Cedar Creek Park Scout Camping Area

- 56GH+RP, Smithton, PA 15479

Introduction / Overview

Nestled within the beautiful 479-acre expanse of Westmoreland County’s Cedar Creek Park, the **Cedar Creek Park Hiker-Biker Campground** (sometimes referred to as the Scout Camping Area or Trekker Campground) is a prized gem for Pennsylvania’s outdoor community. This facility is strategically located directly on the world-famous Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail, offering a convenient, affordable, and scenic stop for through-hikers and cyclists. Unlike the park’s separate, fee-based organized group camping areas, the Hiker-Biker Campground is provided completely **free of charge** as a dedicated service to individuals and families traveling the GAP Trail.

The campsite is designed to offer a rustic, yet well-supported overnight experience. It operates on a strict first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken for the trailside sites, ensuring maximum flexibility for travelers with variable itineraries. The campground’s commitment to providing essential amenities, coupled with its stunning location overlooking the Youghiogheny River, makes it an essential and highly appreciated stop along the 150-mile trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland. It perfectly complements the park's wider recreational offerings, which include extensive playgrounds, pavilions, and access to the notable Cedar Creek Gorge Interpretive Area.

Location and Accessibility

The Cedar Creek Park Hiker-Biker Campground is located at the far eastern end of Cedar Creek Park, placing it squarely on the Great Allegheny Passage at approximately **GAP Mile 110.3**. Its geographic location can be loosely identified with the address: **Smithton, PA 15479, USA**.

The site is easily accessible to trail users, sitting directly alongside the crushed-limestone path. For eastbound travelers leaving Pittsburgh, it is located approximately 39 miles from the city, making it a perfect first full-day ride destination. For those approaching from the east, it is only 21.5 miles from Connellsville. While the campground itself is directly adjacent to the trail and the Youghiogheny River, the broader Cedar Creek Park is accessible by road. However, **motorized vehicles and pull-behind RVs are strictly not permitted** at the Hiker-Biker camping area itself, maintaining its quiet, trail-focused atmosphere.

A key service for locals beginning their multi-day GAP journey here is **overnight parking**. Travelers wishing to leave their vehicle at Cedar Creek Park while on the trail must stop at the registration kiosk where the main park road crosses the trail. A registration form must be filled out and dropped in the box to alert park staff. **A critical note:** Park gates are locked at dusk, so vehicles left overnight will be secured until the park opens in the morning.

Services Offered

As a designated free "Trekker" facility managed by Westmoreland County Parks, the campground provides essential services specifically catering to self-supported trail users:

• Free, First-Come, First-Served Camping: The site is free for trail users only, requiring no fee or reservation.

• Shelter Structures: The campground features a pair of **Adirondack-style shelters (lean-tos)**, which provide covered, basic protection for a few occupants on a first-come basis.

• Tent Camping Space: Plenty of open grassy space is available for pitching tents, with several designated campsites that include tables and fire rings.

• Potable Water Source (Seasonal): Potable (drinkable) water is available, typically from April 15 to October 31. Users should confirm availability outside of this window and be prepared with filtration gear.

• Rustic Restroom Facilities: Basic restroom facilities, often in the form of composting or pit toilets, are provided for sanitation needs.

• Fire Rings and Firewood: Each campsite contains a fire ring, and park maintenance staff **provides firewood** for use at the designated campsites. Campfires must be completely extinguished upon departure.

• Maximum Stay Limit: To ensure accessibility for all GAP travelers, a maximum stay of two nights is enforced.

Features / Highlights

Cedar Creek Park’s Hiker-Biker Campground is highly regarded for several key features that enhance the experience for trail users:

• Riverfront Views: The campsite is perched along the beautiful Youghiogheny River, offering serene views and a tranquil backdrop for an overnight stay.

• Multi-Purpose Park Access: Campers have access to the wider Cedar Creek Park amenities, which include extensive playgrounds, pavilions, and the scenic **Cedar Creek Gorge Interpretive Area**, complete with suspension bridges and cascading water.

• Overnight Parking Option: Unlike many trailside camps, Cedar Creek offers a formal system for **secure overnight parking** for GAP users, a massive convenience for locals starting their trip from this location.

• Reliable Amenities: The presence of free, pre-supplied firewood and dependable, seasonal potable water makes logistical planning much easier for bikepackers and hikers.

• Community Atmosphere: It’s known as an "awesome place" for through hikers and cyclists, providing a reliable spot to rest and connect with others traveling the GAP.

• Official Westmoreland County Management: Being officially managed by the County Parks Department ensures a high level of maintenance, cleanliness, and periodic security patrols.

Contact Information

The Cedar Creek Park Hiker-Biker Campground is managed by the Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation Department. Inquiries regarding the Hiker-Biker area or the park’s overall operations should be directed to the County’s main parks office.

Address:

Westmoreland County Parks & Recreation Phone:

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in the Greater Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA regions, the Cedar Creek Park Hiker-Biker Campground is perfectly suited as a recreational asset. It offers an invaluable opportunity to engage with the world-class Great Allegheny Passage in a way that is both **cost-free and convenient**. Its location at GAP Mile 110.3 makes it a comfortable one-day cycling distance from Pittsburgh or a perfect midway point for a two or three-day loop utilizing nearby commercial lodging.

The availability of dedicated overnight parking is a major logistical bonus for local groups planning a multi-day bikepacking trip. By providing essential services like potable water, shelters, and firewood—all free of charge—the County removes major barriers to entry for residents wanting to try out long-distance trail camping. It stands as a testament to the local commitment to public recreation, providing a safe, clean, and beautiful riverfront spot where Pennsylvanians can connect with nature, history, and the vibrant trail community flowing right through their backyard.

Cedar Creek Park Scout Camping Area

56GH+RP, Smithton, PA 15479, USA