Hillside Campground

For Pennsylvanians seeking a refreshing escape into the heart of nature, Hillside Campground in Derry, PA, offers a truly inviting destination. Nestled within or immediately adjacent to the picturesque Keystone State Park, this campground provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with a comfortable blend of amenities and natural beauty. It’s a beloved spot for many locals, known for its serene setting and access to a wealth of recreational activities that define a true Pennsylvania outdoor adventure.

Hillside Campground is often distinguished from the more bustling Lakeside Campground within Keystone State Park, frequently praised for its quieter, more remote feel. As one visitor noted, "Hillside campground is where its at... The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods. There are some very secluded sites." This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate privacy and a deeper connection with the wooded surroundings, even while enjoying the convenience of a well-managed park system. It caters to a variety of camping styles, from traditional tenting to comfortable RV stays and even cozy cabin rentals, ensuring there’s an option for almost every preference.

The appeal of Hillside Campground lies not just in its campsites but in the entire experience it offers. It's a gateway to exploring the 1,200-acre Keystone State Park, with its beautiful lake, extensive trail system, and diverse wildlife. Whether you're planning a quiet weekend retreat, a family vacation filled with outdoor activities, or a peaceful escape with your furry friend (as the Hillside section is typically pet-friendly), Hillside Campground provides a welcoming environment that embodies the charm of Pennsylvania camping.

Hillside Campground is located at 536 Hillside Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA. This places it within Westmoreland County, approximately 35 miles east of Pittsburgh, making it a highly accessible natural escape for residents of the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area and beyond. Its prime location is a significant advantage for locals, allowing for relatively short drives to a genuine wilderness experience.

The campground is part of or directly associated with Keystone State Park, which is easily reached from the intersection of PA 981 and US 22. The park office is on SR 1018 (Keystone Park Road), and the campground itself can be accessed from Stone Lodge Road and Slag Road. The roads leading to and within the park are generally well-maintained, ensuring a smooth journey for both cars and RVs.

This strategic location means campers at Hillside are not only enveloped by the natural beauty of the park but also have convenient access to local services in Derry and surrounding communities for any forgotten supplies or dining options. The park's proximity to major roadways like US 22 also makes it a practical stop for those exploring the wider Laurel Highlands region, known for its scenic beauty, historical sites, and recreational opportunities like those found in Ohiopyle State Park or at the Flight 93 Memorial.

Hillside Campground, as part of Keystone State Park, provides a range of services and facilities designed to enhance the camping experience, focusing on comfort while retaining a natural setting:

• Campsites: Offers 60 campsites primarily for tents or campers, with a mix of electric hook-ups (30 and 50 amp available) and non-electric options. Some sites are described as having concrete pads.
• Modern Bathhouses: Both the Hillside and Lakeside campgrounds feature modern bathhouses with restrooms and warm showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV campers.
• Water Access: Potable water is available within the campground loops.
• Pet-Friendly Area: Notably, the Hillside Campground section is designated as pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.
• Cabin Rentals: While not directly within Hillside Campground, Keystone State Park offers modern cabins and rustic camping cottages nearby, providing alternative lodging options for those who prefer more amenities or don't own camping equipment.
• On-Site Store (at Keystone State Park): A small store near the main boat launch provides snacks, drinks, and basic camping and fishing supplies.
• Fishing and Boating Access: Direct access to Keystone Lake for fishing (stocked with trout, bass, etc.) and non-powered or electric-powered boating.
• Hiking Trail Access: Direct access to a network of hiking trails within Keystone State Park, suitable for various skill levels.

Hillside Campground and its surrounding area within Keystone State Park boast numerous features and highlights that draw visitors from across Pennsylvania:

• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Often praised for being "set in the woods" and less crowded than the Lakeside loop, offering more privacy and a peaceful environment.
• Beautiful Wooded Setting: Campsites are nestled among mature trees, providing natural shade and a sense of immersion in the forest.
• Pet-Friendly: A major highlight for dog owners, as the Hillside section allows pets, making it a perfect spot for the entire family, including four-legged members.
• Access to Keystone Lake: While slightly more remote than Lakeside, campers at Hillside are still within easy reach of the 78-acre Keystone Lake, popular for fishing, swimming (at the designated beach during season), and boating (electric motors only).
• Extensive Trail System: Direct access to over 8 miles of hiking trails within Keystone State Park, ranging from easy loops around the lake to more challenging climbs through the forest. Ideal for walking, jogging, and wildlife observation.
• Clean Facilities: Visitors consistently commend the cleanliness of the facilities, including the bathhouses and grounds.
• Variety of Site Types: Offers tent platforms, strip sites, wooded sites, and primitive sites for tenting, along with RV sites that can handle various travel trailers, ensuring a good fit for different camping styles.
• Year-Round Recreation: While camping is seasonal, Keystone State Park itself offers year-round activities like ice fishing, ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing when conditions permit.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The park, including its campgrounds, is well-suited for families with amenities like a beach, playground (at the lake), and opportunities for various outdoor adventures.

Hillside Campground
Address: 536 Hillside Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
While a direct phone number for Hillside Campground specifically isn't typically listed separately from Keystone State Park, all reservations and inquiries for Pennsylvania State Parks campgrounds are generally handled centrally.
For Reservations and Information:
Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center:
Phone: 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757)
Online: pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Keystone State Park Office:
Phone: (724) 668-2939
It is always recommended to check the official Pennsylvania State Parks website or call the reservation center for the most up-to-date information on availability, rates, and park conditions before your visit.

For Pennsylvania locals, Hillside Campground in Derry represents an exceptional opportunity to experience the natural beauty and recreational abundance of Keystone State Park. Its strategic location, just a short drive from Pittsburgh and other population centers, means a quick and easy escape into the serenity of the Westmoreland County woods. This convenience makes it perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or planned family vacations without the hassle of long-distance travel.

The unique advantage of choosing the Hillside section is its reputation for being quieter and more secluded, providing a more intimate connection with nature. For pet owners, it's a huge bonus to have a designated pet-friendly area where their beloved companions can join in the outdoor fun. Whether you’re interested in leisurely strolls around Keystone Lake, more challenging hikes through forested trails, or simply relaxing by a campfire, Hillside provides the ideal base.

With clean, modern facilities and easy access to a wealth of park amenities, Hillside Campground caters to a wide range of camping styles and preferences. It’s a testament to Pennsylvania’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality outdoor recreation for its residents. For any Pennsylvanian seeking a peaceful, picturesque, and pet-inclusive camping experience that feels both remote and conveniently close to home, Hillside Campground is undoubtedly a top choice.