Laurel Ridge State Park

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

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

Opens booking site

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Laurel Ridge State Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Reserve America
Provider
7244553744

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

420 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"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."

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Fees & Passes at Laurel Ridge State Park

Free

Campsite fees

Prices verified August 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.


Best Time to Camp at Laurel Ridge State Park

Experience the full drama of Pennsylvania's changing seasons at Laurel Ridge. Spring arrives with gentle temperatures between 40Β°F and 70Β°F, perfect for witnessing nature's awakening under clear, dry skies. Summer brings warmth that peaks near 78Β°F, ideal for long days on the trail. Autumn mirrors spring's comfortable conditions while treating visitors to spectacular foliage displays. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, where cold temperatures create perfect conditions for snowshoeing and winter camping adventures.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

    About Laurel Ridge State Park

    Welcome to Laurel Ridge State Park, where 13,625 acres of pristine wilderness beckon adventurers across four Pennsylvania counties. This expansive natural sanctuary transforms the rugged terrain of Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties into an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The crown jewel of this magnificent landscape is the legendary 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, winding through forests that burst with mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms each summer, paint themselves in brilliant autumn hues come October, and wrap themselves in pristine snow blankets throughout winter.
    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 SeasonsExperience the full drama of Pennsylvania's changing seasons at Laurel Ridge. Spring arrives with gentle temperatures between 40Β°F and 70Β°F, perfect for witnessing nature's awakening under clear, dry skies. Summer brings warmth that peaks near 78Β°F, ideal for long days on the trail. Autumn mirrors spring's comfortable conditions while treating visitors to spectacular foliage displays. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, where cold temperatures create perfect conditions for snowshoeing and winter camping adventures.
    Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living canvas that transforms with each passing season. Early April welcomes you with delicate wildflowers carpeting the forest floor, while late April brings an explosion of fresh green as trees burst into leaf. June showcases nature's grand performance as mountain laurel blooms paint the hillsides pink and white, followed by rhododendron's dramatic display in late June and early July. October stages perhaps the most spectacular show, when the forest erupts in a symphony of gold, crimson, and amber. Winter nights bring their own magic, as snow blankets the landscape in pristine white and the haunting call of great horned owls echoes through moonlit forests.
    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.
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    Campsite details

    AccessibilityThe park's facilities and trails are not ADA-compliant, limiting accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
    Total Campsites0 campsites
    Recommended CampsitesReviews advise bringing tarps to block wind at shelters and filtering water from streams due to poor water taste.

    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 are allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed


    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Firewood available
    Flush toilets
    Vault toilets

    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
    The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail stretches 70 miles, providing a semi-wilderness experience. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, with varied difficulty. Trail shelters are available at regular intervals. Some sections, such as the initial 2-3 miles at the Northern terminus, are a constant uphill climb.
    Biking
    Biking is allowed in designated areas but not on hiking trails.
    Wildlife viewing
    Wildlife such as great horned owls can be observed, especially during quieter hours like at night.
    Winter Activities
    The park offers cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails, making it a winter-friendly destination.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are allowed
    • Campfires are permitted only in designated areas such as fireplaces and camp stoves; all fires must be extinguished when leaving.
    • Quiet hours are between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

    Hazards

    General hazardsPotential 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.

    Weather at Laurel Ridge State Park

    31
    Β°F
    Dec 7
    Sunday
    Partly cloudy
    Precipitation: 0%

    Moderate wind, may affect light items

    Humidity: 90%

    High humidity, may feel muggy

    Wind: 7.4 mph

    Moderate wind, may affect light items

    Partly cloudy

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Reveal forecast

    Emergency Services

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

    Good to know

    Trash and recyclingCampers are required to follow 'Pack-In, Pack-Out' practices, meaning all trash must be taken home. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
    Proximity to water featuresIncludes streams for water collection, with reviews suggesting filtering due to unpalatable taste.
    Common complaintsUser review complaints include poor water taste, unpleasant restroom odors, and issues with primitive camping ambiguities.

    Campground Map

    1117 JIM MOUNTAIN ROAD, ROCKWOOD, Pennsylvania, 15557, United States
    Driving directionsLaurel Ridge State Park is in Cambria, Fayette, Westmoreland, and Somerset counties, Pennsylvania.
    Accessibility is contingent upon using appropriate roads within Cambria, Fayette, Westmoreland, and Somerset counties as entry points. No mention of specific road types, seasonal closures, or challenges.
    Nearby supplies
    A ranger station is present
    further details about grocery stores, camping supplies, or fuel are unavailable.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    0.0
    0 reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Laurel Ridge State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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

    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.

    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...
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    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...
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    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:...
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    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...
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    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.

    Accessibility Features

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

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Pets are allowed but only in designated areas.

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated August 10, 2025
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