Dravo's Landing Camping Area

For adventurers in Pennsylvania embarking on a journey along the celebrated Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, Dravo's Landing Camping Area in Elizabeth Township, PA, stands out as a crucial and highly valued overnight stop. This isn't a conventional, commercially operated campground but rather a dedicated "hiker-biker" site, thoughtfully established to serve those traversing the renowned multi-use pathway or enjoying the Youghiogheny River. It provides a rustic, often free, and essential reprieve for trail users, allowing them to immerse themselves in nature without the typical costs associated with camping. Its focus on simplicity and accessibility for those on foot or bicycle makes it a distinct and highly practical choice for a genuine Pennsylvania outdoor experience.

Dravo's Landing Camping Area offers an authentic, no-frills camping experience that perfectly complements the spirit of long-distance trail adventuring. It’s a place where the sounds of nature and the occasional passing train become part of the immersive experience, providing a stark contrast to urban environments. Visitors consistently appreciate the unique Adirondack shelters and the communal fire rings, thoughtful amenities that offer protection and a sense of camaraderie among fellow travelers. This campground embodies the essence of "trekker" camping, providing necessary facilities for a comfortable overnight stay while encouraging users to truly disconnect and embrace their journey through Allegheny County. It stands as a testament to the community's commitment to supporting trail users along the Great Allegheny Passage.

Dravo's Landing Camping Area is strategically located in Elizabeth Township, PA 15018, USA, positioned directly on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail at approximately Milemarker 122. This prime trailside location is its most defining accessibility feature, making it an ideal stop for those hiking or biking the GAP. It is situated along the scenic Youghiogheny River, offering picturesque views and the soothing sounds of the water.

As a "hiker-biker" campground, direct vehicle access to the campsites is generally not permitted; it's designed for those arriving on foot or by bicycle. This helps maintain the peaceful, natural ambiance. For those driving to the vicinity to access the trail, overnight parking may be available at designated access points within Elizabeth Township or nearby towns, but it's crucial to confirm parking regulations and secure your vehicle. The campground is notably recognized as a convenient reward for westbound riders, being one of the last free campsites before reaching Pittsburgh, and an excellent initial introduction to bikepacking camping for eastbound riders, just 27 miles from downtown Pittsburgh.

Elizabeth Township, part of Allegheny County, offers a rural setting while still being within a reasonable distance of more developed areas. This provides a sense of remoteness for campers while ensuring that essential services in nearby towns are not entirely out of reach for resupply if needed. The ease of access directly from the GAP trail makes Dravo's Landing Camping Area an incredibly convenient and logical overnight stop for those on a multi-day journey along one of Pennsylvania's most celebrated recreational pathways. Its adjacency to the historic Dravo Cemetery (established in 1812) also adds a unique touch of local history to the setting.

Dravo's Landing Camping Area provides essential services specifically tailored to the needs of trekkers on the Great Allegheny Passage, focusing on providing a functional and rustic overnight experience.

• Camping Space for Tents: The campground offers ample open grassy space, described as having "room for 25-30 tents," allowing individual and group campers to pitch their own tents comfortably.

• Adirondack Shelters: A key amenity are the two Adirondack-style shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis. These open-fronted, lean-to structures provide excellent protection from rain, wind, and sun, offering a more comfortable alternative to tent camping for those who secure a spot. They can accommodate several sleepers, with one review mentioning some shelters accommodate 6-8 people.

• Pavilion Shelter: The campground also features a 16' x 20' pavilion shelter. This larger covered structure provides excellent communal space, ideal for gathering, cooking, or seeking shelter during inclement weather, adding a significant benefit for groups.

• Fire Rings & Firewood: Dravo's Landing is equipped with three fire rings, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires. Importantly, firewood is often available on-site, provided by local volunteer groups like the Mon/Yough Trail Council, which diligently cuts and stacks this resource for travelers' enjoyment. This eliminates the need for campers to carry or forage for wood.

• Picnic Tables: Eight picnic tables are available, offering convenient surfaces for meal preparation, dining, and organizing gear, enhancing the comfort of the primitive camping experience.

• Compost Toilets (SST Toilets): Basic restroom facilities are provided in the form of composting or "SST toilets." While not flush toilets, they are maintained to provide necessary convenience for campers, with the site being well-equipped with a "pair of composting toilets."

• Potable Water: Access to potable (drinking) water is available, typically from a well with a pump. It's advisable to check the operational status of water sources, especially during early spring or late fall, as maintenance can be suspended in colder months. Having drinking water readily available is a critical service for long-distance trekkers.

• Free for Trail Users: A fundamental "service" of Dravo's Landing is that it is free to use for trail users, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. This makes it an incredibly valuable and accessible resource for those completing multi-day journeys on the GAP.

Dravo's Landing Camping Area is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a highly desirable stop for adventurers on the Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania.

• Prime GAP Trailside Location: Its most significant highlight is its direct placement on the Great Allegheny Passage at Milemarker 122. This offers unparalleled convenience for hikers and bikers, allowing them to seamlessly transition from trail to camp. It's considered a "nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)" and an "easy introduction to bikepacking camping for the east-bound (the closest to Pittsburgh)."

• Free Camping: The fact that it's a "free campsite" for trail users is a major draw, providing an incredibly cost-effective and accessible overnight option for those embarking on multi-day journeys on the GAP. This removes a significant financial barrier for many adventurers.

• Adirondack Shelters: The presence of two Adirondack-style shelters is a highly valued feature, especially during unpredictable Pennsylvania weather. These open-fronted structures offer reliable protection from rain and wind, providing a comfortable and dry sleeping area without the need for pitching a tent. One reviewer appreciated the ability to "set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain."

• Generous Tent Space: With "room for 25-30 tents," the campground offers ample space, accommodating both individual trekkers and larger groups without feeling overcrowded. Reviewers noted "plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents."

• Large Pavilion Shelter: The 16' x 20' pavilion is a significant highlight, providing a substantial covered area for communal gatherings, cooking, or simply seeking shelter from sun or rain. This enhances the group camping experience considerably.

• Availability of Firewood: The consistent supply of "firewood available," thanks to local volunteers, is a much-appreciated feature. It allows campers to enjoy warming fires without the burden of finding or hauling wood, making cooler nights more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Historic Setting: The campground sits adjacent to the Historic Dravo Cemetery, dating back to 1812. This adds a unique historical dimension to the camping experience, with some campers even suggesting it's "useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire."

• Potable Water Access: The availability of potable water from a well with a pump is a critical convenience for trekkers, ensuring access to drinking water without needing to carry extensive supplies.

As a designated "trekker" campground along the Great Allegheny Passage, managed by the Regional Trail Corporation and generally operating as a free, first-come, first-served site, Dravo's Landing Camping Area does not offer traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers" like discounted rates or booking incentives. Its primary "offer" is its accessibility and cost-free nature for trail users.

However, the inherent benefits that serve as "offers" for the right user are:

• Free Overnight Stay: The most significant advantage is that camping at Dravo's Landing is typically free for those actively using the Great Allegheny Passage. This is an invaluable resource for budget-conscious long-distance cyclists and hikers.

• Complimentary Shelters: The provision of Adirondack shelters at no extra cost provides a substantial benefit, offering immediate shelter from the elements, which can be particularly advantageous during unexpected rain or cold.

• Provided Firewood: The availability of firewood, often cut and stacked by local volunteer groups, is a generous "offer" that significantly enhances the camping experience by allowing for easy campfires without additional cost or effort.

• Potable Water Access: While seasonal, the access to potable water on-site is a crucial convenience for trekkers, reducing the need to carry heavy water supplies and saving time.

Since this is a public facility designed to support trail infrastructure, any changes to its free status, stay limits (typically a two-night maximum), or available amenities would be communicated through the Regional Trail Corporation or the Great Allegheny Passage official websites. There are no discount codes, membership programs, or booking incentives associated with Dravo's Landing.

For inquiries related to Dravo's Landing Camping Area, it's important to remember that this is a free, first-come, first-served campground primarily for users of the Great Allegheny Passage. Therefore, there are no direct reservation phone numbers for this specific site. However, information about the campground is managed by the Regional Trail Corporation and the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) official resources.

• Address: Elizabeth Township, PA 15018, USA (specifically, locate it on the Great Allegheny Passage at Milemarker 122, adjacent to the historic Dravo Cemetery)

For general inquiries about the GAP trail system, amenities, or any potential alerts regarding the campgrounds (like water availability status), it's best to consult the official resources:

• Regional Trail Corporation: While a direct phone number for Dravo's Landing isn't provided, general contact information for the Regional Trail Corporation, which manages these trekker campgrounds, may be available on their official website (regionaltrailcorp.org). They may also have a general inquiry line.

• Great Allegheny Passage Official Website: The gaptrail.org website is an invaluable resource for detailed information on all trailside amenities, including Dravo's Landing. It often provides up-to-date alerts or details relevant to trail users.

Always remember that this campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with a typical maximum stay of two nights, so direct reservations are not an option.

For Pennsylvania locals, especially those residing in Western Pennsylvania or with a passion for multi-day adventures along the state's renowned trails, Dravo's Landing Camping Area in Elizabeth Township stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly beneficial resource. Its unique design and operational model directly cater to the adventurous and outdoor-loving spirit of many Pennsylvanians.

The most significant reason for its suitability for locals is its seamless integration with the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail. For residents planning to hike or bike sections of this iconic trail, Dravo's Landing provides an essential, free, and perfectly positioned overnight stop. It allows adventurers to embark on multi-day journeys, knowing they have a reliable place to rest and recharge. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's a "nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)." This strategic placement makes it an integral part of experiencing one of Pennsylvania's premier outdoor attractions.

The availability of Adirondack shelters and a large pavilion is another major draw for locals. These structures offer comfortable and protected sleeping or gathering areas, a significant advantage over simple tent camping, especially given Pennsylvania's sometimes unpredictable weather. The presence of fire rings and readily available firewood, often maintained by local volunteers, further enhances the authentic camping experience, allowing for cozy campfires without the added effort of sourcing wood. The provision of potable water and basic toilet facilities ensures essential needs are met in this primitive setting.

Crucially, the fact that Dravo's Landing is a "free campground" for trail users makes it an incredibly accessible and affordable option for Pennsylvanians looking to enjoy extended outdoor excursions without incurring significant accommodation costs. This accessibility fosters a vibrant trail culture and encourages more residents to explore the natural beauty of their state. While it is a rustic site and not suited for RVs or those seeking extensive amenities, for locals embracing the spirit of the GAP trail, Dravo's Landing Camping Area is a truly invaluable and cherished resource that epitomizes the joy of Pennsylvania's outdoor adventures.

Dravo's Landing Camping Area

Elizabeth Township, PA 15018, USA