Laurel Hill State Park RV & Campground Guide
Pennsylvania
More than 4,000 acres of gorgeous mountainous terrain are surrounded by thousands of acres of forest land, making up Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County, PA. The park contains numerous options for recreation and is open year-round. A volunteer-run gift shop is the perfect place to find souvenirs, educational toys, and clothing. The park offers environmental education throughout the year, with hands-on activities, guided walks, and recreational programming. Around the park, you'll find more than 200 architectural structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, providing a glimpse into the history and culture of the area.
Nearby Cities:
Somerset, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Uniontown, PA
Johnstown, PA
Spring 45–67 F
Summer 74–77 F
Fall 47–69 F
Winter 31–36 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Laurel Hill State Park
Campground Accommodations
Laurel Hill State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: Heated showers, flush toilets, dump station, drinking water, playground, laundry facilities, firewood and ice sales, pet walking trail, public phone, visitor center, amphitheater, volleyball court
Laurel Hill State Park Campground
Wake up just a few steps from Laurel Hill Creek when you book a site at the Laurel Hill State Park Campground. With 262 campsites, there's plenty of room for families, tents, and RVs. More than half of the sites offer electric hookups for your motorhome, and a select few offer full hookups; book as early as possible to secure one of these luxury spots. Within walking distance of each spot, you can access modern toilets and showers. Pets are welcome in many of the sites, and you're welcome to use the volleyball court and dump station. The campground is large, but a handy trail connects you to the swimming beach and hiking trails. Nightly rates start at $28.25.
Pioneer Park Campground
Enjoy manicured lawns and a host of family-friendly activities at Pioneer Park Campground. Spread over 185 acres, this park offers full-hookup and partial-hookup sites with access to cable TV. Within the park boundaries, you can shop in the camp store, connect to Wi-Fi, and enjoy the game room. Water sports, family activities, mini-golf, basketball, and a swimming pool keep your little ones happy. Rates for sites with full hookups start at $52 per night in the low season.
What to Do at
Laurel Hill State Park
Laurel Hill Lake gives anglers, swimmers, boaters, and other recreation enthusiasts 63 acres for fun in any season. Set out on a hike around the park, stopping to listen to the melody of the songbirds, or gaze at the beauty of the forest. Skim over the calendar of events for a nature walk or an evening of live entertainment. Round out your visit with a stay in the campground, telling stories and roasting marshmallows around the campfire.
Whether angling in the summer or ice fishing in the winter, Laurel Hill Lake gives you a chance to reel in a big 'ol fish. In the warmer months, explore the forests all around the park. In the winter, snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing are popular at Laurel Hill.
Inside Laurel Hill State Park
Whether you prefer to stay on dry land or get out on the water, Laurel Hill State Park offers activities to keep you busy for days. Hiking trails take you through the forest, up the mountains, and along Laurel Hill Creek — don't miss the historic and beautiful Jones Mill Dam. The park rents a range of watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, hydrobikes, paddle boats, and stand-up paddleboards; paddling is particularly beautiful in the fall when the colors light up the shoreline, which is also easy to enjoy from the large, sandy beach. Fish for trout and bass in the lake or the stream, and return in the winter for ice fishing. When the snow falls, the hills offer excellent sledding and snowmobiling opportunities.
Fishing
Cast your line in 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake, and try to catch a variety of warm-water and cold-water fish. Among the species you're likely to find in the lake are bass, trout, catfish, sucker, bluegill, perch, crappie, and sunfish. Ice fishing is popular once the lake freezes over in the winter.
Geocaching
There are multiple geocaches hidden around Laurel Hill State Park. Grab a copy of the park map, then set out on your adventure to see what prizes await you. And remember to leave a little treasure for the next adventurer.
Nature Watching
Strolling along the trails and around the lake, you'll spot dozens of migrant and resident bird species, providing you with whimsical song and majestic winged beauty. The mountainous landscape features mighty trees and a ground cover of wildflowers, giving you a perfect photographic opportunity as you wander.
Stargazing
Step out from under the dense leaves of the forest, and find a mesmerizing starry night sky in the open area away from city lights.
Flora and Fauna
The deciduous forest of Laurel Hill is comprised largely of oak, maple, cherry, and poplar trees. Witch hazel, serviceberry, rhododendron, and mountain laurel provide the ground beneath with colorful cover. Tree swallows and eastern bluebirds inhabit the cavity-nesting trail of the park. You'll also find red-tailed hawks and screech owls flying above. Bullfrogs, toads, katydids, cicadas, and crickets offer song and sound in the park. Woodchucks, chipmunks, squirrels, skunks, raccoons, and opossums scamper about. White-tailed deer, foxes, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, and fishers also live in the area.
Hiking
Eleven hiking trails wind through Laurel Hill State Park, giving you 15 miles to explore. Some of the trails are marked strictly for hiking, while others are used for mountain biking and snowmobiling as well. There are short treks for beginners and leisurely strolls as well as difficult and longer paths for more experienced hikers.
Boating
Two boat launches are available to get you out on the water in your watercraft. There are also 30 mooring sites on the lake. You can rent rowboats, paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, hydrobikes, and stand-up paddleboards near the beach.
Swimming
A 1,200-foot sand swimming beach reaches depths of 5 feet for visitors to cool off in the sun. Food concessions are available at the beach during the summer.
Biking
Laurel Hill State Park has six multi-use trails designated for biking and mountain biking in addition to hiking.
How to Get to
Laurel Hill State Park
Take Interstate 76 to Exit 100 at Somerset. From there, drive west on PA 31 for 8 miles. Turn left onto Trent Road, and then follow the signs to the park entrance.
There are large parking lots located near the dam, providing a quick walk for those using the boat launch and beach. There is also extra parking for guests in the campground.
Entering Laurel Hill State Park
There are no entrance fees or day-use charges for this or any other Pennsylvania state park.
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Laurel Hill State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laurel Hill State Park
Spring brings new life to the park, with mild temperatures and a swath of new color in the form of wildflowers. Summer days are great for swimming, hiking, and fishing. The fall months also put color on display with hues of orange, red, and brown. Over the winter, guests enjoy snowmobiling and ice fishing on the lake.
In addition to dozens of bird species, both migratory and resident, you'll spot white-tailed deer, foxes, black bears, coyotes, squirrels, opossums, skunks, rabbits, chipmunks, and bobcats in the park.
There are 262 designated RV camping spots in the campground.
Reservations are required to camp at Laurel Hill State Park. You can make your reservations online or by telephone up to 11 months in advance of your stay. The nightly fee ranges from $22 to $42.
Pets are welcome in certain areas of the park, including designated campsites. They are not allowed in swimming areas or inside buildings.
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