Dravo's Landing Camping Area

- Elizabeth Township, PA 15018

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvanians who embrace the outdoor life—especially those near the Pittsburgh area who live and breathe the trail system—Dravo's Landing Camping Area is a hidden gem and a crucial piece of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) experience. This isn't your typical drive-in, full-service RV park. Instead, Dravo's Landing is a dedicated Hiker-Biker Campground, offering an authentic, primitive, and highly accessible trailside camping opportunity. It is a welcoming, essential stopping point for cyclists and hikers traversing the iconic GAP trail, providing necessary amenities and a beautiful, restful setting right along the Youghiogheny River.

Maintained primarily by the Regional Trail Corporation and local volunteer efforts, this campground operates on a simple, first-come, first-served basis, making it uniquely valuable for spontaneous local adventurers and long-distance travelers alike. It embodies the rustic, self-reliant spirit of Pennsylvania's vast trail network, offering a chance to connect directly with the region’s natural beauty and history without the commercial distractions of larger parks. For locals looking for a quick, free, and genuine bikepacking or hiking experience close to home, Dravo's Landing is the perfect local resource.

Location and Accessibility

Dravo's Landing Camping Area is located near Elizabeth Township in Allegheny County, serving as one of the closest trailside camping options to the city of Pittsburgh on the GAP trail. This strategic location makes it incredibly accessible for locals starting or ending their journey near the city.

Address (Approximate Geographic Location):

Elizabeth Township, PA 15018, USA

More specifically, the campground sits at approximately Mile Marker 122.6 on the Great Allegheny Passage, placing it roughly 26 to 27 miles from the trail's starting point at Pittsburgh’s Point State Park. Accessibility is unique: the site is specifically designated as a Hiker-Biker campground, meaning access is primarily by foot or bicycle directly from the Great Allegheny Passage trail. This design choice preserves the site's tranquility and ensures it caters specifically to trail users.

While the address references Elizabeth Township, the closest vehicular access and entry points to the trail are typically found in nearby towns like McKeesport or Buena Vista, making it a short ride or hike for residents of the Mon Valley area. Being situated along the Youghiogheny River also provides a picturesque, waterfront setting, deeply integrating the camping experience with the natural landscape of Western Pennsylvania. For Pittsburgh-area residents, it is the ideal first overnight stop for an eastbound GAP trip, or a welcome last stop for a westbound journey.

Services Offered

Dravo's Landing Camping Area offers essential, primitive services designed to support self-sufficient trail users. The key is practicality and functionality rather than luxury.

Ample Tent Space: An expansive, open, grassy camping area capable of accommodating 25 to 30 tents comfortably, ideal for both solo travelers and larger groups.

Adirondack Shelters: The site features two Adirondack-style lean-to shelters, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering protection from the elements.

Potable Water Access: Potable drinking water is available via a well with a pump, though users should always be prepared to treat water or carry extra, especially outside of the main season (availability is typically April 15 through October 31).

Composting Toilets: The campground is equipped with at least one clean, well-maintained composting (SST) toilet for guest use.

Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Multiple picnic tables and designated fire rings are available across the site, perfect for meal preparation and evening relaxation.

Provided Firewood: A notable highlight is the free firewood, often cut and stacked by local volunteer groups, such as the Mon/Yough Trail Council, enhancing the rustic camping experience.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Dravo's Landing apart are the features that celebrate its unique location and its role in the Pennsylvania trail community.

Trailside Convenience (GAP Mile 122.6): As a dedicated hiker-biker campground, its location is perfect for multi-day trips on the Great Allegheny Passage, serving as a critical overnight link on the path to Washington D.C.

Free, First-Come, First-Served: There are no fees and no reservations required for this Regional Trail Corporation-managed site, offering invaluable accessibility and affordability for all Pennsylvania adventurers.

Riverside Setting: Located directly on the banks of the Youghiogheny River, the site offers picturesque views, the soothing sounds of the river, and opportunities for riverside relaxation.

Historic Dravo Cemetery Adjacency: The campground sits next to the historic Dravo Cemetery, established in 1812. This unique feature adds a layer of local history and character, often becoming a topic of conversation or a setting for campfire stories.

Large Pavilion: A 16’ x 20’ pavilion shelter is available, providing a communal gathering spot and excellent protection from rain or intense sun, a major benefit for groups or during inclement weather.

Community Support: The presence of local volunteer organizations that actively maintain the site and provide firewood highlights the strong, supportive trail community in Western Pennsylvania.

Contact Information

As a free, public-use, first-come, first-served campsite primarily managed by a non-profit organization (the Regional Trail Corporation), Dravo's Landing does not have a dedicated, direct phone number for reservations. Information and inquiries are typically directed through the managing entities.

Address:

Elizabeth Township, PA 15018, USA (Referenced by its location at GAP Mile Marker 122.6)

Phone:

Contact information is not available for direct site reservations. For general inquiries about the Great Allegheny Passage campsites or trail conditions, locals are advised to check the official Regional Trail Corporation website.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Dravo's Landing Camping Area is uniquely suitable for Pennsylvania locals, especially those in the southwestern region, because it offers an authentic, affordable, and accessible escape. For Pittsburgh-area residents, it is close enough for a spontaneous weekend bikepacking trip but feels sufficiently removed to provide a genuine backcountry experience.

The site’s free, first-come policy democratizes camping, allowing any resident to enjoy the beauty of the Youghiogheny River and the cultural gem that is the GAP trail without advance booking or financial barriers. It is a true testament to the spirit of public lands and community collaboration in the Keystone State. Whether you're a seasoned GAP cyclist completing a long haul, or a local family introducing children to tent camping and regional history, Dravo's Landing provides the perfect blend of essential amenities, historical context, and rugged riverside charm, making it an irreplaceable local favorite.

Dravo's Landing Camping Area

Elizabeth Township, PA 15018, USA