Laurel Ridge State Park
Closed — Open year-round for backpacking. Reservations are mandatory and can be made up to 11 months in advance online or by calling 724-455-3744. Camping is only permitted in designated shelter areas.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 1:37AM EST until January 20 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Pittsburgh PA
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 17 below zero expected. * WHERE...Portions of east central Ohio, northwest, southwest, and western Pennsylvania, and northern and the northern panhandle of West Virginia. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to noon EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 17 below zero could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken.
About
Laurel Ridge State Park encompasses 13,625 acres stretching along Laurel Mountain from the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown, spanning Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties. The park's defining feature is the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, a premier backpacking destination marked with yellow blazes every 100 feet. Camping at Laurel Ridge is exclusively backcountry-style, with eight designated shelter areas located every 6-12 miles along the trail. Each shelter area contains five Adirondack-type shelters with fireplaces, spaces for 25 tents, two vault toilets, and in some locations, treated water. The trail is open year-round for overnight use, though winter conditions can be challenging. This is not a traditional drive-up campground. Backpackers must hike in with all supplies, and stays are limited to one night per shelter area. Six trailheads provide parking and access points along the 70-mile route. The park is designed for semi-wilderness backpacking experiences rather than car camping or RV use.
Directions
Laurel Ridge State Park spans Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania. The northern terminus is at latitude 40.40858 and longitude -79.00557, while the southern terminus is at latitude 39.87117 and longitude -79.49006.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $74 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (724) 455-3744 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!