How much does camping cost at Laurel Ridge State Park?

Camping fees at Laurel Ridge State Park range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Laurel Ridge State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Laurel Ridge State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Laurel Ridge State Park before I book?

Yes! Laurel Ridge State Park has 17 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Laurel Ridge State Park?

Laurel Ridge State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Laurel Ridge State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Laurel Ridge State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Laurel Ridge State Park?

Laurel Ridge State Park offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Laurel Ridge State Park?

Popular activities at Laurel Ridge State Park include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Laurel Ridge State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Laurel Ridge State Park?

Fire policies at Laurel Ridge State Park: Campfires are permitted only in designated areas such as fireplaces and camp stoves; all fires must be extinguished when leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.55

11 reviews

1117 JIM MOUNTAIN ROAD, ROCKWOOD, Pennsylvania, 15557, United States

Top 14% in PAFall

Great Hiking

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,707 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,707 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Laurel Ridge State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Reserve America

Provider

7244553744

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1117 JIM MOUNTAIN ROAD, ROCKWOOD, Pennsylvania, 15557, United States

Laurel Ridge State Park

1117 JIM MOUNTAIN ROAD, ROCKWOOD, Pennsylvania, 15557, United States

Nearby supplies

A ranger station is present

further details about grocery stores, camping supplies, or fuel are unavailable.

Weather at Laurel Ridge State Park

Best Time to Camp at Laurel Ridge State Park

Fall delivers the ridge's best conditions. Daytime highs run from the low 40s to low 60s°F, with nights often near freezing. The hardwood canopy peaks in color, humidity drops, and insects largely disappear. Trails and overlooks along the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail see more foot traffic on weekends during peak color, so weekday trips offer quieter hiking and photography. Spring brings wildflowers and fresh green, though temperatures swing unpredictably. Summer warms to near 78°F, comfortable for long backpacking trips but humid. Winter turns the ridge into snowshoe and winter camping territory, with persistent snow cover and cold nights.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 14% in PA

Fall delivers the ridge's best conditions with peak mid‑October foliage and cool, clear days.

Planning Tips

About Laurel Ridge State Park

Laurel Ridge State Park sits atop Laurel Mountain ridge, spanning the stretch from the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. At 2,707 feet, the park offers primitive tent camping and access to the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, which threads through ridgetop forest and features overnight shelters with fire rings and firewood. The semi-wilderness corridor attracts backpackers and day hikers seeking rugged terrain without total isolation.

Camping at Laurel Ridge State Park is focused on backpacking and primitive camping. Overnight shelters are available along the trail, suitable for single or multi-day hikes.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the ridge's best conditions. Daytime highs run from the low 40s to low 60s°F, with nights often near freezing. The hardwood canopy peaks in color, humidity drops, and insects largely disappear. Trails and overlooks along the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail see more foot traffic on weekends during peak color, so weekday trips offer quieter hiking and photography. Spring brings wildflowers and fresh green, though temperatures swing unpredictably. Summer warms to near 78°F, comfortable for long backpacking trips but humid. Winter turns the ridge into snowshoe and winter camping territory, with persistent snow cover and cold nights.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park occupies a long, narrow ridge that creates a transitional corridor between two major river valleys. Hardwood forest dominates the landscape, with mountain laurel and rhododendron adding bursts of pink and white in early summer. The elevation keeps temperatures cooler than the valleys below and supports dense tree cover that turns gold, crimson, and amber in October. Trails wind through forest broken occasionally by overlooks. Winter snow blankets the ridge and clings to branches, muffling sound and creating stark contrast against dark bark.

Geological RegionPerched atop the scenic Laurel Mountain ridge, this remarkable park traces a dramatic path from the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the impressive depths of the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. This unique geological positioning creates a semi-wilderness corridor that offers some of Pennsylvania's most rewarding backpacking and hiking experiences, where rugged terrain meets accessible adventure.

Scenic ViewsFeatures picturesque vistas of Laurel Mountain, along with scenic views of the Youghiogheny River and Conemaugh Gorge.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park has overnight shelters equipped for backpackers. These shelters include fire rings, piles of firewood, and restrooms, providing a basic but functional overnight stay experience.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityThe park's facilities and trails are not ADA-compliant, limiting accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Recommended SitesReviews advise bringing tarps to block wind at shelters and filtering water from streams due to poor water taste.

Best CampsitesShelters along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail get consistent praise in reviews. They're equipped with fire rings and firewood, saving backpackers the effort of gathering. Wind can cut through the open shelter sides, so bringing a tarp to block drafts improves comfort on cold nights.

Amenities available

Laurel Ridge State Park offers basic facilities emphasizing a back-to-nature experience. Within the park, notable amenities include backpack camping areas every 6-10 miles, cross-country skiing trails, snowmobile trails, hiking trail access, picnic areas, picnic pavilions, and scenic vistas. Potable water is available, but only at the pavilion areas, and flush toilets are also restricted to these areas. Other locations rely on pit toilets.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The park is primarily geared towards hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is the centerpiece, offering a 70-mile semi-wilderness hiking experience. Other recreational opportunities include cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, and activities at picnic areas and pavilions.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include challenging terrain and limited water availability at trailheads, as noted. User reviews emphasize the risk of getting "hurt or lost" on the trail.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in designated areas such as fireplaces and camp stoves; all fires must be extinguished when leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency service contact provided is the Ranger Station: Phone number 7244553744.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to follow 'Pack-In, Pack-Out' practices, meaning all trash must be taken home. No recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesIncludes streams for water collection, with reviews suggesting filtering due to unpalatable taste.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

11 reviews

Top-Rated

Laurel Ridge State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the park's natural beauty, the well-maintained trails, and the convenience of overnight shelters. Some concerns are raised about the quality of water and the smell of toilets.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

- Shelters are well-equipped with fire rings and firewood. - Trails are well-marked and maintained. - The park offers a quiet and scenic environment, ideal for nature lovers.

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

- Vault toilets have a bad smell. - Potable water quality at pavilions is poor; stream water is recommended with filtration. - Primitive camping regulations can be confusing, as some users reported...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Northern terminus of the trail (mile marker 70) is described as a challenging but rewarding hike. - Shelters are consistently described as quiet and well-equipped.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring tarps to block wind in the shelters. - Notify someone about your hiking plans, especially for multi-day trips, for safety. - Filter water from streams instead of relying on provided potable...

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring: Vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery make the park particularly scenic. Summer: Trails are less crowded, ideal for solitude seekers. Fall: Mid-October offers stunning fall foliage. Winter:...

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The trail is well marked and the upkeep is great.' - 'Make sure to bring some tarps to close the two open sides and block the wind.' - 'The water doesn't taste good so I suggest to gather water at...

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park and its trails are not ADA-compliant, which limits options for users with disabilities.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but only in designated areas.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Backpackers who want a multi-day route with built-in shelter stops will find this hard to beat at zero cost. Fall weekdays hit the sweet spot: leaf color peaks, insects disappear, and trail traffic stays light enough for quiet overlook photos.

Skip if

Car campers expecting a traditional site will find nothing here. Vault toilets draw consistent smell complaints, tap water at the pavilions tastes bad enough that reviewers recommend filtering stream water instead, and first-come-first-served means no guaranteed spot.

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Laurel Hill State Park

1454 LAUREL HILL PARK ROAD, SOMERSET, Pennsylvania, 15501, United States

Laurel Hill State Park sits at 2,257 feet in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands near Somerset, offering 145 campsites around a 63-acre lake. Sites range from tent pads to full-hookup RV spots and cabins, with rates from $20 to $75 per night. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness. One visitor called the facilities "the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground". Though cell service is spotty or absent for most carriers.