Cedar Creek Trekker Campground

- Smithton, PA 15479

For dedicated cyclists, long-distance hikers, and outdoor adventurers across Pennsylvania, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail is a regional gem. As local users know, finding convenient, safe, and quality overnight stays along this 150-mile path between Pittsburgh and Cumberland is paramount to a successful trek. Cedar Creek Trekker Campground, nestled within the beautiful Cedar Creek Park in Smithton, PA, is precisely one of those essential, highly-valued stops.

Operated by Westmoreland County Parks, this campsite is specifically designated as a Hiker-Biker Campground, meaning it is set aside for individuals or families actively traveling the trail or the adjacent Youghiogheny River. Its unique focus on "trekkers"—those traveling by human power—ensures a supportive community atmosphere and a simplicity that aligns with the spirit of trail life. Importantly, this site is widely known among the GAP community for being a free, first-come, first-served camping area, which underscores its value as a true public service to the recreational community of the Commonwealth.

Positioned along the scenic Youghiogheny River, the campground offers a blend of rugged trail camping with a touch of thoughtful amenity, including the popular Adirondack-style shelters. It provides a reliable and much-appreciated haven for Pennsylvanians embarking on the multi-day adventure of traversing the GAP, whether heading towards Pittsburgh or south toward the Maryland border. Its simple, effective, and picturesque setup solidifies its reputation as a local outdoor favorite.

Cedar Creek Trekker Campground is strategically located within the larger Cedar Creek Park, situated in Smithton, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, with the ZIP code 15479. This location places it conveniently between the larger towns of West Newton and Connellsville, making it a natural overnight break point on the GAP Trail.

Accessibility is primarily centered around the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. The campsite is literally trailside, making it immediately accessible for cyclists and hikers upon arrival at the Cedar Creek Park section.

• P: Direct Trail Access: It is located at approximately Mile Marker 110.3 on the GAP Trail, offering a prime spot for those beginning or ending major legs of the journey.
• P: Proximity to the Youghiogheny River: The campground sites directly overlook the 'Yough' River, providing a scenic backdrop and easy access for paddlers using the river for recreation.
• P: Vehicle Access and Registration: While the campground itself is intended for trail users (no motorized or pull-behind RVs are permitted), Cedar Creek Park offers ample parking. For those starting a trip here and leaving a vehicle, a car registration form must be filled out at the main park kiosk and dropped in the designated box to alert park staff of the overnight parking, as park gates are locked at dusk.

The accessibility is geared toward low-impact travel, reinforcing its status as an environmentally conscious and dedicated resource for the active Pennsylvania user. The community of Smithton, a recognized "trail town," is also nearby, offering a few local businesses and services just a short distance away.

The services at Cedar Creek Trekker Campground are specifically tailored to the fundamental needs of the trail user, emphasizing simplicity, shelter, and self-sufficiency:

• P: Free Camping: The site is offered free of charge exclusively to those traveling the GAP Trail or Youghiogheny River.
• P: Adirondack-Style Shelters: Several open-front, covered wooden structures (known as 'Adirondack shelters') are available, offering essential protection from rain and cold, especially valued by cyclists and hikers.
• P: Potable Water: Drinking water is typically available at the site. Users should note that, in line with standard Pennsylvania park procedure, potable water is usually shut off during winter months (often from approximately late October through mid-April).
• P: Basic Restroom Facilities: A compost toilet or basic public restroom facility is available for sanitation needs. There are no shower facilities on-site, aligning with its rustic trekker status.
• P: Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite, whether a tent site or an Adirondack shelter, includes a picnic table and a steel fire ring for cooking and warmth.
• P: Firewood: The campsite is known to have readily available firewood and kindling on-site, a significant convenience for trail-weary campers.
• P: Designated Tent Space: In addition to the shelters, there is open, grassy space for users who prefer to pitch their own tents.
• P: Maximum Stay: Use is limited to a two-night maximum stay (some official sources cite a three-night maximum), ensuring fair access for the continuous flow of trail travelers.

Cedar Creek Trekker Campground’s unique features make it a standout choice for local residents seeking an authentic and memorable outdoor experience:

• P: The 'Adirondack Advantage': The availability of these covered shelters is a major highlight, especially for Pennsylvanians who know how quickly weather can change. They offer a dry, comfortable space, often including a fireplace, which is invaluable on colder nights or during unexpected rainstorms.
• P: Riverside Vistas: The campsite sits right by the Youghiogheny River, offering stunning, tranquil views of the water and surrounding forests, perfect for relaxing after a long day of physical activity.
• P: True Trail Community: As a designated trekker-only, free site, it fosters a great sense of community among fellow Pennsylvania bikers and hikers, often leading to shared stories and resources around the campfire.
• P: Central Park Amenities Access: While the campsite itself is rustic, its location within the larger Cedar Creek Park means campers have nearby access to the park’s wider offerings, including extensive playgrounds, a dog park, and the scenic Cedar Creek Gorge Interpretive Area.
• P: Excellent Safety Measures: The site is reportedly monitored by local park police patrols, which provides an added layer of security and maintenance highly appreciated by solo travelers and families alike.

The Cedar Creek Trekker Campground is managed as a facility of Westmoreland County Parks. The best way to get official, up-to-date information is through the county’s main parks department.

P: General Location Address: Cedar Creek Trekker Campground, Smithton, PA 15479, USA

P: Park Management Contact Phone: 724-830-3950 (Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation)

P: Note on Reservations: Camping at the Trekker Campground is on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not taken. The phone number above is primarily for general park information, including the seasonal status of the potable water supply, and for information regarding the necessary overnight vehicle registration for GAP trail users.

Cedar Creek Trekker Campground is a prime example of Pennsylvania’s dedication to outdoor recreation and accessibility for its residents. Its suitability for locals stems from three key pillars: value, location, and amenity.

First, the fact that it is a free camping opportunity for trail users demonstrates a commitment to making Pennsylvania's outdoor resources available to everyone, regardless of budget. Second, its location in Smithton, easily accessible from the Pittsburgh metro area and a perfect mid-point on the Western Pennsylvania section of the GAP, makes it a convenient and practical base for a weekend trip or a multi-day trek. Finally, the inclusion of the Adirondack shelters and the ready availability of firewood elevate the experience beyond basic tent camping, providing a genuine feeling of security and comfort that is hard to find at no cost.

For the Pennsylvania resident seeking an authentic GAP Trail experience, a picturesque riverside stop, or simply a night spent outdoors with the convenience of a sturdy shelter, Cedar Creek Trekker Campground is a highly recommended and invaluable resource that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Laurel Highlands' outdoor community.

Cedar Creek Trekker Campground

Smithton, PA 15479, USA