Conemaugh River Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Featuring impressive recreational facilities, numerous historical sites, and thousands of acres of untouched land, Conemaugh River Lake is a top choice for an RV getaway destination. Located in the Indiana and Westmoreland Counties, the history of the lake dates back to the 1930s when the area was first identified as being one of the 16 flood control projects within the Pittsburgh District. Completed in 1952, Conemaugh River Lake protects many of the surrounding areas from the impacts of flooding, including the lower Conemaugh and Allegheny valley, and the upper Ohio River Valley.
Along with providing flooding control, Conemaugh River Lake is also a celebrated recreation area that attracts both locals and travelers looking to enjoy themselves. Known as the Conemaugh River Lake Recreation Area, here you will find a visitor center, a large day-use area, two picnic pavilions, a basketball court, a softball field, horseshoe pits, and a great playground. If you want to get out on the water, there are multiple canoe launches that you can use to access the Conemaugh River and its backwaters. Or if you prefer to fish, you can cast out a line at outflow below the dam. You could also check out the Tunnelview Historic Site, or go for a walk on one of the many trails.
While there are no camping facilities available at Conemaugh River Lake, you can stay 12 miles away at Keystone State Park. The two campgrounds at the park are perfect for first time or advanced RVers and feature a mix of powered and unpowered sites and can be used from April through to October. Conemaugh River Lake is open all year round.
RV Rentals in Conemaugh River Lake
Transportation
Driving
Driving your RV to and from Conemaugh River Lake is very straightforward as there is only one entrance road that will take you to the recreational section of the lake. Located off Auen Road, you will drive through open farmland and then into a forested area before you make it to the lake.
If you need to pick up any supplies before your journey to the lake, there are many towns that you can stop at, including Saltsburg (around seven miles away), Blairsville (around ten and a half miles away), and Black Lick (around 15 miles away). The closest city to Conemaugh River Lake is Pittsburg, which can be found around 41 miles to the west.
All of the roads surrounding and within the lake facility are kept in very good condition and shouldn't give your RV any trouble with obstacles such as overhanging trees, tight turns, and switchbacks. There are also multiple loops near the visitors center, so it will be easy for you to turn around if you do have a larger rig.
Parking
There is one parking lot located in the main area of Conemaugh River Lake that has over 50 parking spaces that are available for guests to use.
Public Transportation
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will take you to Conemaugh River Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Conemaugh River Lake
Campsites in Conemaugh River Lake
Reservations camping
Hillside Campground at Keystone State Park
Although there are no RV friendly camping spots at Conemaugh Dam, there are plenty of sites available within the two campgrounds at Keystone State Park. The Hillside Campground has 60 campsites for you to choose from that are equipped with either 30 or 50 amp electrical hookups.
You will have a choice of what surface your rig will be set up on, with the options being grass, gravel, or asphalt. You can also choose a shaded, partially shaded, or open site. Other amenities within the Hillside Campground include water collection points, hot showers, bathhouses, a dump station, and a grill and picnic table at each individual site. Pets are also allowed, and you should be able to get phone reception on all of the major networks.
Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, and the campground is open from April until October.
Lakeside Campground at Keystone State Park
The Lakeside Campground is the smaller of the two RV friendly campgrounds available to you. There are 40 different sites for you to choose from, including many that have some gorgeous views of the water. Like the Hillside Campground, there are asphalt, gravel, or grass surfaces to park your RV on, and all of the sites are back-in. You will also have the option of electrical hookups that are either 30 or 50 amp varieties.
The campground has similar amenities to the Hillside Campground, with hot showers, water collection points, clean bathhouses, and a picnic table and grill located at each site. Please note that pets are not allowed at the Lakeside Campground. If you are worried about phone reception, you shouldn't be as it can be found on all of the major networks within the park.
Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, and the campground is open from April until October.
Alternate camping
Cabins at Keystone State Park
If you are looking for a more luxurious stay near Conemaugh Dam, you should consider staying at one of the 11 cabins at Keystone State Park. Available to be rented all year round, the cabins are well maintained and have some great amenities included with the reservation, including being able to sleep up to six people, a full kitchen, and a modern bathroom. All 11 of the cabins can be reserved online up to 11 months before your stay.
Seasonal activities in Conemaugh River Lake
In-Season
Visitor Center
Your first stop at Conemaugh River Lake should be to the very informative visitor center. Located near the main dam, the visitor center is a must-see Here you will find great exhibits about the historical floods, a very informative pictorial of the dam's construction, and general educational information about the history of the area. This is also a good chance for you to talk to the park staff and ask any questions regarding your visit to the lake.
Boating
While you aren't allowed to go motorboating on the main lake, there are plenty of great spots for those who love to canoe or kayak on the waters near the park. There are three great canoe launch areas for you to use located in the Dam Outflow Area, Blacklick, and Blairsville. If you want a carry-in launch, you can find one at Aultmans Run to get you into the Conemaugh River. Be sure to bring your own watercraft as there will be none available for you to rent.
Picnicking
Conemaugh River Lake has a fantastic day-use area that is widely known for being a great spot to have a picnic. There are multiple picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the day-use area, along with a basketball court, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a playground.
If you have a larger group, we recommend you reserve one of the two picnic pavilions as they are equipped with seven picnic tables, electrical outlets, charcoal grills, and water collection points.
Off-Season
Fishing
If you love to fish, then you'll be happy visiting Conemaugh River Lake. There are many places for you to fish, including the main lake, the outflow area, or the Conemaugh River. Bait fishing, fly fishing, and spinning are the most common ways to try and land a big one, and there are plenty of those!
Some of the common species include perch, many bass species, trout, walleye, catfish, and panfish. Remember to bring your own fishing gear if you want to throw out a line and make sure that you have a fishing license.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities for people of all skill levels are abundant for visitors to the lake, no matter the time of year that you arrive. The most popular trail is the Conemaugh Dam Trail, which is around a three and a half-mile loop trail that will take you near some abandoned Pennsylvania railroad line registered on the National Register of Historic Places. There is also a riverside trail if you want to do some exploring closer to the water.
Birding
The area in and around the lake is also a very popular place to do some birdwatching. Many species of birds either call the area home or pass through each year, including bald eagles, warblers, and nesting osprey. There is also a very cool bat nesting box located behind the visitor center that may allow you to glimpse some bats during your visit. We recommend having a chat with one of the park staff before you head out birding as they may be able to help you out with viewing spot advice.
