Mill Run Recreation Area

4.26

67 reviews

Summer Destination

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

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Mill Run Recreation Area

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard nonelectric site fee is $20. Seasonal rates apply with the campground open for reservations from May 1 to September 8 each year....

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

814-395-3242

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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 67 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

small

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mill Run Recreation Area

39.7155, -79.3851

Driving directionsFrom Route 40 East, turn right onto Friendsville Addison Road for approximately 3 miles then turn right onto Mill Run Road and follow the road until reaching the campground. From Route 40 West, turn left onto Friendsville Addison Road for approximately 3 miles then turn right onto Mill Run Road and follow the road until reaching the campground.

Directions are mostly straightforward, but some user reviews report challenges when coming from the northwest, where Google Maps may route travelers onto poorly marked roads or private property.

Best Time to Camp at Mill Run Recreation Area

From spring through fall, Mill Run enjoys ideal camping weather with comfortable temperatures and predominantly dry conditions that create perfect opportunities for outdoor adventures. Summer days invite you to cool off in the lake's refreshing waters, while autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a breathtaking tapestry of colors. As winter approaches, the landscape takes on a serene, snow-dusted beauty, though the campground closes for the season when freezing temperatures and snowfall make the area a winter wonderland best admired from afar.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season with full access to swim/boating but also more crowds, generator noise and children.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Sugar maples and beech produce strong fall color; cooler, quieter conditions recommended by reviewers.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers quieter camping and comfortable temps, though water levels may affect water activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is open May 1–Sept 8; closed in winter months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 - September 8 (Yearly peak season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 1 - September 8 each year. Reservations start June 21.
Current Alerts: No showers available. Boat launch ramp may have insufficient water for use during low lake levels.

About Mill Run Recreation Area

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.

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.

Historical SignificanceMill Run sits at the doorstep of the legendary Ohiopyle State Park, where world-class whitewater kayakers have tested their skills against rushing rapids for generations. This corner of Pennsylvania has long been a gathering place for those seeking adventure and natural beauty, from Native American tribes who first navigated these waters to modern-day thrill-seekers who come to experience some of the East Coast's most exhilarating outdoor recreation. The area's rich heritage of conservation and outdoor sports continues to draw visitors who appreciate both its historical significance and contemporary recreational opportunities.

Weather and SeasonsFrom spring through fall, Mill Run enjoys ideal camping weather with comfortable temperatures and predominantly dry conditions that create perfect opportunities for outdoor adventures. Summer days invite you to cool off in the lake's refreshing waters, while autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a breathtaking tapestry of colors. As winter approaches, the landscape takes on a serene, snow-dusted beauty, though the campground closes for the season when freezing temperatures and snowfall make the area a winter wonderland best admired from afar.

ElevationPerched within the dramatic landscape of the Laurel Highlands, Mill Run occupies a stunning position where steep valleys carve through ancient ridgelines. This mountainous terrain creates a natural amphitheater of beauty, with the campground offering spectacular vantage points of the surrounding peaks and valleys that define this remarkable region of Pennsylvania.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds across a landscape where nature has painted with a masterful brush - steep valleys plunge between rounded hills clothed in magnificent northern hardwood forests. Towering beech trees stand sentinel alongside sugar maples that blaze with color each fall, while white ash, yellow poplar, and basswood create a diverse canopy overhead. This rich ecosystem provides a haven for wildlife, where white-tailed deer browse at forest edges during twilight hours, wild turkeys strut through morning mists, and the occasional squirrel chatters from branches above your campsite.

Geological RegionMill Run Camping Area claims its place in the heart of the Laurel Highlands, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Here, the Youghiogheny River Lake sparkles like a sapphire set among forested mountains, its clean waters reflecting the steep-sided hills that rise dramatically from narrow valleys. This unique geological canvas supports a thriving ecosystem dominated by northern hardwoods - majestic beech and sugar maple trees mingle with white ash, yellow poplar, and basswood, creating a forest tapestry that changes with each season. The varied terrain provides ideal habitat for an abundance of wildlife, from graceful deer and strutting turkeys to elusive grouse, quick-footed rabbits, and bushy-tailed squirrels that animate the forest with their presence.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out time is 12:00 PM.

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

Site layoutThe campground contains 30 self-contained sites organized in a loop near the lake. Sites close to the beach are more social but less private.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required for holiday weekends (Friday through Sunday), with no early checkout refunds during this period.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before check-in incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations may also forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservations, such as modifying dates or switching campsites, may incur additional fees as outlined on Recreation.gov.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

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.

HikingHiking opportunities are available in the surrounding Laurel Highlands and nearby attractions like Ohiopyle State Park.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, with the Youghiogheny River Lake being described as a hidden treasure for recreation and fishing. However, water levels can impact fishing quality.

SwimmingA designated swimming area with marker buoys is available. However, some reviews mentioned that lower water levels can affect access to the beach and swimming areas.

BikingBiking trails are accessible nearby, including scenic routes toward Ohiopyle State Park.

BoatingBoating is a major attraction, with the Youghiogheny River Lake's 16-mile length and wide channels offering opportunities for powerboating, water skiing, and kayaking. However, lower water levels can affect the usability of the boat launch.

Wildlife viewingThe area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, grouse, rabbit, and squirrel. Birding is frequently mentioned as a highlight.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLower water levels in recent years have affected water-based activities like boating and swimming. Some sites are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall.

Active AlertsNo showers available. Boat launch ramp may have insufficient water for use during low lake levels.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted. Visitors are advised to buy firewood locally and burn it onsite.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced, but some reviews mention violations such as fireworks and loud generators.

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.

Water FeaturesLocated near Youghiogheny River Lake with a beach and boat launch. Recent reviews mention lower water levels affecting use of the boat ramp and waterfront sites.

Camp HostCampground host named Mary is noted for being helpful and kind. Other hosts have occasionally been described as less helpful.

Weather at Mill Run Recreation Area

Reviews

4.3

67 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 67 reviews

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 67 reviews

Common Concerns

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

Based on 67 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 67 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 67 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 67 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

Based on 67 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 67 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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