Hooray for summer! Sunny days. Cool evenings (well, sometimes!) Lightning bugs zipping back and forth in the dark. Picnics in the park. Water gun battles. Kids yelling. And, of course, camping – a universal experience loved by both kids and adults. We Pittsburghers are pretty lucky to live near spectacular scenery and equally spectacular campgrounds. These amazing places for camping in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area are an absolute must-see. When it comes to the best camping in Pittsburgh, you've found the motherlode.

Add adventure to your summer bucket list by camping at Bear Run Campground, just a hop, a skip, and a jump from Moraine State Park in Portersville. A family favorite for four decades, Bear Run Campground offers cabin rentals, a RV site, and tent camping (bring your own RV or tent). Swim in Lake Arthur or in the campground's heated pool. Join the kids gem hunting in the kids' gem mine. Buy supplies at the camp store or visit nearby Moraine State Park.

Experience the Wild, Wild West at Camper's Paradise Campground in Sigel. The Wild West Territory of the camp allows campers to camp out in a teepee, a covered wagon, or a cabin, the latter of which is available with primitive features or the most modern comforts. The campground features a full menu of activities, including a cafe, a playground, fire truck rides, a swimming pool, a life size checkerboard, and hayrides.

Soak in the natural beauty of the outdoors at Breakneck Campground in Portersville, near McConnells Mill State Park and only 10 minutes from Moraine State Park. Enjoy old-fashioned (read: primitive) camping in tents, huts, or in rustic cabins. Breakneck Campground beckons kayakers, hikers, and those who want to embrace the traditional camping experience.

Get the kids excited about camping at Jellystone Park Campground, the home of Yogi Bear and friends, that promises a steady stream of activities – paintball, miniature golf, swimming, and a game room – that will keep them busy and happy the whole trip. Campers can stay in the RV section, in a rustic or a deluxe tent site, or in a cabin. Pets are welcome for an additional fee.

Go ahead – rough it in a tent at Rose Point Park Campground. If tent camping isn't your thing, bring your RV or rent one of the cabins. The campground in New Castle offers plenty of options and activities – festivals and family-friendly events – throughout the year. Rose Point Park Campground is close to Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, Idlewild Park & SoakZone, and Grove City Factory Outlets.

Gas up the RV. Attach the boat and head to Lake Arthur Family Campground, which offers both primitive camping sites and full hookup sites. Spend your days boating on gorgeous Lake Arthur or head to nearby Moraine State Park, McConnells Mill State Park, Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, or Jenning's Environmental Center.

Get away from it all by camping at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County. Park your RV or rent a tent or a cabin, the latter of which is available all year-round. RV and tent camping are available from April until the end of December annually. Summer activities range from swimming to hiking and biking while ice skating, cross country skiing, and sled riding are popular winter activities.

Go rustic at Four Seasons Resort Campground by renting a cabin or parking your RV. Or, opt for the more modern resort accommodations by booking a room at the on-site motel. Outdoor lovers will have plenty to do on the camp grounds, which features 35 miles of ATV trails, a shimmering swimming pool, and a full schedule of family-friendly activities.

Rough it like a true pioneer in a tent, with only a fire ring and a table, at Peaceful Valley Campground in Sunbury. If roughing isn't your style, opt for a tent with full hookups or choose a cabin. Stick around the campground for the many scheduled activities or play tourist at Butler's many attractions, including the Butler Little Theater, Succop Nature Park, or Parties and Playdate Studios.

Celebrate summer by visiting these nine best places for camping in Pittsburgh. What is your favorite campground in the Pittsburgh area? Let us know! Not sure what to pack for the ultimate hiking adventure while you're out here? No worries - check out our handy hiking trip packing list and forget nothing!