About BUSH RECREATION AREA
Overview The Bush Recreation Area is located next to the scenic Loyalhanna Lake. This location provides picturesque views of the lake as well as opportunities for bird watching, boating, fishing, hunting and paddle sports.Recreation The Bush Recreation Area offers boating with unlimited horse power. Visitors to the area can kayak or canoe the lake as well, and take advantage of kayak rentals located in the Bush Recreation Area. The Loyalhanna Lake offers great fishing opportunities, with multiple bass tournaments each year. This lake also has some of the best channel catfishing in Pennsylvania, with multiple fish stockings each year. If you like fishing from shore there are plenty of opportunities to fish both moving and still waters. Those that like to go bike riding can find the West Penn Trail located at our sister project just 10 minutes away.Facilities This campground has a variety of sites available from full RV hookup to primitive tent camp sites. Picnic tables and campfire grill rings are equipped at every campsite. Patrons at the campground will have access to flushing toilets, drinking water, showers and a dump station.Natural Features The campground is located in a beautiful valley overlooking Loyalhanna Lake. Among terrain characterized by its diversity, visitors will discover rolling foothills of the Laurel Highlands, from which the headwaters of the Loyalhanna Creek flow. Nearby Attractions The West Penn Trail offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities within a short 10 minute drive. Additionally the site of Loyalhanna dam provides interpretive displays of the dam as well as a great scenic view.
How to Get There
From 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. 200 Boat Dock Road New Alexandria PA, 15670
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (48°F low → 74°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BUSH RECREATION AREA
Heading to BUSH RECREATION AREA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BUSH RECREATION AREA?
No central reservation system listed for BUSH RECREATION AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272174) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BUSH RECREATION AREA?
From 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. 200 Boat Dock Road New Alexandria PA, 15670
How do I contact BUSH RECREATION AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 724-639-9013 or email: Ryan.D.Smith@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
