is not supported as there are no campgrounds.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityNo formal campsites provided at this park.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy stated.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for visitors with disabilities are not elaborated upon in the documentation.

Site SizeNo campsites are available at Laurel Summit State Park.

PrivacyWith no campsites available, privacy is non-applicable.

Recommended SitesWolf Rocks Trail and other trails along Laurel Summit Road offer flat terrain and scenic views. Trails in Forbes State Forest and Linn Run are more challenging.

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Laurel Summit State Park offers diverse activities with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation. Key highlights include hiking, mountain biking, and winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Notable trails such as Wolf Rocks Trail provide experiences varying in difficulty.

HikingThe park offers access to multiple trails, including Wolf Rocks and paths in Forbes State Forest and Linn Run, which vary in difficulty and scenery. Trails along Laurel Summit Road are generally flat and easy to navigate, while others are more challenging and scenic.

BikingMountain biking is listed as an available activity, although further details about trail terrain and skill requirements are not provided.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported hazards include inadequate signage for navigation and challenges related to unlocking gates for motorized access.

Weather at Laurel Summit State Park

Reviews

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Laurel Summit State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews describe Laurel Summit State Park as a location popular for its variety of trails and cooler temperatures, with some minor complaints about inadequate road signage and issues with accessing certain facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the cooler temperatures due to the park’s elevation, as well as the variety and scenic nature of the trails, particularly Wolf Rocks Trail.

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors noted difficulty with road signage leading to the park and issues with understanding how to access motorized sites.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

'Check out Wolf Rocks and other trails in the area. Trails along Laurel Summit Road are generally flat and easy to navigate,' as recommended by Shane McGraw.

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide significant insights into how experiences vary by season, though the presence of winter activities suggests seasonal popularity.

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'I didn’t give the park 5 stars because I felt the road into the park didn’t have adequate signage.' - Frances Sanderson - 'Check out Wolf Rocks and other trails in the area. Trails along Laurel...

Based on 2 reviews