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Best Places For A Bonfire In The Pittsburgh Area

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As the days lengthen and activities take up every second of every day, summer's evenings take on a whole new meaning. The high temps cool, the chaos of the day subsides and all that's left is a peaceful whisper of relaxation. Top off your well-deserved time off with a roaring bonfire, a handful of friends and great food and drink at one of the places listed below, and tuck in for an unforgettable summer night.

Milton Loop Campground
114 Milton Loop Lane
Route 839
Dayton PA 16222

(814) 257-0131

www.miltonloopscampground.com

Milton Loop Campground, east of Pittsburgh on PA-28, sponsors annual events and special weekend activities, such as one of the best bonfires in all of PA. Activities are open to the public for a small entry fee, and family rates are available. This family-friendly facility would be the best place to introduce the kids to the magic of marshmallow roasting, scary ghost stories and snuggly blankets in front of a roaring fire. Additional special events include pet and pirate weekends, a rollicking fall festival, Christmas in July and celebrations for notable summer and fall holidays.

Bear Run Campground
184 Badger Hill Road
Portersville, PA 16051
(724) 368-3564
www.bearruncampground.com

Whether you're looking for a luxurious trip with top-notch amenities or a place to park your pop-up to rough it, Bear Run Campground has you covered. Bonfire-friendly, this expansive acreage features walking/backpacking sites, canoeing and kayaking, pet-friendly lodging options and a host of seasonal events. Only 40 minutes outside of Pittsburgh, Bear Run Campground should be your number one destination for fun, frolic and bonfires this summer.

Dogwood Acres Campground
4500 Enola Road
Newville, PA 17241
(717) 776-5203
www.dogwoodcamping.com

Throughout the entire summer, Dogwood Acres Campground has a jam-packed activities calendar for men, women, children and families of all sizes. Visit for the bonfire-friendly atmosphere (built by the friendly staff; no public fires, please) and stay for 4th of July insanity, fishing contests, pirate and western weekends, pool parties and more. The best part about such an open, friendly place are the open, friendly campers – make friends, build relationships and enjoy many summers together under Dogwood's rich forest canopy.

Related: Is Camping The Right Vacation For You And Your Family?

Country Haven Campground
354 Springville Road
New Holland, PA 17557
(717) 354-7926
www.countryhaven.com

Tucked right into the heart of Amish Country lies Country Haven Campground. If you're looking for a quiet retreat with rolling bonfires, serene water and lush scenery, this gorgeous campground awaits you. Close nearby attractions include the historic Strasburg Railroad and Museum, Lancaster's Rockvale Outlets, Tanger Outlets and the famed town of Intercourse, PA. The campground itself is pet-friendly, welcomes tents, RVs and mobile homes and offers sites with full hookups or cottages for rent.

Mountain Top Campground
873 Sun Mine Road
Tarentum, PA 15084
(724) 224-1511
www.mountaintop.com

A mere 20 miles from Pittsburgh, and 45 minutes from the Meadows Casino, Mountain Top Campground is the perfect playground for outdoor fun aficionados. Family owned and operated, Mountain Top offers electric and water, back-in and pull-through sites for larger-than-average RVs and campers. Build your own roaring fire in one of Mountain Top's expansive units, tuck in and enjoy a peaceful, serene evening under the stars. In the morning, be sure to explore all that Tarentum has to offer, including many of nearby Pittsburgh's fun attraction and amenities.

Related: Best Camping Around Pittsburgh

Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn't studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she's out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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