Outdoor Blog

20 Best Places to Camp Within 2 Hours of Pittsburgh, PA

Published

3 years ago

March 21, 2021

The city of Pittsburgh is an early 20th-century industrial capital, and its history can be observed by the buildings that are modeled after the Gilded Age. Three rivers run through and around Pittsburgh: the Ohio River, the Allegheny River, and the Monongahela River. Because of this, the environment around the city is full of wildlife and beauty for the best camping.

Pennsylvania is home to lots of pine trees.

1. Bear Run Campground

At Bear Run Campground, campers can choose to stay in a tent, an RV, or a cabin! The campground offers free wifi, a dump station, restrooms, showers, and a laundry facility so campers have the luxury of feeling right at home during their stay. For fun, guests can take a dip in the heated pool, hang out in the game room, play volleyball or basketball at the provided courts, or head to nearby Lake Arthur for fishing! Bear Run is great for everyone!

Pros:

Several ways to camp
Wifi
Game room
Heated pool
Outdoor activities
Restrooms
Showers
General store
Dump station
Laundry

Cons:

No biking
Can get crowded

2. Washington/Pittsburgh SW KOA Journey

This KOA has many of the basic amenities, such as restrooms, showers, full RV hookups, and wifi. Guests can soak off in the pool or play volleyball or basketball on the courts. There’s a general store for souvenirs or basic necessities you forgot at home! Campers also have the option of staying in a cabin, tent, or RV! While this KOA doesn’t have most of the resort-style amenities other KOAs have, the location to Pittsburgh makes up for it!

Pros:

Swimming pool
Tent camping
RV camping
Cabin rental
Wifi
General store
Full hookups
Restrooms and showers

Cons:

Not many resort-style amenities

3. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

This campground sits on Raccoon Creek and is very popular for those who want to enjoy the creek and the wildlife around the creek! There are lots of activities to do around the park, such as fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the warmer months. In the colder months, there’s ice skating, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing! While there are no RV hookups, guests can stay in a tent or a cabin!

Pros:

Hiking
Picnic tables
Year-round
Boating
Fishing
Bathrooms and showers
Fire ring
Lots of camping sites

Cons:

Some sites aren’t open year-round
No RV hookups

4. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

This park is great for families who are big fans of Yogi Bear! Campers can stay in a tent, RV, or cabin; whichever they prefer! This campground also has a waterpark full of waterslides, so the whole family can have lots of fun in the water! They also have lots of basic amenities, such as restrooms, showers, wifi, and laundry. This campground is perfect for families who want a fun getaway for everyone to enjoy!

Pros:

Several ways to camp
Camp store/gift shop
Game room
Restrooms and showers
Wifi
Laundry
Pavilions
Full hookups
Pool

Cons:

Can get crowded
More of a family environment

5. Ohiopyle State Park Kentuck Campground

There’s so much to do here! Campers can go mountain biking, fishing, picnicking, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, rock climbing, sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling! Campers can choose to pitch a tent, hook up an RV, or rent one of the yurts or camping cottages. They offer warm showers and flush toilets for RV and tent campers, and the yurts and cottages come with electricity and heat. There’s so much to do and see within nature at Ohiopyle!

Pros:

Mountain biking
Hiking
Fishing
Some electrical hookups
Flush toilets
Warm showers
Fire ring
Picnic tables
Tent camping
Yurts and cottages

Cons:

No pool
No resort-style amenities

6. Allegheny Islands State Park

This group tent campground on the Allegheny Islands is great for youth groups who want to go on a trip! The environment can create great team-building exercises, so groups can get closer together and learn more about each other. Campers can go boating, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching! The type of wildlife often seen on the islands are mallards, beavers, raccoons, deer, and wood ducks! The setting of the islands provides groups with a great environment to get to know each other better!

Pros:

Boating
Fishing
Group tent camping
Wildlife watching

Cons:

No showers
No restrooms
No RV camping

There are lots of lakes and rivers in Pennsylvania for kayaking, canoeing, or swimming.

7. Keystone State Park

While this park is not open year-round, it has lots of things to do within nature. Guests can go fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, or boating! Campers can stay in a tent, RV, yurt, cabin, or cottage! The park has restrooms, showers, and fire rings at most of the campsites.

Pros:

Hiking
Swimming
Boating
Fishing
Many ways to camp
Fire ring
Restrooms
Showers

Cons:

No resort-style amenities
Not open year-round
Few electrical hookups

8. Mount Pocono Campground

This campground on Mount Pocono has campsites for RVs and tents! It has wifi, it’s pet-friendly, and it has bathhouses. It isn’t open year-round, but it does have a heated pool for the colder months! It also has lots of hiking trails for guests to enjoy!

Pros:

Full hookups
Tent sites
Wifi
Heated pool
Hiking trails
Bathhouses
Pet-friendly

Cons:

No open all year long
No many outdoor activities inside the campground

9. Laurel Highlands Campground Inc.

This campground has many campsites, most of which are for RVs, but there are some tent sites as well! Guests can choose between standard sites, premium sites, deluxe sites, weekend sites, or home sites. The campground provides two fishing ponds, which they stock, so campers will never have to worry about the ponds running out of fish!

Pros:

Bathhouses
Fire pits
Stocked fishing lakes
Pools
Tent sites
RV sites
Dumping station

Cons:

No cabin rentals

10. Lancaster/New Holland KOA Journey

At this KOA, campers can stay in a tent, RV, or cabin. It’s right in the heart of the Amish country, so it’s great for those who want to visit it! Campers have access to cable tv, wifi, and bathhouses. The campground also offers an ADA-accessible shower! There is a playground for the kids to have lots of fun on!

Pros:

Several ways to stay
Cable tv
Wifi
Playground
ADA accessible shower
Close to Amish country

Cons:

Not many resort-style amenities

11. Moraine State Park

The most popular feature of Moraine State Park is the 45 miles of shoreline that it provides right on Lake Arthur! Because of the access to the lake, campers can go boating, swimming, and fishing within the campground. The only way to camp here is by renting one of their 11 cabins, so act fast! However, this park also has two group campsites that are available to organized groups.

Pros:

Fishing
Boating
Hunting
Swimming
Hiking
Picnic tables
Group camping
Cabin rentals

Cons:

No tent sites
No RV sites
No showers at group campsites

12. PA Dutch Country RV Resort

This RV park is right in the middle of the Amish country, so there are lots of things to do and see when outside the park. However, there are also lots of things to do inside the park! The camp offers volleyball and basketball courts, a swimming pool, a mini-golf course, hiking trails, and a playground! Also, it is pet-friendly! It also has many of the basic amenities, such as showers, restrooms, and laundry.

Pros:

RV camping
Swimming pool
Nature and hiking trails
Pets welcome
Laundry
Bathhouses
In Amish country

Cons:

Wifi is extra
No tent sites
No cabin rentals

Pennsylvania has a lot of wildlife for everyone to admire.

13. Mill Bridge Village Camp Resort

Located in Lancaster, PA, this campground is right next to a working Amish farm! Pequea Creek runs around the campground, so guests can go fishing, boating, canoeing, or kayaking. The resort has canoe and kayak rentals for those who don’t have any! It’s perfect for families who want to get away and reconnect with nature.

Pros:

Next to working Amish farm
Laundry
Canoe and kayak rentals
Boat ramps
Full hookups
Wifi
Fishing
Cabin rentals

Cons:

No tent sites

14. Mountain Top Campground

This campground prides itself on being the “most convenient Campground near Pittsburgh!” It offers camp rental, full RV hookups, and tent sites. It’s a family-owned establishment, so campers know that they will be treated like family while staying here! While laundry is only available for long-term guests, there are still bathhouses, dump stations, and picnic tables for everyone to use! Also, it’s open all year long.

Pros:

Full hookups
Dump station
Tent sites
Bathhouses
Family-owned
Picnic tables
Open year-round

Cons:

Laundry only for long-time stay
Very few amenities

15. Cecil Henderson Montour Trail Campground

This campground is perfect for hikers and bikers who are traveling through the area! There are five primitive sites that have mulched wood-chip tent pads. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table, and there is a portable toilet and water fountain nearby! Also, camping here is completely free! This campground is great for those who are backpacking on the Montour Trail and need to stop for the night!

Pros:

Drinking water
Picnic tables
Tent camping
Free camping
Portable toilet
Fire ring
Wood-chip tent pads

Cons:

Only available to hikers and bikers on the trail
No RV sites
No cabin rentals

16. Fox Den Acres Campground

This campground has over 900 campsites, so there are lots of locations on the grounds to choose from! Most of the sites are for full RV hookups, which means water, electric, sewer, and cable; however, there are a handful of tent sites to pick. While it has the basic amenities, such as showers and restrooms, it also has a lot of fun activities to do! There’s a game room, swimming pool, playground, sports field, and fishing!

Pros:

Wifi
Tent sites
RV sites
Bathhouse
Game room
Dump station
Swimming pool
Store
Fire rings

Cons:

No cabin rentals
Showers cost extra
Fishing costs extra

17. Buttercup Woodlands Campground

Buttercup Woodlands Campground is built on 55 acres of wooded and open area on the northern side of Pittsburgh and has lots of activities for campers to participate in! Campers have the option of staying in an RV or renting one of their cabins, and they also have access to wifi, restrooms, hot showers, and a camp store. Guests can rent activities like cornhole boards or go swimming in the pool! The campground also has a volleyball court and a basketball court! There are also lots of planned activities provided by the camp year-round, so be sure to check out their website for that information!

Pros:

RV sites
Cabin rentals
Picnic tables
Fire rings
Camp store
Restrooms and showers
Swimming pool
Recreational courts

Cons:

No tent camping
Laundry costs extra

18. Indian Brave Campground

About 30 miles north of Pittsburgh sits Indian Brave Campground, and guests can camp in a tent, RV, or cabin there! The campground has laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers. Campers can hang out in the game room, go for a dip in the pool, or spend some time out in nature on the trails. Campers can also go fishing in the creek that surrounds the campground!

Pros:

Many ways to stay
Pool
Game room
Laundry
Restrooms and showers
Camp store
Hiking and biking trails
Fishing

Cons:

No resort-style amenities

19. Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping

Rose Point has lots of ways to camp, such as tent, RV, family lodge, yurt, comfy log cabin, brookside log cabin, or luxury log cabin! There’s so much to do here that guests will feel like they’re staying at a resort! To name a few, there’s a swimming pool, bocce ball, disc golf, fishing, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, hiking, biking, and craft classes. Aside from that, Rose Point has restrooms, showers, a dump station, laundry, and a camp store. This campground prides itself on being an ideal location for family reunions!

Pros:

Many ways to camp
Swimming pool
Dump station
Restrooms and showers
Recreational courts
Pet friendly
Lots of activities
Barn
Laundry

Cons:

More of a family environment

20. Breakneck Campground

This campground has a staff that is available 24 hours a day to meet every camper’s needs! It has four ways to camp: primitive tent, scenic deck tent, hillside hut, or rustic cabin. Each campsite has different amenities, but every site has a fire ring and picnic table! This campground is right next to McConnell’s Mill State Park, so it’s great for those who want to spend time in the park!

Pros:

Showers and bathrooms
24-hour availability to staff
Tent camping
Cabin rentals
Picnic tables
Fire rings
Next to McConnell’s Mill State Park

Cons:

No RV sites
No hookups
No resort-style amenities

Final verdict:

Ohiopyle State Park Kentuck Campground is the perfect getaway for those who want to reconnect with nature in the Pittsburgh area. Campers have lots of options when it comes to how they want to camp, as well as what they want to do in their spare time! Guests can go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, rock climbing, and picnicking in the warm months. In the colder months, campers can go sledding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling! There are lots of things to do when staying here, as well as the basic amenities like warm showers and bathrooms.

Ohiopyle offers the best camping experience with the most activities within nature!

Bonus tip: Check out this video to find out some fun things to do around Pittsburgh!

Outdoor Blog

Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

Published

7 days ago

September 20, 2023

rokumedia

Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.

Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement

The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.

The psychological thrill

In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently.

The benefits of embracing the edge

Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.

The balance of risk and reward

While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger.

Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.

Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.

Outdoor Blog

Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

Published

1 month ago

August 24, 2023

Matt Colletta

Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news.

The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise.

Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails.

Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important?

Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy.

The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources.

These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources.

Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important:

Allows for sustainable rural development

This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy.

Test new technologies

Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy.

Improving the effect of climate change

Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air.

Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air.

This leads to job creation

Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms.

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails

Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors.

Embracing the Use of Green Technology

Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails.

By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment.

The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it.

Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors

Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive.

Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources.

Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty

The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes.

Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem.

Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before.

Providing Health and Wellness Benefits

Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being.

Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy

These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses.

This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists.

Conclusion

Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants.

From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market.

Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com.

Outdoor Blog

Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

Published

1 month ago

August 23, 2023

Samantha Bos

Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.

If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.

Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool

Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.

Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.

Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks

Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.

Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.

Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions

Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.

Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner

A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.

Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight

A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.

Endnote

Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.