Keystone State Park
00 review1150 KEYSTONE PARK ROAD, DERRY, Pennsylvania, 15627, United States
Keystone State Park
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range between $25 and $35 per night for various campsites; specific details about additional costs or discounts are not provided.
About this campground
Nestled across 1,200 pristine acres in Pennsylvania's scenic countryside, Keystone State Park beckons adventurers with its sparkling man-made lake and diverse recreational playground. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies, settling into a cozy modern cabin, or exploring winding trails through ancient forests, this year-round destination transforms every season into an outdoor paradise. Families gather here to cast fishing lines at dawn, splash in refreshing waters during summer afternoons, paddle across mirror-like surfaces, and spot wildlife emerging from woodland shadows.
Keystone State Park offers a range of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, group sites, and cabin lodging. The park has two main camping areas: Hillside Campground with 40 sites and Lakeside Campground with 59 sites.
Historical SignificanceWhile the park's modern amenities draw today's visitors, the land itself whispers stories of Pennsylvania's natural heritage, where generations have come to reconnect with the wilderness and create lasting family memories.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Keystone State Park with its own spectacular palette. Summer brings warm days perfect for diving into cool lake waters and launching boats across shimmering surfaces. As autumn arrives, the forests explode in fiery reds and golden yellows. Winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland where ice fishermen dot the lake's surface, children's laughter echoes from sledding hills, and cross-country skiers glide through snow-dusted trails. Spring awakens the park with wildflower blooms and the return of migratory birds.
ElevationPerched within the rolling contours of the magnificent Laurel Highlands, the park's varied topography creates dramatic vistas and diverse ecosystems that change with every turn of the trail.
Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of natural wonders unfolds across Keystone's landscape, where towering hardwood forests give way to ridge-top conifers standing sentinel against the sky. Hidden wetlands teem with life, creating crucial habitats for diverse wildlife. The centerpiece Keystone Lake reflects the surrounding beauty like a natural mirror. Adventure seekers can explore this varied terrain via the Stone Lodge Trail, which winds through dense forest canopies, or the Davis Run Trail, offering intimate encounters with the park's ever-changing ecosystems.
Geological RegionSet within the ancient Laurel Highlands, Keystone State Park showcases nature's artistry through its dramatic ridges crowned with evergreen conifers, valleys filled with majestic hardwood forests, mysterious wetland pockets, and the stunning man-made Keystone Lake that perfectly complements the natural landscape's timeless beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park has some ADA-accessible features. Cabin No. 11 is specifically noted as ADA-accessible. Additionally, a fishing area near the spillway is designed for ADA accessibility.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as large and spacious by some reviewers, though others noted that some sites, particularly in the Hillside area, are crammed close together.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by area; Lakeside sites are praised for their seclusion and privacy, while Hillside sites are described as more closely spaced.
Total Campsites99 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLakeside sites recommended for privacy and lake views; Hillside sites are closer to facilities.
Best CampsitesCabin No. 1 offers lakeside views and proximity to boat launch. Lakeside sites are praised for privacy and views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
8:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Stay Limit
- No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite
- maximum occupancy applies to cabins.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.
Groups
Group camping is available, but details on the maximum number of people or vehicles allowed are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo campgrounds: Hillside (40 sites, 11 cabins) and Lakeside (59 sites, 3 cottages), with semi-private and spaced-out layout.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific date ranges for open and closed seasons mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on official Pennsylvania State Park websites or platforms.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly described; no details on walk-up/first-come-first-served sites or fill patterns.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not explicitly described.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Keystone State Park offers a variety of recreational activities for campers. Key activities include hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also has a sandy beach area with shaded picnic tables and a grassy area for gatherings. Non-motorized watercraft are allowed on the lake, making it a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. In the winter, activities like ice fishing and cross-country skiing are available.
Hiking
The park features six trails, ranging from easy to more challenging. The Lakeside Trail is a 2-mile loop around the lake, popular for dog walking and accessible for bikes. The Stone Lodge Trail is a steep 1.4-mile loop through hardwoods and conifers. The Davis Run Trail is the longest at 2.5 miles. "The trails are cleared well and provide lots of wildlife to watch," noted one user.Fishing
Fishing is available year-round in Keystone Lake, which has both warm and cold water species. A fishing area near the spillway is ADA accessible. Fishing is prohibited at the beach, causeway, and boat launch areas.Swimming
The park features a sandy beach area with a designated swimming section. The beach has shaded picnic tables and a concession stand. "There is a beach open for swimming," one user noted. However, dogs are not permitted in the swimming area.Biking
The Lakeside Trail is excellent for biking and loops around the lake with flat terrain. Mountain bikes must stay on park roads or gravel walkways.Boating
Non-motorized watercraft like kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are allowed, and rentals are available at the park. "You can rent a canoe and boats," noted one reviewer.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with species like songbirds and fireflies frequently observed. "Many types of songbirds sing all day, and the fireflies in the field and trees... are a magical display," one reviewer commented.Beach activities
The beach area offers sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. Some users noted the soft sand and ample parking. "It's very nice and clean, there is a playground for the kids, and the sand was very soft," a reviewer said.Winter Activities
Winter activities include ice fishing, sledding, and cross-country skiing.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular. Rentals are available on-site.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Noise or conduct interfering with sleep is prohibited between 9 PM and 8 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsIssues mentioned include poison ivy around campsites, raccoon problems, and muddy tent sites.
Active alertsNo explicit active alerts or advisories detailed.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services not detailed; no specific hospitals, police stations, or ranger stations mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season date ranges provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, though specific details about their locations or pickup schedules are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Keystone Lake, featuring a sandy beach, fishing areas, and boat launch.
Common complaintsComplaints include locked water spigots, inconsistent water temperature in showers, and noise issues (movie nights and nearby campgrounds).
HostHosts located at lot 72 are described as friendly and helpful.
Campground Map
1150 KEYSTONE PARK ROAD, DERRY, Pennsylvania, 15627, United States
Driving directionsThe park is in Derry Township, Westmoreland County, three miles from the intersection of PA 981 and US 22. The park office is on SR 1018 (Keystone Park Road). The campground and cabins are on Stone Lodge Road and can be reached from Slag Road (T 860).
No specific details about road types (paved/unpaved) or seasonal closures provided; accessible from Stone Lodge Road and Slag Road.Nearby places
Pittsburgh metropolitan area is mentioned as being within easy driving distance
exact mileage not stated.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies not detailed
no specific grocery, camping supply, or fuel locations mentioned.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Keystone State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Keystone State Park receives generally positive feedback for its cleanliness, range of activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers praise the lake, cabins, and hiking trails. Issues mentioned include occasional noise disturbances, locked water spigots, and uneven campsite conditions.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean restrooms and showers, spacious campsites, well-marked trails, beautiful lake and beach area, and pet-friendly policies.
Common Concerns
Locked water spigots in the summer, inconsistent shower water temperature, gravel-covered tent sites, and noise from nearby venues or park-sponsored events.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing your own cooking utensils for cabins, avoiding weekends for quieter stays, and exploring the Lakeside Campground for better views and privacy.
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season but can be noisy due to events. Winter offers quiet and opportunities for snow activities. Spring and fall are praised for their scenery and fewer crowds.
Camper Quotes
"This park is definitely dog friendly almost everyone was walking a dog." "The fireflies in the field and trees... are a magical display." "Showers were ok...no curtains when I was there and water...
Show more
Site-Specific Reviews
Hillside Campground has 40 sites and is closer together, while Lakeside Campground offers 59 sites with better views and privacy. Cabin No. 1 is noted for its lakeside location.
Accessibility Features
Cabin No. 11 is ADA-accessible, and the fishing area near the spillway accommodates those with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
The park is dog-friendly, with many visitors bringing pets. "Dogs are not permitted in the swimming area but can stay at 'base camp' behind the tree line."
Last updated August 10, 2025