Pittsburgh CountrysideThe Pittsburgh countryside is located in the southwest corner of Pennsylvania and is made up of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Within in this region are 17 state parks, four of which are on the 20 must-see state parks list for Pennsylvania. Click on the WC for a local weather check.
Allegheny Island State Park
Only accessible by boat, this state park is located on the Allegheny River. The park is not developed and at this point, there are no plans to do so. WC
Forbes State Forest
Located in part of Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties, this state forest is home to Pennsylvania's highest point, Mt. Davis. With 60,000 acres of beautiful land to explore, you can't go wrong here!
Jennings Environmental Education Center
The Blazing Star, a prairie flower, is a rare find in Pennsylvania. Located in Butler County, the relic prairie flower is best viewed in late July or early August when the Blazing Star is in full bloom. The educational center has a complete range of programs dedicated to environmental education. One of the 20 must-see parks! WC
Keystone State Park
Located in Westmoreland County and only a short drive from Pittsburgh, Keystone offers a year-round environmental program. To view wetland wildlife, just go to the observation deck in the marsh at the eastern end of the lake. Enjoy your stay at the campground, which is ranked as one of the Best Tent Camping spots in Pennsylvania. View campground map.
WC
Kooser State Park
With a trout stream running the full length of this 250-acre park, you will quickly realize that you are in the center of the Laurel Highlands. At an altitude of 2,600 feet in Somerset County, it's hard to believe that Pittsburgh is only a few hours away. View campground map.
WC
Laurel Hill State Park
Not far from Kooser, this state park boasts a beautiful 63-acre lake! If you're not fishing, you can enjoy hiking on any number of trails in the area. Don't skip over Hemlock Trail or you'll miss the opportunity to view the stand of old-growth hemlocks. View campground map.
WC
Laurel Mountain State Park
Located in Westmoreland County at nearly 3,000 feet, this state park offers picturesque views of the Ligonier Valley. After skiing or snowboarding, you can relax at the lodge and have something to eat. WC
Laurel Ridge State Park
From the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown to the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle, this state park stretches along the Laurel Mountains. For the hiking family, this is the ideal park. From the rugged sections to the leisurely sections, you're surrounded by beauty! WC
Laurel Summit State Park
Another great park in the Laurel Mountain area, setting at an altitude of 2,739 feet, you will need to have the camera ready! Beautiful views of the countryside and the Laurel Ridge are not hard to find. WC
Linn Run State Park
Not far from the entrance to the park is Adams Falls, which is just a small indication of the beauty of this park. From the rock formations, to the hardwoods, to the trout stream, and to the evergreens, this Westmoreland County park is a treat. WC
Moraine State Park
You can enjoy the Frank Preston Conservation Area after biking the 7-mile paved biking trial. Just a short drive north of Pittsburgh, this 3,225-acre lake boasts great fishing and sailing. WC
McConnells Mill State Park
Another of the 20 must-see parks, this park is located just north of Pittsburgh. Tucked into a steep gorge along Slippery Rock creek is the old gristmill and covered bridge. This National Natural Landmark offers fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater boating. WC
Ohiopyle State Park
With scenic views along the 27-mile Youghiogheny Trail, you will quickly realize why this park is on the 20 must-see parks list. Some of the best whitewater in the eastern U.S. churns through a 14-mile stretch of the Youghiogheny River in this park. On the softer side, in the spring and summer are the flowers of the 30-foot bridal veil Cucumber Falls and Cucumber Run Ravine. The nearby Kentuck Campground is ranked as one of the Best Tent Camping spots in Pennsylvania. View State Park campground map.
WC
Raccoon Creek State Park
Another of the 20 must-see parks, this is located west of Pittsburgh and offers an outstanding display of wildflowers at its preserve. You can enjoy the 10-acre lake or the 20 miles of trails in the area. View campground map.
WC
Ryerson Station State Park
For a slower pace, this state park boasts Duke Lake with some great fishing. Go out and visit some of the many shops in the villages and small towns surrounding this park. View campground map.
WC
Yellow Creek State Park
If you are birdwatcher, don't miss the observation blind on the south side of the lake near Grandpap's Cove! With easy walking trails and an absolutely beautiful lake, you can't help but relax. WC
For more information go to the VisitPa Web site, Pittsburgh Countryside.
So now you know what type of camping you would like to experience and what region you would like to visit. All you have to do is click on Contact Us and email us the brief form. We'll contact you at your convenience to start planning your camping trip.