Ohiopyle State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Consider a visit to Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands at Ohiopyle State Park. The Youghiogheny River runs through the park's center and is a fantastic place for a whitewater rafting or fishing adventure. You will discover beautiful waterfalls if you hike along the river's banks instead. In the summer, the temperatures reach about 80 degrees, which makes it a great time to play on the natural waterslide. Alternatively, the outdoor recreation area is a popular winter destination for sledding and snowmobiling. Once you arrive, stop by the visitor's center in the park to learn more about things to do in the area, including seeing the animals at Living Treasures Animal Park in Jones Mill, touring Fort Ligonier in Ligonier, and exploring the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site in Gallitzin.
Spring 37-68 F
Summer 54-78 F
Fall 39-76 F
Winter 26-38 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Ohiopyle State Park
There are 200 camping sites at Kentucky Campground in Ohiopyle State Park. Over 50 sites have electrical hookups, and a dump station is available on-site. Most sites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long. Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby showers and restrooms. The campground is open from April through mid-December.
What to Do at
Ohiopyle State Park
You will love hiking along the trails to the waterfalls at Ohiopyle State Park. At the center of the park, Youghiogheny River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the state, and anglers will love fishing in it and the streams feeding it. Adventurers looking for a unique activity will adore sitting at the top of the Meadow Run Waterslides and letting the currents push them to the bottom for a thrilling ride. Near the middle of the river is Ferncliff Peninsula National Natural Landmark, a terrific place to see rare plants and animals, as it is a fantastic example of a late-successional forest.
Fishing
The state stocks the Youghiogheny River with adult trout year-round, and anglers can fish in the section of the river running through the park throughout the year. Most anglers fish with salmon eggs, minnows, or nightcrawlers from atop large boulders near the river's edge. The state also stocks the park's Meadow Run Creek with trout. Anglers should check with the park's headquarters because there are specific rules for this area.
Nature Watching
The Ferncliff National Natural Landmark trail is a fantastic place to watch nature. It is best to hike this trail when water levels are low, as it floods easily.
Stargazing
This park's remote location makes it the perfect destination for stargazing. The entire Laurel Highland has minimal light pollution and on a clear night, you can see thousands of stars from almost any clear spot in the park.
Flora and Fauna
Ohiopyle State Park is in an Appalachian mixed mesophytic forest ecoregion and there are many species of broadleaf trees at this park. While you will love seeing the large trees, look under them as you will find a fascinating layer of herbs and other small plants. When it comes to fauna, the park is home to white-tailed deer, black bears, bobcats, and river otters.
Hiking
The Meadow Run Trail is a lovely place for a hike. This trail starts near the 30-foot-tall Cucumber Falls. After you pass the Main Street Bridge on this 1.8-mile-long trail, there are numerous large boulders that you will need to traverse. After crossing the Rapids Slides Parking Lot, you will enjoy the cascades created by Meadow Creek, where anglers often fish. The first part of this out-and-back trail is relatively flat, but there is a significant descent near its end.
Boating
Paddling enthusiasts rate the Youghiogheny River as one of the best whitewater rafting destinations in the Eastern United States. There are numerous Class III and Class IV rapids on the lower part of the river, which starts at the Ohiopyle Falls and flows seven miles downstream to the Bruner Run Take-out. The middle part of the river is much quieter, making it the perfect place for novices.
Climbing
There are two main bouldering areas at Ohiopyle State Park. The highest concentration of boulders is in the Falls City Pub area, which can easily be reached by following the Laurel Highlands Trail. The second group is much more remote and in the Proving Grounds area. These boulders are taller and offer more challenging climbing puzzles.
Biking
The five-mile-long Great Gorge Trail is a terrific place for a bike ride. This mixed-use trail starts at the intersection of Ohiopyle Road and PA 381 and runs by Cucumber Falls. This wide trail requires minimal technical skills to ride.
How to Get to
Ohiopyle State Park
You can get to the main entrance to Ohiopyle State Park from Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, in about three minutes. Start by getting on Pennsylvania 381 heading south. Turn left on Sugar Loaf Road. Continue until you see the main entrance.
Entering Ohiopyle State Park
This park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The park's headquarters is closed on state holidays and Sundays from November 1 to April 15. The park's office closes at 4 p.m. during the winter, but it stays open until 6 p.m. during the rest of the year. This park has numerous parking lots, including near Cucumber Falls, the park's headquarters, and Kentucky Campground.
Ohiopyle State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohiopyle State Park
Late spring is an ideal time to visit Ohiopyle State Park. The trout should be biting, and you will enjoy seeing the park coming alive after the winter.
You can see many animals at this state park, including bears, bobcats, and white-tailed deer. When hiking or biking along the river, watch for river otters.
Campers will find about 200 RV camping spots at Ohiopyle State Park. Some camping spots offer electric hookups, and all have picnic tables and fire rings.
While reservations are not required at Ohiopyle State Park, securing a spot in advance is a good idea. You can make reservations almost a year in advance.
Pets are welcome at Ohiopyle State Park, and you can take your furry companions on the trails with you. However, you are responsible for picking up after them, and they must be on a leash.