Youghiogheny Recreation Area

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Nestled along the rushing Youghiogheny River, Swallow Falls State Park Campground immerses you in a cathedral of towering hemlocks where the soundtrack is provided by cascading waterfalls just a short hike away. The wooded sites offer a peaceful retreat with varying levels of privacy, though it's worth noting that some are cozy neighbors and drainage can be challenging after heavy rains.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Nestled along the shimmering waters of Deep Creek Lake, this state park is your gateway to waterfront adventure and relaxation. Launch your boat, explore scenic trails that hug the shoreline, and discover the wonders of the on-site nature center and aviary—all while soaking in some of Maryland's most beautiful lake views.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Escape to Big Run State Park, where primitive campsites nestle along a babbling creek at the edge of Savage River Reservoir. This hidden gem in Western Maryland's forested valleys offers the perfect rustic retreat for paddlers, anglers, and stargazers seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Tucked into a pristine hemlock-hardwood forest, New Germany State Park offers an intimate camping experience centered around a peaceful 10-acre lake. This cozy, secluded campground welcomes tent campers and smaller RVs with its rustic charm—think narrow forest roads, limited electric hookups, and the rare gift of true digital disconnection with minimal cell service throughout most of the park.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Escape to the wild heart of the Appalachians at Savage River State Forest, where rugged high-elevation terrain meets pristine waterways and some of Maryland's darkest night skies. This expansive forest sanctuary offers truly primitive camping experiences along the Savage River, meandering tributaries, and a peaceful reservoir—perfect for those seeking solitude far from the buzz of modern life. Come prepared for rustic conditions: basic facilities, no hookups, and gloriously unreliable cell service.

Youghiogheny River Lake

Nestled along the pristine shores of Youghiogheny River Lake, Mill Run Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its crystal-clear waters and lush forested landscape. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-like waters, or gathering around a crackling campfire under starlit skies, this riverside retreat offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Modern amenities including flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and a convenient dump station ensure comfort without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience. Families will delight in the sandy beach perfect for afternoon swims and a dedicated children's play area where young adventurers can explore safely.

Rt 40 in Addison, across the road from Yough Lake Marina

Gather your crew at Somerfield North Recreation Area's welcoming lakeside pavilion, where picnic tables and grills await beneath shaded cover, just steps from modern restrooms and the shimmering waters of Yough Lake. Launch your boat from the convenient ramp, tie up at the courtesy dock, and spend your day swimming, boating, kayaking, or paddle boarding across the pristine lake. Don't have your own gear? The nearby Yough Lake Marina has you covered with a full range of watercraft rentals.

1579 Mae West Road

Nestled along the pristine shores of Youghiogheny River Lake, Outflow Camping beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience the best of the Laurel Highlands. Here, where crystal-clear waters meet forested hillsides, adventurers find their perfect basecamp for exploring miles of hiking trails, world-class biking along the famous Great Allegheny Passage, and some of Pennsylvania's finest fishing waters. Known for its meticulously maintained facilities and direct access to the Youghiogheny River, this hidden gem offers the perfect blend of wilderness adventure and modern comfort.

PO BOX 105, OHIOPYLE, Pennsylvania, 15470, United States

Perched above the thundering Youghiogheny River Gorge, Ohiopyle State Park beckons adventurers with over 200 diverse camping options nestled among Pennsylvania's most dramatic landscapes. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a secluded walk-in tent site, the comfort of a fully-equipped cabin, or the unique experience of a backcountry yurt, this outdoor paradise delivers. The campground serves as your basecamp for exploring rushing whitewater, hidden waterfalls, and miles of pristine forest trails that have captivated visitors for generations.

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

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.

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

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic mountains, Laurel Hill State Park's campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse camping options. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups, the simplicity of tent camping, or gathering with friends at spacious group sites, you'll find your perfect basecamp here. Visitors rave about the pristine conditions, breathtaking vistas, and meticulously maintained facilities that make every stay memorable.

943 GLADES PIKE, SOMERSET, Pennsylvania, 15501, United States

Nestled in Pennsylvania's scenic highlands, Kooser State Park offers an intimate mountain retreat where families and small groups can escape the everyday hustle. This charming 250-acre sanctuary invites you to cast a line in peaceful waters, explore winding forest trails, or settle into a cozy cabin for the perfect weekend getaway. Here, the pace slows down and nature takes center stage.

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

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.

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

Hidden within 612 acres of Pennsylvania's pristine wilderness, Linn Run State Park beckons adventurers seeking an authentic escape into nature. Here, rustic cabins tucked beneath towering hardwoods and whispering evergreens offer the perfect basecamp for exploration. Wake to the gentle murmur of Linn Run creek, spend your days discovering scenic hiking trails, and let the thundering cascade of Adams Falls remind you why this corner of the Laurel Highlands has captivated visitors for generations. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters or spreading a picnic blanket in a sun-dappled grove, this forest sanctuary promises both adventure and tranquility.

1579 Mae West Road

Nestled along the pristine shores of Youghiogheny River Lake, Outflow Camping beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience the best of the Laurel Highlands. Here, where crystal-clear waters meet forested hillsides, adventurers find their perfect basecamp for exploring miles of hiking trails, world-class biking along the famous Great Allegheny Passage, and some of Pennsylvania's finest fishing waters. Known for its meticulously maintained facilities and direct access to the Youghiogheny River, this hidden gem offers the perfect blend of wilderness adventure and modern comfort.

Youghiogheny River Lake

Nestled along the pristine shores of Youghiogheny River Lake, Mill Run Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its crystal-clear waters and lush forested landscape. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-like waters, or gathering around a crackling campfire under starlit skies, this riverside retreat offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Modern amenities including flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and a convenient dump station ensure comfort without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience. Families will delight in the sandy beach perfect for afternoon swims and a dedicated children's play area where young adventurers can explore safely.

Rt 40 in Addison, across the road from Yough Lake Marina

Gather your crew at Somerfield North Recreation Area's welcoming lakeside pavilion, where picnic tables and grills await beneath shaded cover, just steps from modern restrooms and the shimmering waters of Yough Lake. Launch your boat from the convenient ramp, tie up at the courtesy dock, and spend your day swimming, boating, kayaking, or paddle boarding across the pristine lake. Don't have your own gear? The nearby Yough Lake Marina has you covered with a full range of watercraft rentals.

PO BOX 105, OHIOPYLE, Pennsylvania, 15470, United States

Perched above the thundering Youghiogheny River Gorge, Ohiopyle State Park beckons adventurers with over 200 diverse camping options nestled among Pennsylvania's most dramatic landscapes. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a secluded walk-in tent site, the comfort of a fully-equipped cabin, or the unique experience of a backcountry yurt, this outdoor paradise delivers. The campground serves as your basecamp for exploring rushing whitewater, hidden waterfalls, and miles of pristine forest trails that have captivated visitors for generations.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Nestled along the rushing Youghiogheny River, Swallow Falls State Park Campground immerses you in a cathedral of towering hemlocks where the soundtrack is provided by cascading waterfalls just a short hike away. The wooded sites offer a peaceful retreat with varying levels of privacy, though it's worth noting that some are cozy neighbors and drainage can be challenging after heavy rains.

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

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic mountains, Laurel Hill State Park's campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse camping options. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups, the simplicity of tent camping, or gathering with friends at spacious group sites, you'll find your perfect basecamp here. Visitors rave about the pristine conditions, breathtaking vistas, and meticulously maintained facilities that make every stay memorable.

181 Rothrock Lane, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, 16652, United States

Discover 97,000 acres of untamed Pennsylvania wilderness in Rothrock State Forest, where rugged mountain terrain meets pristine natural beauty. This vast outdoor playground beckons adventurers with its network of dispersed primitive campsites tucked among towering trees and scenic vistas. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear streams, exploring miles of hiking trails, tracking game through dense forests, or riding horseback along mountain paths, Rothrock offers an authentic backcountry experience that connects you with nature's raw magnificence.

C/O Lyman Run SP, 454 Lyman Run Road, Galeton, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States

Beneath some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi, Cherry Springs State Park beckons stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to experience the cosmos like never before. This remote sanctuary, cradled within the expansive Susquehannock State Forest, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the night sky as our ancestors saw it—unpolluted by artificial light, where the Milky Way stretches across the heavens in breathtaking clarity. By day, the park reveals its wild character through dense forests and untamed landscapes that seem worlds away from civilization.

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

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic mountains, Laurel Hill State Park's campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse camping options. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups, the simplicity of tent camping, or gathering with friends at spacious group sites, you'll find your perfect basecamp here. Visitors rave about the pristine conditions, breathtaking vistas, and meticulously maintained facilities that make every stay memorable.

500 KINGS GAP ROAD, CARLISLE, Pennsylvania, 17015, United States

Perched high on South Mountain, Kings Gap Environmental Education Center invites visitors to explore 2,531 acres of pristine forest where education meets adventure. The crown jewel of this mountain sanctuary is the historic Cameron-Masland Mansion, which serves as both a window to the past and a gateway to spectacular Cumberland Valley vistas. Miles of hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems, while an orienteering course challenges navigation skills. Scattered picnic areas provide perfect spots to rest and refuel between explorations, and the center's educational programs bring the natural world to life for curious minds of all ages.

225 Pleasant Valley RD, PORTERSVILLE, Pennsylvania, 16051, United States

Discover a dramatic landscape where nature and history converge at McConnells Mill State Park. This spectacular 2,546-acre preserve cradles the breathtaking Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, where a restored 1800s gristmill stands as a testament to Pennsylvania's industrial heritage. While the park doesn't offer camping, visitors can explore miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through one of the state's most stunning geological formations.

82 Cabin Bridge Road, Forksville, PA 18616-0062

Tucked into the dramatic S-shaped valley of Loyalsock Creek, Worlds End State Park feels like a hidden sanctuary at the edge of the earth. This peaceful retreat, embraced by the vast Loyalsock State Forest, rewards visitors with rugged mountain landscapes, miles of winding trails, and the kind of profound quiet that only comes from being surrounded by ancient forests. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails or tranquility by the creek, this park offers an authentic escape into Pennsylvania's untamed wilderness.

97 KETTLE CREEK PARK LANE, RENOVO, Pennsylvania, 17764, United States

Nestled in the heart of western Clinton County, Pennsylvania, Kettle Creek State Park unfolds across 1,793 pristine acres where mountain ridges cradle the winding waters of Kettle Creek. This hidden gem offers visitors an authentic wilderness experience, where towering forests and rugged terrain create a natural sanctuary far from the hustle of modern life.

4797 ROUTE 660, WELLSBORO, Pennsylvania, 16901, United States

Perched dramatically on the eastern rim of Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon, Leonard Harrison State Park commands breathtaking views that have captivated visitors for generations. This 585-acre natural sanctuary invites you to stand at the edge of wonder, where modern amenities meet untamed wilderness. From the welcoming visitor center and charming gift shop to the legendary Turkey Path trail that winds down ancient cliffsides, every corner of the park tells a story. Adventure seekers find their gateway here, with direct access to the renowned Pine Creek Rail Trail stretching through the valley below.

16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, Pennsylvania, 16657, United States

Tucked away in a tranquil gorge, this intimate campground offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle of everyday life. Visitors consistently praise its pristine condition and thoughtful maintenance, making it a hidden gem for those seeking serenity. With direct access to natural wonders like the gravity-defying Balanced Rock and the cascading Rainbow Falls, adventure awaits just steps from your campsite. The surrounding Rothrock State Forest and nearby Raystown Lake expand your playground exponentially, offering endless opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation.

111 Spillway Road, WELLSBORO, Pennsylvania, 16901, United States

Nestled in the heart of northcentral Pennsylvania, Hills Creek State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 85 thoughtfully designed campsites that cater to every camping style. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups, the rustic charm of a cabin, the comfort of a cottage, or the unique experience of staying in a yurt, this 407-acre haven has something special waiting for you. Days here unfold with endless possibilities—from peaceful picnics by the water's edge to invigorating hikes through wooded trails and refreshing adventures on the pristine 137-acre Hills Creek Lake.