For Pennsylvanians seeking an authentic, primitive camping experience directly on one of the state's most beloved multi-use trails, the Montour Trail Campground offers a unique and invaluable resource. Located directly adjacent to the famous Montour Trail in South Park Township, this site is not your typical RV park with extensive amenities, but rather a dedicated spot for those embarking on long-distance bike trips or hikers looking for a peaceful overnight stop. It provides a rare opportunity to feel "out in the middle of nowhere" even while being surprisingly close to the city, making it a perfect quick escape for locals who appreciate simplicity and nature.
The campground is designed with the trail user in mind, offering a "primitive camp site with a single adirondack style shelter and a couple of official places for tents." For those unfamiliar, an Adirondack-style shelter is a three-sided log structure, offering basic protection from the elements, a classic feature for trailside camping. Beyond these designated spots, there is "plenty of ground for tents in front of the shelter," providing flexibility for various group sizes. This blend of simple infrastructure with ample natural space allows for a truly immersive outdoor experience.
One of the most appealing aspects, as highlighted by a repeat visitor, is the serene environment. The "creek that borders the site is pretty," adding to the tranquil atmosphere, and despite its proximity to urban areas, the site maintains a remarkable sense of solitude. Basic facilities like clean portable toilets and a garbage can are provided, ensuring convenience without detracting from the primitive feel. For locals who value accessibility to vast trail networks and a quiet night under the stars, the Montour Trail Campground serves as an essential and appreciated stop.
It's important to note that this campground caters specifically to trail users; those arriving by motor vehicle for "car camping" are not permitted, maintaining its integrity as a primitive, trail-oriented site. This helps preserve its quiet charm and ensures it remains a haven for bikepackers and hikers, solidifying its role as a vital link in the Montour Trail experience for Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts.
Montour Trail Campground is strategically located at 4500 Peters Creek Rd, South Park Township, PA 15129, USA. This address places it directly along the Montour Trail, a significant multi-use rail-trail that traverses Allegheny and Washington Counties in Pennsylvania. Its placement is ideal for trail users, providing a convenient overnight stop during long-distance cycling or hiking adventures.
South Park Township is a suburban area south of Pittsburgh, meaning the campground, while feeling secluded, is surprisingly accessible from the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area. For residents of Pittsburgh, the campground is a relatively short drive, typically within 30-45 minutes, making it a feasible option for a quick overnight trip without having to travel far into more remote regions of Pennsylvania. For those coming from other parts of Western Pennsylvania, access via major roadways like US-19 or PA-51 leading to South Park Township is straightforward.
A point of consideration, as noted in a customer review, is a particular section of the Montour Trail near this campground. If approaching "towards the end of the trail" from this spot, specifically for approximately 3.5 miles, the trail shares the road with cars, meaning there's no dedicated line for biking and walking. This detail is crucial for cyclists and walkers to be aware of when planning their route, especially concerning safety and comfort on that particular segment. However, the campground itself, with parking available "across the road" from the site, remains highly accessible for its intended users. The accessibility by trail, combined with reasonable driving access for dropping off or picking up gear, makes it a practical choice for local outdoor adventurers.
Address: 4500 Peters Creek Rd, South Park Township, PA 15129, USA
Phone: (412) 257-3011
Mobile Phone: +1 412-257-3011
For Pennsylvania residents, particularly those in the greater Pittsburgh area and avid users of the Montour Trail, the Montour Trail Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and highly valued primitive outdoor experience. Its strategic location directly on the Montour Trail in South Park Township makes it incredibly convenient for bikepackers and hikers seeking an overnight stop without straying far from their planned route. This accessibility allows locals to easily embark on multi-day adventures or simply enjoy a quick, immersive escape into nature close to home.
The campground's deliberate primitive nature is a significant draw. It provides a rare opportunity to experience true outdoor living with an Adirondack-style shelter and ample tent space, fostering a sense of being "out in the middle of nowhere" even while remaining relatively close to urban conveniences. This blend of wildness and accessibility is highly sought after by those who appreciate the raw beauty of camping without extensive facilities. The presence of clean portable toilets and a garbage can ensures that basic needs are met while maintaining the minimalist ethos of the site.
Furthermore, the bordering creek, which is stocked, adds to the natural appeal, offering opportunities for fishing and enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. The campground serves not just as a waypoint for long-distance adventurers, but also as a "primitive park" that locals visit, underscoring its role as a beloved community asset. While attention is required for the specific section of the Montour Trail that shares the road with cars, the campground itself provides a safe, serene, and incredibly convenient base for exploring one of Pennsylvania's premier rail trails.
In essence, Montour Trail Campground is perfectly tailored for Pennsylvania locals who embrace self-sufficient outdoor adventures, value privacy, and wish to maximize their time on the Montour Trail. It represents a vital connection point for the trail community, offering a genuine and highly appreciated primitive camping experience within easy reach of Western Pennsylvania homes.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Hiking
Gender-neutral restroom
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
The camp is nice. There is parking space across the road. Portable toilet is available. If you’re thinking about the hike on Montour from this spot towards the end of the trail, think twice. There is no dedicated line for biking and walking for the next 3.5 miles. The road is shared with the cars.
I stayed at this camp site twice in the fall of 2024 as part of a long distance bike trip. This is a primitive camp site with a single adirondack style shelter and a couple of official places for tents. There is, however, plenty of ground for tents in front of the shelter. The creek that borders the site is pretty and even though you are pretty close to the city, you feel like you were out in the middle of nowhere. There were one or two portable outhouses at the site that were clean and a single garbage can. No four legged critters bothered me while I was there. The creek is stocked and you will sometimes have people come though to fish and the locals will sometimes visit as the site serves the purpose of a primitive park in some ways. This is a nice place and I appreciated having it while riding the Montour trail.
Camping area is spacious. There is one fairly new (2016) well built Adirondack that could easily sleep 6-8 people if you wanted. There is also a port a Jon within a hundred yards. A creek runs right along the campground making you feel like you're more isolated even though the road is pretty close by. You can easily walk along the Montour trail to get here or simply use this area as a place to car camp as one of the Montour trail parking lots is close by.
Cool little spot to pitch a tent along the trail
Such a surreal little campground nestled off the path and near the creek. Very cool little place to have a fire or go for a nature walk.