Last night we stopped by Keystone State Park, located off of Rt 22 in Westmoreland County. Nearby to Latrobe, Murraysvlle, and Monroeville, this campground is a nice little park that is updated and very clean for a state park in Pennsylvania! I of course forgot to take any pictures to share, but I assure you it is a nice looking park! I recall staying there as a kid and never being overly impressed, but now that it seems to be more updated there are a number of things about it that make it attractive to stay at if you are looking for campgrounds not too far away from the Pittsburgh area.

We were most impressed with their swimming lake and beach area. While the lake is not gigantic by any means, their beach is large with lots of sand and room for kids to swim and play. Their bath house was extremely clean and you can tell the building is newer. The beach also has a great playground area for kids of all sizes, even smaller children on their playset designed specifically for kids ages 2-4.

Their camping area offers a number of sites with hookups for electricity and many sites are shaded in a wooded area, though some tent sites would offer a bit of a slope. They also have family camping cabins and yurts available. Their campground area also has an amphitheater area and learning center with many activities.

Being where it is located near Greensburg, it is a good place to consider if you’d like to visit Idlewild’s Amusement Park (by far the best amusement park for children in Pennsylvania!) or traveling to the other attractions in the area.

It’s large areas for fishing also make it a great place to escape for a day or two for fishing and camping in the greater Pittsburgh area.

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Waterfall at the end of one of the hiking trails at Laurel Hill state Park.

Laurel Hill is a state park located near Somerset, Pennsylvania, about 1 1/2 -2 hours drive west from Pittsburgh. I’ve camped here many times since I’ve been a small girl and it is where my daughter had her first camping trip at 6 weeks old – so definitely a nice quiet place and family friendly! It is unquestionably one of the best state parks in Western Pennsylvania.

Mosquitoes/Wildlife: Most of the times we have been here the mosquitos were minimal. We have seen squirrels, deer, raccoons, and skunks mostly. Lots of birds singing to wake you up in the morning.

Restrooms: Yes, and clean

Swimming: In a lake with small rocky/sandy beach, not within walking distance of the campground if traveling w/small children, must leave campground to access it.

Fishing: Yes, but never caught anything to brag about

Campground: Most sites are shady and close to restrooms, many with electric _ they also offer cabin rental

Playgrounds: The campground has 3 playgrounds & large fields in the camping area and 1 near the beach/lake

Camp store: The campground sells firewood, but not ice. There is a nearby deli and convenience store, and the camp store of a neighboring campground. For anything else, you will need to travel Rt. 30 toward Somerset.

Attractions/What To Do: The campground itself offers plenty of things to do, but there is also much in the area. There are many hiking trails throughout the park. Spend a day at nearby Idlewild Amusement Park, or go to the shops in Ligonier or Somerset. Visit the Flight 93 memorial, or go cave exploring in the Laurel Caverns. Many popular ski resorts are also in this area.

Reservations recommended for holidays and weekends.  All sites are nice and shaded with the exception of sites in the center of the top loop which are in direct sun. If you camp anywhere in the lower section/right side of the campground you will likely be happy with your spot!

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