Lakeside Campground

For many Pennsylvanians, the call of the outdoors is a strong one, drawing us to the lush forests, winding rivers, and serene lakes that define our beautiful state. When it comes to camping, we're fortunate to have a wealth of options, from rustic backcountry sites to full-service resorts. Among these, Lakeside Campground at Keystone State Park in Derry, Pennsylvania, stands out as a fantastic choice for locals looking to enjoy a refreshing escape without traveling too far from home. This beloved campground, nestled within the expansive 1,200-acre state park, offers a wide array of camping experiences, whether you prefer the comfort of an RV, the simplicity of a tent, or the unique charm of a cabin or yurt. With the picturesque Keystone Lake at its doorstep and a host of amenities designed for both relaxation and adventure, Lakeside Campground provides an ideal setting for families, couples, and solo explorers alike to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories. It’s more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to outdoor fun, right here in our own backyard.

Lakeside Campground is located within Keystone State Park, with its address being Derry, PA 15627, USA. More specifically, the park office, which oversees the campground, can be found at 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA 15627-3679. For those navigating with GPS, the coordinates for the general campground and cabin area are approximately Lat. 40.37376, Long. -79.39635.

Keystone State Park, and by extension Lakeside Campground, is conveniently situated in Derry Township, Westmoreland County. Its location is approximately three miles from the intersection of PA 981 and US 22, making it quite accessible from major routes. For residents of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, the park is within easy driving distance, typically less than an hour's drive, which is a huge benefit for weekend getaways or even day trips. Access to the campground and cabins specifically is often from Stone Lodge Road, which can be reached via Slag Road (T 860). While cell service can be unpredictable in and around many Pennsylvania State Parks, it's always wise to download a park map before your visit. The straightforward drive through scenic Pennsylvania landscapes makes the journey to Lakeside Campground part of the relaxing experience, quickly transitioning you from urban or suburban environments to the tranquility of nature.

Lakeside Campground within Keystone State Park offers a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance your camping experience. These include:

• Diverse Campsite Options: Guests can choose from a variety of campsites, including electric and non-electric sites for RVs and tents. Many RV sites come with 20, 30, or 50-amp hookups, and some are pull-through, accommodating larger rigs (up to 55 feet max length). Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.
• Camping Cottages: For those seeking more comfort, the campground features camping cottages. These units sleep five people in bunk beds, offer electric heat, lights, outlets, a porch, fire ring, picnic table, and wooden floors, though they typically do not have indoor plumbing or kitchens.
• Yurt Rentals: Unique yurts are also available in Lakeside Campground. These round, canvas and wood-walled tents sleep five, feature a wooden deck, electric heat and outlets, a cooking stove, microwave, refrigerator, fire ring, picnic table, and a table and chairs. While they don't have indoor plumbing, they are often adjacent to a water pump.
• Modern Bathhouses and Restrooms: Both Lakeside and the park's Hillside Campground are equipped with modern bathhouses that provide warm showers and flush toilets, ensuring comfort and convenience for all campers. ADA-accessible restrooms are also available.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient sanitary dump station is available within the park for RVers.
• Visitor Center: The James A. Kell Visitor Center, a historic stone lodge in the overnight area, provides an introduction to the park's history, flora, and fauna, along with educational handouts.
• Boat Launch and Mooring Area: A public boat launching ramp and mooring area are located on the north shore of the lake, making it easy to get your boat onto Keystone Lake.
• Boat Rentals: For those without their own watercraft, boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, etc.) are available near the main boat launch.
• Concession Stand: During the swimming season, a food concession stand is open near the beach, offering hot and cold food options.
• Recycling Facilities: The park has recycling facilities for glass, aluminum, bimetallic cans, and plastics 1 and 2, encouraging environmentally responsible camping.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station: A two-plug EV charging station is available in the boat launch parking lot for public use.
• Park Office and Reservation Services: The park office handles inquiries and provides information, while reservations for campsites, cottages, and yurts can be made conveniently online or by phone through the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center.

Lakeside Campground, as part of Keystone State Park, offers numerous features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts:

• Adjacent to Keystone Lake: The campground's name says it all – it's directly adjacent to the beautiful 78-acre Keystone Lake, providing easy access for swimming, fishing, and boating.
• Swimming Beach: A sandy beach is open from late-May to mid-September, offering a designated and safe area for swimming.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Keystone Lake is stocked with both warm and cold-water fish species, including trout, largemouth bass, and black crappie, making it a popular spot for anglers. A fishing pier is also available.
• Boating (Electric Motors Only): The lake is ideal for non-powered boats like canoes and kayaks, as well as those with electric motors, providing a peaceful environment for paddling.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Keystone State Park boasts over 8 miles of trails, ranging from easy loops like the 2-mile Lakeside Loop (ADA accessible) to more challenging paths through varied ecosystems, suitable for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
• Diverse Accommodation Types: Beyond traditional RV and tent sites, the availability of camping cottages and yurts offers unique glamping experiences for those seeking a blend of nature and comfort.
• Pet-Friendly Options: While Lakeside Campground itself generally does not permit pets on campsites (it's essential to confirm the current policy as this can vary by specific site or DCNR updates), the park's Hillside Campground, located in a more remote area of the park, is designed to accommodate campers with pets, ensuring that furry family members can also enjoy the state park. It's always best to verify specific pet policies and designated pet-friendly areas directly with the park when booking.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The park often provides environmental education and recreation programs from March to November, including guided walks and informational sessions, making it a great learning experience for all ages.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: The park's location offers easy driving access to the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and the Laurel Highlands, allowing visitors to explore nearby attractions, cultural sites, and other recreational opportunities.
• Winter Recreation: When conditions permit, the park offers ice fishing, ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing, extending its recreational appeal beyond the warmer months.

As part of the Pennsylvania State Parks system, Lakeside Campground operates under a standardized reservation and discount policy. While specific "promotions" in the traditional sense (like flash sales) might be less common than at private campgrounds, there are typically ways to make your stay more affordable:

• Advance Reservations: Most campsites, cottages, and yurts can be reserved up to 11 months in advance, allowing you to plan your trip well ahead of time and secure your preferred spot.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: Any unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, which can be an option for spontaneous trips, especially during off-peak seasons.
• Standardized Rates: Pennsylvania State Parks have set rates for their various accommodation types. You can find these rates on the official DCNR website or through the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center.
• Pennsylvania State Parks Gift Card: These gift cards can be used for reservations and purchases within the state park system.
• Reservation Cancellation/Change Policy: It's important to review their detailed policy on fees for cancellations, changes, or transfers, which can be found on the Pennsylvania State Parks website.
• Environmental Education Programs: While not a discount, the park offers free or low-cost environmental education and recreation programs that add significant value to your stay.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates and any potential seasonal offerings, it is always best to check the official Pennsylvania DCNR website for Keystone State Park or contact the park office directly.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Lakeside Campground and Keystone State Park, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA 15627-3679, USA (This is the park office address, which oversees the campground).

Phone for Park Office: (724) 668-2939

Toll-Free Phone for Reservations: 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757) - available Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Email: keystonesp@pa.gov

Online Reservations: Reservations for campsites, cottages, and yurts can be made through the official Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system on their website (reserveamerica.com/pennsylvaniastateparks).

It is highly recommended to call the park office directly or use the online reservation system for current availability, specific site details, and any updates regarding park facilities or operations.

For Pennsylvanians, Lakeside Campground within Keystone State Park represents an exceptional local gem for a myriad of reasons. Its most significant appeal lies in its convenient accessibility. Located in Westmoreland County, it’s just a short and pleasant drive from major population centers like Pittsburgh, making it an ideal destination for quick weekend getaways or even spontaneous day trips without the hassle of long-distance travel. This local advantage allows residents to maximize their time enjoying nature rather than being stuck in traffic.

Furthermore, the sheer diversity of camping experiences offered at Lakeside Campground caters to every preference. Whether you're an avid RVer seeking full hookups, a traditionalist who loves pitching a tent under the stars, or someone looking for the unique comfort of a furnished cabin or yurt, there’s an option perfectly suited for your needs. This flexibility means that Keystone Lake can be a go-to spot for various types of local adventurers, year after year. The abundance of recreational opportunities centered around Keystone Lake is another major draw. Locals can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach, fishing for various species, or peaceful boating (with electric motors only), providing a tranquil escape on the water. Beyond the lake, the extensive network of hiking trails invites exploration of the park's diverse ecosystems, offering a healthy and engaging way to connect with the natural world right in our backyard.

Finally, as part of the well-maintained Pennsylvania State Parks system, Lakeside Campground benefits from reliable facilities, including modern bathhouses and a helpful park staff, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. For Pennsylvanians seeking an easily accessible, versatile, and activity-rich outdoor retreat that offers a genuine escape into nature, Lakeside Campground at Keystone State Park is an undeniable top choice. It’s a true local treasure, ready to provide countless memorable moments for our community.

Lakeside Campground

Derry, PA 15627, USA