Laurel Highlands Campland

The Great Outdoors

A short drive southeast of the Laurel Highlands Campland is the Roaring Run Natural Area, which lies on the western slope of Laurel Ridge. It encompasses a scenic woodland reserve that’s crisscrossed by pristine streams fed by the ridge’s natural springs, with 15 trails traversing its almost 3,600 acres. You can opt for the 3.3-mile-long Roaring Run Trail or the North Loop Trail, then soak up the rugged valley views from the Painter’s Rock. If you’re more interested in fishing, it’s just a short drive from the Roaring Run Natural Area to the Laurel Hill State Park, with its human-made lake well stocked with trout, perch, and bass.Head northeast from the Laurel Highlands Campland, and you’ll arrive in Laurel Ridge State Park, which is home to the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail that extends from the Youghiogheny River to Conemaugh Gorge. It forms part of the Potomac Heritage Trail that’s celebrated for its varied terrain and stunning natural beauty. Hunting for ruffed grouse, turkey, and white-tailed deer is permitted in designated areas of the park while cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular during the winter months.If you drive in the other direction from the Laurel Highlands Campland, you’ll arrive at the Bear Run Nature Reserve, named after a tributary of the Youghiogheny River. It’s a must-visit destination for fans of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work as home to one of his masterpieces - Fallingwater. It’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of “The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright”. It is constructed over the Mill Run section of Bear Run. You can explore the interior and exterior of the residence on guided tours to gain an insight into Wright’s architecture and vision.Also nearby is the Ohiopyle State Park, renowned amongst rafters and kayakers as one of the best whitewater destinations in the Eastern United States. Encompassing 20,500 acres of picturesque landscapes, it serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands and its tranquil cascades. You can stretch your legs along one of the numerous hiking trails or get active while cycling along the Youghiogheny River Trail.

Exploring the City

Campsites at the Laurel Highlands Campland are just five minutes’ drive from the center of Donegal, where you’ll find a small supermarket, pharmacy, and gas station if you need to fill up your RV rental. Alternatively, you can continue driving into New Stanton, where you’ll find larger supermarkets and a wide choice of eateries, ranging from fast-food restaurants to steakhouses and sports lounges.Camping at the Laurel Highlands Campland is a good base for visiting Pittsburgh, which lies at the confluence of three rivers - the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio - less than an hour’s drive away. It flourished as an industrial hub during the early 20th century, with many of its renowned museums and architectural landmarks dating from the Gilded Age. See what is the world’s most extensive collection of Jurassic dinosaurs at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and admire the contemporary works on display at the Carnegie Museum of Art, both of which were founded by the Pittsburgh-based industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Art enthusiasts should also make a point of visiting the modern Andy Warhol Museum, which celebrates this locally-born Pop Art icon and is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist.Another of Pittsburgh’s must-see landmarks is the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which lies within Schenley Park. It’s named after Pittsburgh real-estate magnate Henry Phipps who gifted the gardens to the city, with the conservatory housing 14 rooms where exotic species from around the globe are exhibited. Admire its elegant Victorian architecture as you tour the Palm Court, the Orchid Room, and the Serpentine Room, then stroll through the Japanese Courtyard Garden and Children’s Discovery Garden outside.Whether you want to explore the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail or discover the cultural sights of Pittsburgh, book an RV rental in Westmoreland County and start planning your next vacation.