Pittsburgh Pirates RV Camping Guide
The Pirates are one of the top teams in baseball and their games at PNC Park are fun and exciting. Pack the RV up and head to Pittsburgh for a game.
Event information
Since 1882, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been a professional baseball team with only one name change from the Allegheny Pirates in 1886. The team, with a nickname of the Bucs, has had a plethora of winning seasons, famous sluggers and pitchers, and several parks where they have played. However, they have been at PNC Park since 2001 and are not planning on going anywhere. Join the Pirate Parrot at PNC Park for a fun game this summer. Fans may find him dancing and waving his flag on the dugout at most of the games.
Along the Allegheny River, PNC Park is gorgeous with the view of the Pittsburgh skyline and Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street) Bridge in the backdrop. The retro-style field holds almost 39,000 fans with comfortable and fashionable seating where no seat is a bad seat. Guests will find a riverside concourse and several other special features like the unique lava rock drainage system and amazing eateries that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Adults and kids alike enjoy the Pittsburgh Pirates games at PNC park, whether it is a regular-season game or a postseason battle. The kids will appreciate the Kids Zone, which has a mini PNC Park and playground. Located by the Right Field Gate, kids from five to 14 years old can enjoy the activities like running the bases and meeting the players.
Tickets
Ticket prices for a Pirates game at PNC Park in the past have ranged from $15 to $50, depending on the time of year and who the Pirates are playing. For special seats like clubs or VIP seats with various amenities, you can expect to pay from $100 to over $1,000. Kids under two are free, and there are special pricing deals throughout the season for veterans.
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Transportation
Driving
Located conveniently in the middle of I-279, I-376, and I-79, fans can expect to cross one or more bridges getting to PNC Park for a Pittsburgh Pirates game. Along the Allegheny River and next to the Allegheny Landing, the Andy Warhol Museum, and Carnegie Science Center, you will have plenty to keep you busy as you wait for the game to start. You will also be just a couple of hours from Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio, in case you want to stop in one of them on the way to the stadium.
Parking areas
PNC Park has excellent parking options for relatively low prices. Within walking distance of the stadium, you might find more than 20 daytime parking lots with inexpensive parking fees.
Many of the lots and garages do not allow larger vehicles. The height limit for some locations may not be above six feet three inches, so be aware of that before booking a spot. A smaller campervan or tow vehicle may be preferable if you would like to drive to the stadium. However, public transportation is in good supply for fans who would like to leave a larger rig at a campsite near PNC Park.
Tailgating is allowed four hours before game time in select lots only. Grills and alcohol are permitted, but no tents or overnighting.
Public Transportation
There are over 50 bus routes to bring you downtown via the Port Authority Bus Service and from all over the Pittsburgh area.
Fans can also choose one of the 450 spots at Sheraden Station, Crafton Station, Bell, or Carnegie to ride the West Busway. The Light Rail is a free service provided to and from PNC from any station along the rail transit. Check with individual stations for information on parking recreation vehicles.
Where to stay
Onsite
Unfortunately, fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates cannot camp anywhere at PNC Park. Sleeping in vehicles and RVs in any of the PNC parking lots is not allowed. Private lots in the area might allow overnight RV parking with permission. However, your best bet is to camp at a nearby campground and use a tow vehicle or public transportation service to get to the park.
Nearby
Motorists will find several campgrounds around PNC Park that can accommodate motorhomes and trailers. A handful offer utilities and showers as well as fire rings with grills to cook on. RVers may also appreciate the Washington / Pittsburgh SW KOA Campground about a half-hour to the southwest. They can handle rigs up to 86 feet in length and have electric hookups, showers, a pool, doggy park, and playgrounds. You’ll also find a camp store, dump station, laundry, and Wi-Fi access at each of its 51 campsites.
Getting around
PNC Park is one of the smaller stadiums in the country, and it does not have any type of shuttle service available. For ADA guests, there are special seating and parking areas and drop-off service, but no ADA shuttles or buses. However, wheelchairs are welcome as well as strollers, so even the smallest fans can enjoy the game.
What to pack
Clothing
What clothes you pack really depends on what time of year you visit PNC Park for a Pirates game. For example, if you go to one of their first games in April or May, the lows can drop into the 40s in this part of Pennsylvania, so you will want to pack a jacket. Otherwise, pack for summer temps. Typical attire consists of team tees and jerseys with jeans or shorts. Baseball caps with team logos are also popular and give the added benefit of keeping the sun out of your eyes.
Gear
Every guest can bring in one bag up to 16x16x8 inches, including backpacks, purses, and fanny packs, as seen in recent seasons. Bags will have to be searched, so don’t bring in anything on the no-no list such as glass, weapons, drugs, or alcohol. Water in plastic bottles is fine but no cans or metal water bottles. Do bring an ID, wallet, cash, debit or credit cards, and your game tickets.
Health & Safety
You will want to have plenty of water to stay hydrated, so bring a refillable water bottle or several bottles of water. It is also important to bring (and use) sunscreen to prevent sunburns. Sunglasses and a hat are also good for keeping the sun at bay. For the campsite or night games, bring some bug spray to repel those mosquitoes and other tiny critters.
Where to eat
Cooking
Pack a cookstove or barbecue pit just in case, even if you are camping at a campground that boasts utilities and campfire grills. It is always good to be prepared for anything. If you plan on cooking, bring sturdy utensils and other needs like aluminum foil and water. Town is a short drive away, so you can pick up those last-minute needs easily.
Restaurants
If you feel like checking out the local food choices, you may find several within less than a half-mile that you can walk to near Pirates Stadium. A steak house, Irish pub, pizza place, and two sports bars surround the park for your convenience. For more of a fine dining environment, head to one of the several French, Italian, or steak restaurants in town. Bucs fans can look for a German Pub & Grub, several lounges, a gourmet burger joint, and a taco place nearby as well.
Vendors
Pirates games have excellent reviews for their food varieties, prices, and taste, so bring your appetite to PNC Park with you. From burgers to beer and from pierogies to pizza, you can find just about anything you can imagine here. If you want to grab a souvenir while you are at the park, stop in at the club store or one of the dozens of concessionaires in the park selling hats, t-shirts, and more.
Safety
Security
Pirates fans can feel safe at PNC Park in Pittsburgh; everyone has to go through extensive safety procedures, including the metal detectors at the gates. Bags and coolers will be searched. Get there early so you can get to your seats with plenty of time to stop and grab some food and a cold beverage.
Weather
If you come to an early game, the temps will vary from the 60s to 70s for the high and 40s to 50s for the low. In the summer, temps are usually in the upper 80s and lows only drop to the 60s. Even in the later games, the temps are generally in the upper 70s with lows in the 50s. Rain and thunderstorms are likely from April through July, so bring an umbrella for use as allowed during rain delays. Download a weather app to stay updated on local forecasts.
Medical
If you already have a first-aid kit in the rig, you are doing well. However, you may want to make yourself a mini kit to pack in your bag to take to the game, but remember to leave out knives and sharp items. The park has two first-aid stations: one on the concourse near Section 315 and another in Section 115 on the Main Concourse. The nearest hospital is less than a half-mile from Bucs Stadium in case it is needed.
