Festival Park Campground

For Pennsylvanians exploring the charm of small-town life and the great outdoors, Festival Park Campground in Meyersdale, PA, offers a truly unique and conveniently located tent camping experience. Nestled right in town at 120 Meyers Ave, this campground might appear unassuming from its main entrance, resembling "a regular neighborhood house," but as one delighted visitor discovered, it "became huge when we walked to its back." This hidden gem serves as the vibrant hub for the annual Pennsylvania Maple Festival and welcomes tent campers looking for a comfortable and accessible base for their adventures.

Festival Park Campground is highly praised for its friendly atmosphere and prime location. One reviewer enthusiastically noted the "Great pancake festival. Lots of nice cars. Friendly area!" This highlights the campground's integral role in local events and the warm, welcoming nature of the Meyersdale community. The campground provides essential amenities that enhance the camping experience, including "restrooms with showers" and "corn holes to play on as well," making it a comfortable stop for travelers, particularly those traversing the nearby Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail.

The campground's direct connection to Meyersdale's most iconic event, the Pennsylvania Maple Festival, makes it an especially appealing destination. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, local crafts, and of course, the famous pancake and sausage meals that define the festival. Even outside of festival times, Festival Park offers a convenient and well-equipped spot for tent camping, with an open layout, "a lot of benches and picnic tables," and even a covered stage area that can accommodate tents, providing versatility for various weather conditions. For Pennsylvanians seeking a unique blend of urban convenience and outdoor relaxation, with a touch of local festival flair, Festival Park Campground is a compelling choice.

Location and Accessibility

Festival Park Campground is ideally situated at 120 Meyers Ave, Meyersdale, PA 15552, USA. This location places it directly "just in town" within the charming borough of Meyersdale, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. This is a significant advantage for campers, as it offers the convenience of urban amenities while still providing a dedicated space for outdoor relaxation.

For Pennsylvanians, Meyersdale is readily accessible, typically reached via major state routes. It is a key stop along the renowned Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, making Festival Park Campground an excellent choice for hikers and cyclists exploring this popular multi-use pathway. The direct in-town location means visitors can easily walk or bike to local shops, restaurants, and attractions without needing to drive, enhancing the overall experience of convenience and immersion in the local community. The campground's main entrance on Meyers Avenue might initially appear residential, but leads to a surprisingly spacious and functional camping area behind the buildings.

The accessibility of Meyersdale itself positions Festival Park within a reasonable drive for many residents across Pennsylvania, particularly those in the western and central regions. Its proximity to other popular outdoor destinations and historical sites in the Laurel Highlands and Somerset County further increases its appeal. Key nearby attractions include:

• Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail: The campground is a perfect base for exploring this famous rail-trail. It's about 8 miles from the Eastern Continental Divide along the GAP Trail.
• Pennsylvania Maple Festival: The campground is the hub for this major annual event in April, offering cultural immersion and local festivities.
• Casselman River Bridge State Park: A historic landmark and beautiful natural area.
• Mount Davis and Forbes State Park: Home to Pennsylvania's highest point, offering scenic views and hiking.
• Flight 93 National Memorial: A significant historical site honoring the heroes of United Airlines Flight 93, located about 30 minutes away.
• Ohiopyle State Park: Known for whitewater rafting, hiking, and natural slides, approximately 40 miles away.
• Local Shops and Restaurants: Meyersdale's downtown area, easily walkable from the campground, offers various options for food and unique small-town shopping.

This blend of convenient in-town access, direct trail access, and proximity to major regional attractions makes Festival Park Campground a uniquely situated and highly accessible option for Pennsylvanians seeking an engaging outdoor and cultural experience.

Services Offered

Festival Park Campground focuses on providing essential and convenient services for its tent camping guests, particularly those utilizing the Great Allegheny Passage trail or attending local events. While it's a basic campground, it covers the fundamental needs for a comfortable stay:

• Tent Camping Sites: The campground primarily offers "Tent Camping Sites" designed for "one tent (up to four people) or a hammock." This focus means it's not equipped for RVs or campers, ensuring a traditional tenting experience.
• Restrooms with Showers: A significant amenity for tent campers, providing "clean and functional with warm showers and flush toilets." This is a highly valued service, especially for those who have been cycling or hiking all day. Shampoo and soaps are available, though towels are not provided.
• WiFi Access: "WiFi access" is available, allowing campers to stay connected, plan their next day's route, or share their adventures online.
• Fire Pits and Firewood: Each site is equipped with a "fire pit," and "firewood available for purchase." This essential service allows campers to enjoy traditional campfires for warmth, ambiance, and cooking.
• Picnic Tables and Benches: The campground provides "a lot of benches and picnic tables" for guest use, offering convenient spaces for dining, relaxing, and socializing.
• Covered Stage Area: There is a "covered stage that might fit many tents," providing a unique option for camping out of the elements or for larger groups. This area also serves as a hub for events.
• Recreational Games: "Corn holes to play on" are available, offering a simple yet engaging outdoor activity for campers.
• Drinking Water: Available on-site, a critical amenity for campers.
• Trash Disposal: Services for trash are provided, supporting a clean camping environment.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed, though specific rules and leash requirements should be confirmed. The mention of "the neighborhood cat will come to greet you" suggests a welcoming environment for animals.
• Phone Service: Available at the campground.

The streamlined services at Festival Park Campground are designed to meet the core needs of tent campers, providing comfort and convenience in an accessible in-town setting.

Features / Highlights

Festival Park Campground in Meyersdale stands out with several key features and highlights, making it a distinctive choice for campers, especially those exploring Pennsylvania:

• Strategic In-Town Location: Its placement "just in town" in Meyersdale is a major highlight. This unique urban-meets-nature setting allows campers immediate access to local shops, restaurants, and the charm of a small Pennsylvania borough, a stark contrast to typical secluded campgrounds.
• Direct Access to the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail: For hikers and cyclists, this is an unparalleled feature. The campground is perfectly situated for easy access to the GAP trail, making it an ideal overnight stop or base camp for exploring this renowned multi-use pathway. It's noted to be only "8 miles from the Eastern Continental Divide (Along GAP Trail)."
• Hub for the Pennsylvania Maple Festival: Festival Park is the heart of the annual Pennsylvania Maple Festival, a significant local event. Campers can immerse themselves in this lively celebration, experiencing live entertainment, food, crafts, car shows, and the famous pancake festival directly from their campsite.
• Well-Equipped Tent-Only Camping: While it caters specifically to tents and hammocks (no RVs), it provides essential comforts not always found in primitive tent sites. This includes "restrooms with showers" (offering hot and cold running water), "WiFi access," and dedicated "fire pits with firewood available for purchase."
• Versatile Camping Spaces: The campground offers open lawn areas, space "up on the stage," or "under the long lean-to," providing options for different preferences and weather conditions.
• Community and Friendly Atmosphere: Reviews highlight a "friendly area" and a welcoming environment, possibly including interactions with friendly local animals like "the neighborhood cat." This contributes to a pleasant and relaxed stay.
• Affordable Overnight Tent Sites: At just "$20 per site," it offers an economical option for individuals, friends, or small families (up to four people) looking for a comfortable overnight stay.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: Beyond the Maple Festival and GAP trail, the campground is a convenient base for exploring other regional highlights such as the Casselman River Bridge State Park, Mount Davis, the Flight 93 National Memorial, and even Ohiopyle State Park within a reasonable drive.
• Support for Local Businesses: The campground's connection to the local community, including nearby dining options and shops, encourages visitors to explore and support Meyersdale.

Promotions or Special Offers

Festival Park Campground, as a community-integrated camping option focused on basic amenities and event participation, structures its pricing and offerings in a straightforward manner rather than through complex promotions. For Pennsylvanians, the value lies in its affordability and unique location:

• Standard Tent Camping Rate: A clear and highly affordable rate of "$20 per site." This fee covers one tent or hammock and accommodates up to four people, making it an economical choice for individuals, couples, or small families.
• Included Amenities: The $20 site fee includes access to valuable amenities such as restrooms with hot showers, WiFi access, fire pits, and the availability of firewood for purchase. These are often extra charges at other campgrounds, so their inclusion represents an inherent value.
• Group Discounted Rate: For larger gatherings, "Groups of 10 sites or more are eligible for a group discounted rate." Specific details should be obtained by contacting the Festival Office, but this provides a cost-effective option for clubs, events, or extended family gatherings. A $100 refundable cleaning deposit applies to group reservations.
• Integration with Pennsylvania Maple Festival: The campground's direct connection to the annual Pennsylvania Maple Festival is a significant "special offer" in itself. Campers staying during the festival gain immediate access to all the festivities, live entertainment, and unique cultural experiences without additional admission fees to the park grounds (though specific events or vendors may have costs).

To make reservations or inquire about group rates, Pennsylvanians should note the specific procedures:

• Advance Reservations: For stays one week or more prior to your visit, contact the Festival Office at (814) 634-0213 or pamaple@verizon.net. Advance reservations require a credit card for payment.
• Same-Day Reservations/Walk-ins: These can be made by calling Susie Decker at (814) 442-4284 (from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) or by visiting Donges Drive-In at 100 Center Street. Same-day payments are cash or check only; credit cards cannot be accepted at check-in.

The simplicity of pricing, combined with the convenience of amenities and its prime location for local events and trail access, makes Festival Park Campground an attractive and practical option for Pennsylvania campers.

Contact Information

For Pennsylvanians interested in experiencing the unique urban camping and festival atmosphere at Festival Park Campground, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 120 Meyers Ave, Meyersdale, PA 15552, USA
• Phone (Festival Office): (814) 634-0213
• Mobile Phone (for Same-Day Reservations/Walk-ins): +1 814-442-4284 (Susie Decker, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Email (Festival Office): pamaple@verizon.net
• Website (Pennsylvania Maple Festival, which includes campground info): www.pamaplefestival.com

Festival Office Hours: January 2 - May 31, Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It is advisable to contact the Festival Office for advance reservations and general inquiries. For last-minute or same-day bookings, utilize the mobile number or visit Donges Drive-In during their hours.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Pennsylvania residents, Festival Park Campground in Meyersdale offers a uniquely suitable and highly convenient camping experience, particularly for those who value accessibility, local culture, and outdoor recreation. Its prime in-town location at 120 Meyers Ave sets it apart from traditional secluded campgrounds, providing immediate walking access to the charming borough of Meyersdale's shops, eateries, and local attractions. This makes it an ideal hub for families, couples, or solo adventurers who appreciate the convenience of being close to amenities while still enjoying the essence of tent camping.

The campground's direct connection to the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail is a significant draw for Pennsylvania's active population. Cyclists and hikers can easily set up camp after a day on the trail, refresh with hot showers, and then explore the town without needing a car. This seamless integration with one of Pennsylvania's most popular recreational assets makes Festival Park Campground an indispensable stop for trail enthusiasts.

Beyond recreation, Festival Park's role as the central venue for the annual Pennsylvania Maple Festival provides a rich cultural experience. Locals can camp right at the heart of this beloved event, enjoying live entertainment, delicious maple-themed foods, and community festivities without the hassle of commuting. This unique offering transforms a camping trip into a vibrant cultural immersion, fostering a deeper connection to Pennsylvania's heritage.

With essential amenities like clean restrooms with showers, Wi-Fi, fire pits, and affordable rates, Festival Park Campground provides all the necessary comforts for a pleasant tent camping experience. Its friendly atmosphere and accommodating nature make it a welcoming haven for Pennsylvanians looking for a blend of outdoor adventure, community engagement, and small-town charm, all within easy reach.

Festival Park Campground

120 Meyers Ave, Meyersdale, PA 15552, USA