Hillside Campground: Your Tranquil Escape in Keystone State Park, Derry, PA

For residents across Pennsylvania seeking an immersive natural experience without straying too far from home, Hillside Campground in Derry, PA, offers an inviting escape. Nestled within the picturesque Keystone State Park, this campground provides a tranquil setting amidst the lush landscapes of Westmoreland County. It stands as an excellent choice for those who appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, offering a blend of rustic charm and essential modern conveniences. Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast, a traditional tent camper, or someone simply looking to unwind in nature, Hillside Campground provides a welcoming environment to create lasting memories.

Unlike some larger, more bustling campgrounds, Hillside Campground offers a more remote and secluded experience within Keystone State Park. This makes it particularly appealing for campers with pets, as it is the designated pet-friendly camping area within the park. Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds, enjoying a peaceful morning coffee by your campfire, and then heading out to explore the miles of trails or spend a day by the lake. This campground is part of a larger state park system that is dedicated to preserving Pennsylvania's natural beauty while providing accessible recreational opportunities for all its citizens. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the everyday hustle and reconnect with nature, all within the beautiful confines of your home state.

Hillside Campground is located at 536 Hillside Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA. This places it within Keystone State Park in Derry Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Westmoreland County is part of southwestern Pennsylvania, an area celebrated for its scenic beauty, historical significance, and access to the stunning Laurel Highlands region.

The accessibility of Hillside Campground is a significant advantage for Pennsylvanians. It's conveniently situated less than an hour's drive east of downtown Pittsburgh, making it an excellent option for a quick weekend getaway for residents of the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area. For those traveling from other parts of the state, it's approximately 40 minutes from Johnstown and just over an hour from Altoona. The park is located three miles from the intersection of PA 981 and US 22, ensuring relatively easy access via major roadways. The park office itself is on SR 1018, Keystone Park Road, while the campground, cabins, and visitor center are specifically accessible from Stone Lodge Road, which can be reached from Slag Road (T 860). All roads within the park are paved, facilitating easy navigation for RVs and trailers. This prime location allows campers to enjoy a serene natural setting while remaining within a reasonable driving distance of urban amenities and other regional attractions, making it a highly practical choice for local users throughout Pennsylvania.

Hillside Campground, as part of Keystone State Park, provides essential services and facilities to ensure a comfortable camping experience for its guests.

Campsites: The campground offers approximately 60 tent and trailer sites. These sites are available with gravel, asphalt, or grass surfaces.
Electric Hookups: Many campsites at Hillside Campground are equipped with electric hookups, offering both 30-amp and 50-amp service to accommodate a range of RVs and campers. It is important to note that while electric hookups are available, water hookups are not directly at the campsites; however, water faucets are accessible throughout the campground for filling tanks.
Modern Bathhouses: Both campgrounds within Keystone State Park, including Hillside, feature modern bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers, providing a comfortable and clean experience for campers.
Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient sanitary dump station is available within the park for RVs and trailers to dispose of wastewater.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is furnished with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.
On-site Store: A small store is available within Keystone State Park, offering basic camping and fishing supplies, snacks, and drinks, which can be a lifesasaver for forgotten items or quick refreshments.
Free Camping for Campground Hosts: The park offers two host positions, where hosts receive a complimentary site with electric service in exchange for assisting park personnel with 40 hours of work per week.

Hillside Campground distinguishes itself with several features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a prime camping destination for Pennsylvanians.

Pet-Friendly Environment: This is a key highlight for many campers. Hillside Campground is the designated pet-friendly area within Keystone State Park, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along for the adventure (pets are not permitted in the Lakeside Campground). This makes it an ideal choice for pet owners across Pennsylvania who want to include their animals in their outdoor excursions.
Secluded and Quiet Setting: Unlike the potentially busier Lakeside Campground, Hillside is described as being in a "more remote area of the park" and "doesn't get near the crowds." This offers a quieter and more private camping experience, with some very secluded sites available for those seeking maximum tranquility. One review even noted, "Very quiet clean facilities quiet hours are from 9pm-8am."
Access to Keystone Lake: While Hillside Campground is more remote, it still provides excellent access to the 78-acre Keystone Lake. This man-made lake is a central feature of the park, offering opportunities for fishing (stocked with trout, bass, crappie, and catfish), non-powered and electric-powered boating, and swimming at the designated beach (open Memorial Day to Labor Day).
Extensive Trail System: The park boasts eight miles of hiking trails, perfect for exploring the diverse environments of the park. Trails are available for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, offering year-round recreational opportunities.
Wildlife Watching: The park's diverse habitats provide ample opportunities for wildlife watching, including various bird species and other local fauna.
Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers frequently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, with comments like "Very clean park and shower house does not have the timed showers of Lakeside," highlighting the quality of the amenities.
Variety of Site Options: Campers can choose between open, shaded, or partially shaded sites, allowing for selection based on personal preference and weather conditions. RVs up to 55 feet in length can be accommodated.
Year-Round Park Activities: While camping is seasonal (early April to mid-October), Keystone State Park itself offers year-round activities, including winter recreation like sledding, ice skating, and ice fishing when conditions permit, and environmental education programs at the James A. Kell Visitor Center.

As part of the Pennsylvania State Park system, Hillside Campground primarily adheres to the standard reservation and pricing policies set by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Specific promotions or special offers are not typically offered by individual state park campgrounds in the same way a private campground might. However, value can be found through:

Standardized, Affordable Rates: State park camping rates are generally set to be accessible and provide good value for the amenities and natural beauty offered.
Discount Programs for Senior/Access Pass Holders: Individuals holding an Interagency Senior Pass or Interagency Access Pass (federal passes) may receive discounts on campsite fees where applicable, though it's important to confirm eligibility and application for state park facilities.
Booking Flexibility (within DCNR rules): Most campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance, allowing for significant planning. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any specific park advisories or policies, it is always best to consult the official Pennsylvania DCNR website for Keystone State Park or use the state park reservation system.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Hillside Campground within Keystone State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 536 Hillside Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA

Main Park Office Address: 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA 15627-3679 (for general park inquiries)

Park Phone: (724) 668-2939

Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) - available Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Email: keystonesp@pa.gov

Online Reservations: Most campsites can be reserved through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation website (reserveamerica.com through the DCNR portal).

When contacting, specify that your inquiry is about Hillside Campground, as Keystone State Park has two campgrounds (Hillside and Lakeside).

Hillside Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Pennsylvanians for several compelling reasons. Its location within Keystone State Park offers a fantastic opportunity for locals to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of their home state without extensive travel. For pet owners, the fact that Hillside is the designated pet-friendly campground within the park is a significant draw, allowing them to share their outdoor adventures with their beloved animals. The campground's more remote and quiet setting, as highlighted by campers, provides a true escape from the daily grind, fostering relaxation and a deeper connection with nature. With modern amenities like bathhouses with hot showers and electric hookups, combined with the rustic appeal of fire rings and picnic tables, it caters to both comfort and the traditional camping experience. Furthermore, the accessibility to Keystone Lake for fishing, boating, and swimming, along with miles of hiking trails, ensures a wide array of recreational activities right at their fingertips. For Pennsylvania residents seeking a serene, pet-friendly, and amenity-rich camping destination that truly allows them to enjoy the great outdoors, Hillside Campground in Derry offers an ideal and convenient choice for memorable adventures.