How much does camping cost at Mill Run Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Mill Run Recreation Area range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mill Run Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Mill Run Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mill Run Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Mill Run Recreation Area has 3 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.

What is the best time to visit Mill Run Recreation Area?

Mill Run Recreation Area is open May 01 to September 04. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mill Run Recreation Area?

Mill Run Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mill Run Recreation Area have?

Mill Run Recreation Area has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mill Run Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Mill Run Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mill Run Recreation Area?

Mill Run Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mill Run Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Mill Run Recreation Area include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mill Run Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mill Run Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Mill Run Recreation Area: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.28

69 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,434 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 -...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,434 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 -...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Mill Run Recreation Area

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

814-395-3242

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Campground Map

Mill Run Recreation Area

39.7155, -79.3851

Weather at Mill Run Recreation Area

Current alerts(6)

Alcohol is prohibited.
Camping at one or more campsites at any one water resource project for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive-day period is prohibited without the written permission of the District Commander.
Early checkout will not be refunded on holiday weekend reservations, Friday through Sunday.
Maximum of two tents or one tent and one trailer allowed per site.

Best Time to Camp at Mill Run Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Early fall (early September) offers the best balance of cool, crisp weather and low crowds—expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and nights in the 40s, ideal for hiking, lakeside fishing, and scenic paddling. Trails and roads are less buggy and the forest shows the first hints of color, so you get peaceful forest walks and wildlife viewing without summer heat or crowds. Note: Mill Run's campground closes September 8 each year, so 'fall' here means early September rather than peak mid-October leaf‑ Peak months: September, June, May, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Early fall (before Sept 8) is quieter and pleasant with cool temps and good foliage; campground then closes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 1 - September 8 each year. Reservations start June 21.

About Mill Run Recreation Area

Mill Run Recreation Area sits on Youghiogheny River Lake in Pennsylvania's foothills, managed through Recreation.gov. This small campground offers tent and RV sites with a designated swim area, dump station, and flush toilets. Campers fish, boat, and explore nearby Ohiopyle State Park during the seasonal operating window.

The campground is designed primarily for tent and RV camping. It offers 30 self-contained sites with no electric or water hookups. Group sites, cabins, and glamping options are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (early September) offers the best balance of cool, crisp weather and low crowds—expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and nights in the 40s, ideal for hiking, lakeside fishing, and scenic paddling. Trails and roads are less buggy and the forest shows the first hints of color, so you get peaceful forest walks and wildlife viewing without summer heat or crowds. Note: Mill Run's campground closes September 8 each year, so 'fall' here means early September rather than peak mid-October leaf‑ Peak months: September, June, May, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1434 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits where steep-sided hills rise from the Youghiogheny River Lake, creating narrow valleys forested with northern hardwoods. Beech and sugar maple dominate, mixed with white ash, yellow poplar, and basswood. The lake reflects the surrounding mountains and provides habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, grouse, rabbits, and squirrels. Elevation is 1,434 feet. The forest canopy changes with the seasons, though the campground closes before peak fall color in mid-October.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground, with a total maximum stay of 14 nights in any rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of two tents or one tent and trailer per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessibility details are limited, but the campground appears to offer basic accessibility features. One reviewer noted that some campsites are easier to access than others, and maneuvering larger vehicles can be challenging.

Site SizeCampsites are generally small and close together. Some reviews mentioned difficulty fitting larger trailers, such as a 38' camper.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited as sites are close together. "Sites aren't very private so the neighbors will really make or break your experience here," noted one user.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site 15 during rainy periods due to flooding. Sites farther from the water tend to be quieter and less prone to flooding.

Best CampsitesSite 26 gets mentioned for more privacy and space. Site 15 sits close to the water but floods during rain. Sites near the beach are more social but offer less privacy. Some campers with larger rigs (38-foot trailers) report difficulty fitting into certain sites.

Need help booking Mill Run Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Mill Run Recreation Area provides a range of amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground contains 30 self-contained sites equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and grills/fire rings. Flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station are available on-site. However, there are no shower facilities. Additional features include a beach, a boat launch, and a children's play area. Cell phone service is inconsistent, and Verizon seems to work better than AT&T. "Potable water spigots and dump station. Bathrooms w. flush toilets (no showers) were clean enough," mentioned one reviewer. However, some users noted the lack of soap and toilet paper at times.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Mill Run Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreational activities, including camping, birding, boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities. Hiking and biking are popular in the area. The 16-mile-long Youghiogheny River Lake is a highlight, with channels up to half a mile wide that are ideal for powerboating and water skiing.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are provided, but one reviewer mentioned that items left on the beach could be taken by 'trash cops.' Recycling facilities were not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is limited and varies by provider. A reviewer noted, "If you have AT&T, cell service is little to nonexistent. Verizon worked very well." Another camper added, "I had 1 bar Verizon LTE, but steady enough to do work and even watch videos."

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

4.3

69 reviews

Satisfactory

Mill Run Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty and tranquility but also note issues like small campsites, flooding during rain, and the lack of showers. "Nice quiet campground," "clean bathrooms," and "beautifully kept grounds" are recurring positive themes. Negative comments focus on the proximity of sites, generator noise, and inconsistent water levels.

Review Summaries

Based on 69 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 69 reviews.

Site 26Loved
Site 26: Private and farther from the water but scenic.
Site 15Mentioned
Site 15: Floods easily during rain.
Site 29Mentioned
Site 29: Challenging for larger RVs to maneuver.

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, beautiful natural setting, designated swim area, friendly camp hosts, and proximity to attractions like Ohiopyle State Park.

Based on 69 reviews

Common Concerns

Small and close campsites, lack of showers, occasional flooding, generator noise, unsupervised children, and inconsistent water levels.

Based on 69 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own soap and toilet paper. Avoid lower campsites during the rainy season to prevent flooding. Verizon users have better cell service here. Plan your route carefully to avoid steep or...

Based on 69 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with higher visitor numbers and more noise due to generators and children. Spring and early fall offer quieter experiences and cooler weather, but water levels may impact...

Based on 69 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wish showers were available, but otherwise no complaints." "Beautiful sunsets!" "Sites aren't very private so the neighbors will really make or break your experience here." "The boat launch ramp had...

Based on 69 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews indicate that maneuvering large vehicles can be challenging, and some campsites are more accessible than others. "If you have a tow-behind camper, the campground is VERY tight and very small."

Based on 69 reviews

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Go if

You want lake access for swimming and boating near Ohiopyle State Park without breaking the bank.

Skip if

You need showers, spacious sites, or want to avoid close-together camping with potential generator noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

Outflow Camping sits along Youghiogheny River Lake near Confluence, Pennsylvania, in the Allegheny foothills. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and group options with access to the Great Allegheny Passage trail. Campers fish, boat, bike, and hike during the seasonal operating period, with clean facilities and helpful hosts noted by visitors.