Nature’s calling! Getting away from it all is pretty much welcomed any time of the year, right? And, sometimes nothing helps us relax and recharge like spending time in nature – going for long walks in the woods, exploring a picturesque lake by boat, and falling asleep under the stars. These five breathtaking state parks in Pittsburgh offer camping all year-round, making each a perfect place to visit for your next getaway.

1. Laurel Hill State Park
Facebook/Laurel Hill State Park Complex
Laurel Hill State Park Camp Ground, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Facebook/Laurel Hill State Park Complex
Get ready for adventure in the great outdoors - any time of the year - when you camp at Laurel Hill State Park. The sprawling state park's Copper Kettle Lodge and Huffman Lodge, both of which require advanced reservations, welcome guests all year around. However, if you want to pitch a tent or rent a cozy cottage, you'll have to wait until the camping season starts each April.

Laurel Hill State Park is located at 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd., Somerset, PA, 15501.
2. Raccoon Creek State Park
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Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park
Embrace nature, any time of the year, at Raccoon Creek State Park, which boasts a full menu of activities - from hiking and biking to horseback riding and swimming in the summer. And, if you're on the hunt for a way to beat cabin fever, reserve one of the cozy cabins. Cabins feature heat, a full kitchen, a comfy living area, and sleep between six and eight people. Or, if you need more room, reserve the Lakeside Lodge, complete with a fireplace, which sleeps up to 10 people.

Raccoon Creek State Park is located at 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA, 15050.
3. Moraine State Park
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Moraine State Park Road, Moraine State Park Rd, Franklin Township, PA 16057, USA
Facebook/Moraine State Park
Pack up the whole family for a leisurely getaway to Moraine State Park. Stay at one of the 11 modern cabins, each of which features electric heat, any time of the year. Of course, you'll also want to explore the park during your stay. The state park, the home of Lake Arthur, offers a plethora of activities - hiking, biking, horseback riding, and disc golfing. And, if you plan a winter excursion, go cross country skiing, sledding, or snowmobiling.

Moraine State Park is located at 225 Pleasant Valley Rd., Portersville, PA, 16051.
4. Oil Creek State Park
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Oil Creek State Park Trail, Titusville, PA, USA
Facebook/Oil Creek State Park
Stay in a cozy Adirondack or curl up in a rustic tent at Oil Creek State Park, an ideal spot for cross country skiing and sledding after a fresh snowfall. The state park also offers plenty to do all year around. In the warmer months, go kayaking, hiking, biking, and picnicking. During the traditional off-season, rustic group campsites are usually available to reserve.

Oil Creek State Park is located at 305 State Park Rd, Oil City, PA, 16301.
5. Kooser State Park
Trip Advisor/Russell V.
Kooser State Park, 943 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Trip Advisor/Bob19512014
Pack everything you need for a getaway among nature at Kooser State Park. The state park, which offers modern and rustic cabins for rent all year around, promises plenty to do no matter the season. During the winter, explore the park on skis. And, when the weather permits, go hiking, picnicking, and fishing.

Kooser State Park is located at 943 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA, 15501.

Have you ever camped at any of these five state parks near Pittsburgh? Share your experience in the comments! There are so many wonderful state parks to visit in Pittsburgh, even when the weather is cold and snowy! In fact, this is one of our favorite cold-weather hikes in Pittsburgh.

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More to Explore

state parks to visit in Pittsburgh

Sarah | January 11, 2022

What are some pretty state parks to visit in Pittsburgh?

We Pittsburghers are fortunate to live within driving distance of a plethora of beautiful state parks. While there are some perennial Pittsburg favorites, like Moraine State Park and Keystone State Park, there are many, many more beautiful parks around town that are lesser-known, yet equally enchanting! Some are tiny, while others stretch thousands of acres. You'd be surprised by just how many beautiful little parks there are around Pittsburgh;

  • Allegheny Islands State Park, for example, is one of the most remote state parks near Pittsburgh. You can only access Allegheny Islands State Park, spanning 50 acres, via boat. Explore the undeveloped park via the footpaths. Popular activities include wildlife watching, fishing, and boating. Camping is permitted, but only for groups who obtain permission from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
  • Ryerson Station State Park is another state park we love. The park promises plenty of fun all year around. On those cold winter days, go cross country skiing, snowmobiling, or sledding. Of course, the state park also features such warm weather activities as swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Embark on one of the 13 miles of hiking trails. Or, spend the night at one of the rustic camp sites or rent a cottage.

 

What are the best places for camping in Pittsburgh?

In the mood to embrace the Great Outdoors of Pittsburgh, PA? Check out these lovely campsites *and* glampgrounds in and near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:

  • Ross Point Park Campground – New Castle
  • Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest – Harrisville
  • Pymatuning State Park – Jamestown
  • Ohiopyle Lodge – Ohiopyle
  • Bear Run Campground – Portersville
  • Keystone State Park – Derry
  • Lake Arthur Family Campground
Looking for more places to pitch a tent in PA? Here are some more of our favorite campgrounds in Pittsburgh.

 

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