Bush Recreation Area
4.18118 reviews440 Loyalhanna Dam Road
Bush Recreation Area
$25.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $25 for standard non-electric and tent sites to $50 for group tent areas. RV sites with electricity are $30-$35 per night.
About this campground
Nestled in a scenic valley where rolling hills meet sparkling waters, Bush Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its thoughtfully designed blend of RV hookups, secluded tent sites, and spacious group camping areas. From your campsite perched above Loyalhanna Lake, you'll wake to misty mornings reflecting off the water and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of nature echoing through the valley.
The Bush Recreation Area offers diverse camping options including tent camping, RV sites, and group camping. Sites vary from primitive tent spaces to RV hookups, with some featuring electric and water connections.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby Loyalhanna Dam, where thoughtfully curated interpretive displays reveal the fascinating story of this engineering marvel and its impact on the region. The dam stands as both a testament to human ingenuity and a gateway to understanding how this landscape has shaped—and been shaped by—generations of Pennsylvania communities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full beauty of Pennsylvania's changing seasons at Bush Recreation Area. Spring and summer bring warm, comfortable days perfect for lakeside adventures, while autumn transforms the surrounding foothills into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter visitors are rewarded with peaceful, snow-dusted landscapes and the serene beauty of a quieter season, though temperatures can dip significantly and occasional snowfall adds a magical touch to the valley.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's setting in the undulating foothills creates a natural amphitheater of beauty, where wooded ridges frame panoramic views of Loyalhanna Lake below. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem—keep your binoculars handy for the thrilling sight of bald eagles diving for fish, while songbirds fill the forest canopy with their melodies. The interplay of water, woodland, and meadow creates endless opportunities for nature photography and peaceful contemplation.
Geological RegionCarved into a verdant valley within the majestic Laurel Highlands, Bush Recreation Area showcases the region's distinctive rolling topography. Here, ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of gentle peaks and hidden hollows, with Loyalhanna Creek's headwaters beginning their journey through this scenic terrain. The campground's unique position offers visitors intimate access to both the dramatic overlooks above Loyalhanna Lake and the diverse ecosystems that flourish where mountain meets water.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible features are not explicitly detailed, but some reviews note that the camp host actively assists campers, which might aid accessibility indirectly.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as reasonably sized by multiple reviewers. "The campsites are a pretty good size," mentioned one camper.
Sites PrivacyReports on privacy are mixed: "Each campsite was maybe 10 feet from the next," complained one reviewer, while others praised the wooded and secluded nature of certain sites.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesInner loop sites offer privacy and wooded settings; campers with trailers or RVs may prefer electric and water hookups on level sites.
Best CampsitesSites 020, 014, 033, and 036 are frequently mentioned for their lake views or proximity to facilities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights at this campground during any visit and up to 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 guests per site, depending on site type.
Groups
Group sites are available, accommodating larger numbers of campers. One group tent-only area is listed for $50 per night during peak season.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of loops, with some sites in open areas and others wooded. Tent sites are gravel pads.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 9 - September 13 (Reservable season). Closed the rest of the year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov, contact center, and in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability, primarily during off-peak periods. High demand during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations before arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's use fee. Modifications to extend/shorten stays are allowed at no cost.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The Bush Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreational activities. Visitors can engage in boating with unlimited horsepower, as well as kayaking and canoeing with rentals available. Fishing is highly popular, with bass tournaments and frequent fish stockings, making it a top destination for channel catfish anglers in Pennsylvania. Bird watching and wildlife viewing are common, with eagles and other species regularly observed. While the site itself lacks hiking and biking trails, the West Penn Trail is located 10 minutes away.
Hiking
While there are no hiking trails directly within the Bush Recreation Area, the West Penn Trail is located approximately 10 minutes away and offers excellent hiking opportunities.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw at Loyalhanna Lake, with multiple bass tournaments and frequent fish stockings. "Fishing was great," said one reviewer, who noted catches of catfish and bluegills. Others reported mixed results, with harder-to-catch bass and an abundance of smaller fish. Shore and water fishing opportunities are available.Biking
No biking trails are available on-site, but visitors can access the West Penn Trail within a short drive, which offers good biking options. "Those that like to go bike riding can find the West Penn Trail located at our sister project just 10 minutes away."Boating
Boating is permitted with unlimited horsepower. Kayak and canoe rentals are available, and the lake supports various watercraft.Wildlife viewing
Eagles and other bird species are frequently observed. "Watched the Eagles fish every morning!" exclaimed one visitor.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Beyond kayaking and canoeing, the lake supports paddleboarding and other non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are observed from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsNon-potable water issues have been reported. Wildlife such as eagles and potential encounters with insects like bees. Narrow roads and unclear signage pose accessibility challenges.
Active alertsOccasional water issues and high water events leading to closures.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 14.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Partly cloudy
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
The nearest emergency services are located in Saltsburg, PA, including police stations and medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9 - September 13, during peak season pricing.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available at the campground. However, some reviewers noted issues such as overflowing dumpsters and unpleasant odors near campsites adjacent to garbage bins. Recycling practices are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Loyalhanna Lake, offering fishing and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsNon-potable water, narrow roads, unclear signage, and lack of swimming areas. Some reviewers also mentioned noisy visitors and maintenance issues.
HostThe camp hosts, particularly Darlene, are frequently praised for their helpfulness and friendliness.
Campground Map
440 Loyalhanna Dam Road
Driving directionsFrom Pittsburgh, take I-376 E (12.1 miles), keep left and continue onto US-22 E. Make a left at PA-981 N located in New Alexandria, PA near the Sheets gas station. Make a left onto Bush Road, passing Mannitto Golf Course, make another left into the Bush Recreation Area.
Road access is generally good for passenger vehicles, but reviews indicate road signage and directions are lacking clarity. Some roads leading to the campground are reported to be narrow.Nearby places
New Alexandria (approximately 10 miles), Pittsburgh (approximately 40 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in New Alexandria, PA, including groceries and gas stations. Visitors are advised to stock up before arrival as the campground lacks nearby stores.
Camper Reviews
4.2
118 reviews
Bush Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for the Bush Recreation Area are mixed, with both positive and negative experiences reported. Visitors commonly praise the helpfulness of the camp host, Darlene, and the peaceful environment. However, water quality concerns and inconsistent enforcement of rules detract from some campers' experiences.
Review Summaries
Based on 118 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the friendliness and helpfulness of the camp host, spacious sites, clean facilities, and scenic views. "Darlene, the camp host, is wonderful. She was so helpful," noted one...
Based on 118 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include non-potable water at certain locations, push-button showers, lack of swimming areas, and inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours. "The water available for tent campers was a rusty...
Based on 118 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring firewood, as it is not available on-site. Plan ahead if you require potable water and familiarize yourself with the push-button shower mechanism. "Make sure you are stocked up before you get...
Based on 118 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate better camping experiences during the summer months when water sports are accessible. However, late-night noise and rule violations are more common during peak season.
Based on 118 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Darlene is great. I'll be coming back," said one reviewer. Another noted, "Very nice campground. Bathhouse and sites were clean. Lake is a stone’s throw away."
Based on 118 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight both positive and negative aspects. "Site 28 had a garbage bin nearby, generating unpleasant odors," noted one user. Another recommended avoiding certain sites due to...
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Accessibility Features
No direct reviews from users with disabilities are available, though the helpfulness of the camp host may indirectly assist visitors.
Based on 118 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, though some complaints involve barking dogs disturbing the peace. "We were booked for seven days but left after five because there was a dog that barked constantly," shared one...
Based on 118 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025