Mill Run Recreation Area
4.2647 reviewsMill Run Recreation Area
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Standard nonelectric site fee is $20. Seasonal rates apply with the campground open for reservations from May 1 to September 8 each year. Out-of-season reservations are not available. Additional fees may apply for changes or cancellations, as outlined on Recreation.gov.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Youghiogheny River Lake, Mill Run Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its crystal-clear waters and lush forested landscape. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-like waters, or gathering around a crackling campfire under starlit skies, this riverside retreat offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Modern amenities including flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and a convenient dump station ensure comfort without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience. Families will delight in the sandy beach perfect for afternoon swims and a dedicated children's play area where young adventurers can explore safely.
The campground is designed primarily for tent and RV camping. It offers 30 self-contained sites with no electric or water hookups. Group sites, cabins, and glamping options are not available.
Historical SignificanceMill Run sits at the doorstep of the legendary Ohiopyle State Park, where world-class whitewater kayakers have tested their skills against rushing rapids for generations. This corner of Pennsylvania has long been a gathering place for those seeking adventure and natural beauty, from Native American tribes who first navigated these waters to modern-day thrill-seekers who come to experience some of the East Coast's most exhilarating outdoor recreation. The area's rich heritage of conservation and outdoor sports continues to draw visitors who appreciate both its historical significance and contemporary recreational opportunities.
Weather and SeasonsFrom spring through fall, Mill Run enjoys ideal camping weather with comfortable temperatures and predominantly dry conditions that create perfect opportunities for outdoor adventures. Summer days invite you to cool off in the lake's refreshing waters, while autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a breathtaking tapestry of colors. As winter approaches, the landscape takes on a serene, snow-dusted beauty, though the campground closes for the season when freezing temperatures and snowfall make the area a winter wonderland best admired from afar.
ElevationPerched within the dramatic landscape of the Laurel Highlands, Mill Run occupies a stunning position where steep valleys carve through ancient ridgelines. This mountainous terrain creates a natural amphitheater of beauty, with the campground offering spectacular vantage points of the surrounding peaks and valleys that define this remarkable region of Pennsylvania.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds across a landscape where nature has painted with a masterful brush - steep valleys plunge between rounded hills clothed in magnificent northern hardwood forests. Towering beech trees stand sentinel alongside sugar maples that blaze with color each fall, while white ash, yellow poplar, and basswood create a diverse canopy overhead. This rich ecosystem provides a haven for wildlife, where white-tailed deer browse at forest edges during twilight hours, wild turkeys strut through morning mists, and the occasional squirrel chatters from branches above your campsite.
Geological RegionMill Run Camping Area claims its place in the heart of the Laurel Highlands, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Here, the Youghiogheny River Lake sparkles like a sapphire set among forested mountains, its clean waters reflecting the steep-sided hills that rise dramatically from narrow valleys. This unique geological canvas supports a thriving ecosystem dominated by northern hardwoods - majestic beech and sugar maple trees mingle with white ash, yellow poplar, and basswood, creating a forest tapestry that changes with each season. The varied terrain provides ideal habitat for an abundance of wildlife, from graceful deer and strutting turkeys to elusive grouse, quick-footed rabbits, and bushy-tailed squirrels that animate the forest with their presence.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are limited, but the campground appears to offer basic accessibility features. One reviewer noted that some campsites are easier to access than others, and maneuvering larger vehicles can be challenging.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally small and close together. Some reviews mentioned difficulty fitting larger trailers, such as a 38' camper.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited as sites are close together. "Sites aren't very private so the neighbors will really make or break your experience here," noted one user.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site 15 during rainy periods due to flooding. Sites farther from the water tend to be quieter and less prone to flooding.
Best CampsitesSite 15 has received mixed reviews due to its proximity to the water but flooding during rain. Site 26 is noted for privacy and spaciousness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground, with a total maximum stay of 14 nights in any rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of two tents or one tent and trailer per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground contains 30 self-contained sites organized in a loop near the lake. Sites close to the beach are more social but less private.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 1 - September 8 each year. Reservations start June 21.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required for holiday weekends (Friday through Sunday), with no early checkout refunds during this period.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations before check-in incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations may also forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservations, such as modifying dates or switching campsites, may incur additional fees as outlined on Recreation.gov.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mill Run Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreational activities, including camping, birding, boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities. Hiking and biking are popular in the area. The 16-mile-long Youghiogheny River Lake is a highlight, with channels up to half a mile wide that are ideal for powerboating and water skiing.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available in the surrounding Laurel Highlands and nearby attractions like Ohiopyle State Park.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with the Youghiogheny River Lake being described as a hidden treasure for recreation and fishing. However, water levels can impact fishing quality.Swimming
A designated swimming area with marker buoys is available. However, some reviews mentioned that lower water levels can affect access to the beach and swimming areas.Biking
Biking trails are accessible nearby, including scenic routes toward Ohiopyle State Park.Boating
Boating is a major attraction, with the Youghiogheny River Lake's 16-mile length and wide channels offering opportunities for powerboating, water skiing, and kayaking. However, lower water levels can affect the usability of the boat launch.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, grouse, rabbit, and squirrel. Birding is frequently mentioned as a highlight.Beach activities
The beach area is suitable for activities like sunbathing and swimming, although water levels can occasionally impact its usability.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, but the usability depends on water levels.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted. Visitors are advised to buy firewood locally and burn it onsite.
- Quiet hours are enforced, but some reviews mention violations such as fireworks and loud generators.
Hazards
General hazardsLower water levels in recent years have affected water-based activities like boating and swimming. Some sites are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall.
Active alertsNo showers available. Boat launch ramp may have insufficient water for use during low lake levels.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 8 (Yearly peak season)
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are provided, but one reviewer mentioned that items left on the beach could be taken by 'trash cops.' Recycling facilities were not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Youghiogheny River Lake with a beach and boat launch. Recent reviews mention lower water levels affecting use of the boat ramp and waterfront sites.
Common complaintsSites are noted as small and close together. Generators running all night and unsupervised children are recurring concerns. Lack of showers is frequently mentioned, along with flooding issues in lower elevation sites.
HostCampground host named Mary is noted for being helpful and kind. Other hosts have occasionally been described as less helpful.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Route 40 East, turn right onto Friendsville Addison Road for approximately 3 miles then turn right onto Mill Run Road and follow the road until reaching the campground. From Route 40 West, turn left onto Friendsville Addison Road for approximately 3 miles then turn right onto Mill Run Road and follow the road until reaching the campground.
Directions are mostly straightforward, but some user reviews report challenges when coming from the northwest, where Google Maps may route travelers onto poorly marked roads or private property.Camper Reviews
4.3
47 reviews
Mill Run Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty and tranquility but also note issues like small campsites, flooding during rain, and the lack of showers. "Nice quiet campground," "clean bathrooms," and "beautifully kept grounds" are recurring positive themes. Negative comments focus on the proximity of sites, generator noise, and inconsistent water levels.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained facilities, beautiful natural setting, designated swim area, friendly camp hosts, and proximity to attractions like Ohiopyle State Park.
Based on 47 reviewsCommon Concerns
Small and close campsites, lack of showers, occasional flooding, generator noise, unsupervised children, and inconsistent water levels.
Based on 47 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own soap and toilet paper. Avoid lower campsites during the rainy season to prevent flooding. Verizon users have better cell service here. Plan your route carefully to avoid steep or...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the peak season, with higher visitor numbers and more noise due to generators and children. Spring and early fall offer quieter experiences and cooler weather, but water levels may impact...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Wish showers were available, but otherwise no complaints." "Beautiful sunsets!" "Sites aren't very private so the neighbors will really make or break your experience here." "The boat launch ramp had...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 15: Floods easily during rain. Site 26: Private and farther from the water but scenic. Site 29: Challenging for larger RVs to maneuver.
Based on 47 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews indicate that maneuvering large vehicles can be challenging, and some campsites are more accessible than others. "If you have a tow-behind camper, the campground is VERY tight and very small."
Based on 47 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025