Dravo's Landing Camping Area

- Elizabeth Township, PA 15018

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvanians planning an adventure on the world-renowned Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, **Dravo’s Landing Camping Area**—also widely known as Dravo Hiker-Biker Campground—stands out as a crucial and highly popular overnight stop. This expansive trailside facility offers a welcoming, rustic experience that is specifically tailored for those traveling by bicycle or on foot, making it an ideal gateway for those beginning or concluding their journey near the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Located strategically along the beautiful Youghiogheny River, Dravo’s Landing is managed by the Regional Trail Corporation as a free, first-come, first-served campground. It represents the best of the GAP Trail’s commitment to providing low-cost, convenient, and scenic accommodation for long-distance travelers. Unlike commercial campgrounds, Dravo maintains a simple, peaceful atmosphere, offering essential amenities that allow trail users to rest, recharge, and connect with fellow adventurers without the need for advance reservations or payment. Its reputation for being clean, spacious, and well-maintained by local volunteer groups, like the Mon/Yough Trail Council, makes it a favored stop for locals undertaking short bikepacking trips or the full route to Cumberland, Maryland.

Location and Accessibility

Dravo’s Landing is situated on the Great Allegheny Passage at **Mile Marker 122.6**, which places it just 27 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh’s Point State Park, the terminus of the GAP Trail. The campground is officially located in the vicinity of **Elizabeth Township, PA 15018**, near the communities of Sutersville and Buena Vista.

This prime location makes it the last free hiker-biker camping area for westbound travelers before reaching the city, or the perfect first stop for eastbound adventurers leaving Pittsburgh. Its trailside position is absolute: **the only practical access to the site is via the GAP Trail itself**. There is no road access for motor vehicles, preserving the tranquil, secluded experience that outdoor enthusiasts value. This feature ensures that the campground remains a true haven for hikers and cyclists. Situated directly along the banks of the Youghiogheny River, the site offers lovely views and easy access to the water. The campsite’s immediate neighbor is the **Historic Dravo Cemetery**, dating back to 1812, which adds a unique, atmospheric, and historically rich element to the immediate surroundings. Finding the campsite is easy; for eastbound riders, it is located on the left side of the trail, immediately following the old cemetery grounds.

Services Offered

As a designated "Trekker" campground managed by the Regional Trail Corporation, Dravo’s Landing is equipped with fundamental amenities to meet the needs of self-supported trail users, enhancing the traditional primitive camping experience:

• Free, Flexible Camping: The campsite is completely free of charge and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring no advance reservations. This is ideal for variable travel schedules.

• Ample Tent Space: The area is an expansive, open grassy space designed to comfortably accommodate between 25 and 30 tents.

• Two Adirondack-Style Shelters: The site features two covered, three-sided lean-to shelters, which are vital for providing protection from sudden rain or morning dew, and are highly sought-after, first-come amenities.

• Potable Water Source (Seasonal): Potable (drinkable) water is generally available from a well with a pump on-site, typically from April 15 to October 31. This is a significant convenience for trail users, though it is always recommended to carry a filter or backup water purification method.

• Sanitation Facilities: A pair of well-maintained **composting toilets (SST toilets)** provides essential restroom facilities for campers.

• Group Picnic Areas: There are eight sturdy picnic tables, many of which are covered, offering plenty of space for meal preparation and dining.

• Fire and Cooking Rings: Three designated fire rings are available, along with **free, pre-cut firewood**, which is generously provided and stacked by the local volunteer group, the Mon/Yough Trail Council, for the enjoyment of travelers.

• Large Pavilion Shelter: A 16' x 20' covered pavilion is available, offering a large communal space protected from both rain and sun, a major benefit for larger groups or during inclement weather.

Features / Highlights

Dravo’s Landing is notable for several features that make it a favorite among Pennsylvania’s trail community:

• Closest Free Camp to Pittsburgh: At GAP Mile 122.6, it serves as the closest free hiker-biker campsite to the Pittsburgh trailhead, making it perfect for weekend overnights or as a strategic first stop.

• Potable Water Availability: Unlike some other GAP trail campgrounds, Dravo’s Landing typically offers potable water seasonally, a crucial feature that reduces the need for extensive water carrying or filtering.

• Historical Ambiance: The adjacent **Historic Dravo Cemetery** provides a unique and memorable backdrop, inspiring stories and adding a rich, local historical flavor to the camping experience that many trail users find fascinating.

• Volunteer-Supported Amenities: The reliable availability of **free firewood**, thanks to the dedication of the Mon/Yough Trail Council, is an exceptional highlight that greatly improves the rustic camping experience.

• Spacious and Riverfront Setting: The large, open grassy area and direct proximity to the Youghiogheny River provide a relaxing environment, often noted for being clean and well-kept.

• Community Hub: As a popular stop, Dravo's Landing is an excellent place to meet and socialize with fellow hikers and cyclists from all over the world, sharing trail stories and tips.

Contact Information

As a free, unsourced trailside campsite, Dravo’s Landing does not have a formal visitor center or on-site staff. It is administered by the Regional Trail Corporation (RTC). For inquiries regarding group usage (typically for groups of 10 or more), permits, or general information, the RTC is the appropriate contact.

Address:

Primary Phone (Regional Trail Corporation):

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Dravo’s Landing Camping Area is an excellent fit for Pennsylvania residents, especially those in the western region, for several compelling reasons. Its location—just a short, manageable 27-mile ride from Pittsburgh—makes it perfect for local weekend trips, short-notice overnights, or as a convenient starting point for longer adventures without extensive travel to the trailhead. For Pennsylvanians who are just getting into bikepacking or long-distance hiking, Dravo provides an ideal, **low-commitment introduction to the trail lifestyle**.

The site’s status as a free, well-equipped resource underscores the accessibility of Pennsylvania’s premier rail-trail experience. Knowing that a dependable place with **potable water, shelter, and free firewood** awaits significantly eases the logistics of an outdoor excursion. Whether you are seeking a peaceful spot by the Youghiogheny River for fishing, a unique historical experience next to the Dravo Cemetery, or simply a social hub to meet the vibrant GAP trail community, Dravo’s Landing delivers. It’s a proud piece of the local trail network that supports affordable, memorable, and high-quality outdoor recreation for everyone in the Commonwealth.

Dravo's Landing Camping Area

Elizabeth Township, PA 15018, USA