When you think of Pittsburgh, you might first imagine towering buildings and industrial infrastructure. This makes sense when you consider the part that this city played in steel production. Now, Pittsburgh goes way beyond that. Learn about its fascinating history while you experience the diverse and thriving community that exists there today.
RV rentals are an excellent way to take the journey into your own hands. You get to be behind the wheel, and you’ll always have a mode of transportation. The flexibility that’s afforded gives you the freedom to focus on the fun and go with the flow if plans change last minute.
Search RV rentals in the Pittsburgh area.
Preparing for Your Pittsburgh RV Trip
If you have a towing-compatible vehicle, it’s a good idea to consider the advantages of driveable versus towable RVs. RVs are broken up into Class A, B, and C. The best pick for your two days in Pittsburgh depends on your particular travel needs. RVshare is your place to easily find and book the best RV rental for you and your group
These guides will help you plan your Pittsburgh RV adventure with confidence:
• Finding the right fit
• The RV renting process
• Pack your bags!
• Where to park
Once you have your RV, all you need is its natural environment: an RV campsite. With all the adventure and exploring you’ll be up to, a solid center of operations is a must. Fortunately, Pittsburgh has no shortage of campsite options for you to choose from. Check out Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mill Run for a theme park, resort, and campsite all rolled into one. For a more woodsy and affordable option, visitors love Smith Grove Campground.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Pittsburgh.
Day 1: Take in the City
Morning: Rise to the Top
Start your trip off with a glorious view of the city you’ll be exploring for the next two days. The Duquesne Incline is one of the last conveyances of its kind, and its origins go back to 1877. At the top, you’ll find a museum where you can learn about Pittsburgh’s history as well as other inclines all across the globe.
The Duquesne Incline is open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Lunch: DiAnoia’s Eatery
Now that your eyes have feasted on the view from above, it’s time to fill your belly with authentic Italian cuisine at DiAnoia’s. Owned by the chef and his wife, people love this place for its cozy atmosphere and unbeatable dishes. Whether you’re hungry for pasta or a sandwich, they’ll knock it out of the park at DiAnoia’s.
Afternoon: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Located in the Oakland neighborhood, this beloved oasis is a place where you can lose yourself in the greatest garden around. With a total of 15 acres broken up into 23 gardens and a glasshouse with 14 rooms, you might have a hard time tearing yourself away from this fantastically floral and eco-friendly operation.
The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Friday, when they’re open until 10 at night.
Setting Up Camp
When you’ve had your fill of fragrant flowers and other beautiful plants, it’s time to head to your campsite of choice. This is when you’ll meet with the host, find your spot, and get all settled in.
Keep in mind that RV delivery is available and easy to find if you filter by delivery options when you search. It can make your life so much easier and your trip all the more enjoyable so that you can focus on the fun and relaxation.
Dinner: Eleven Contemporary Kitchen
While dining at your RV campsite is an option, you’ll certainly get Pittsburgh vibes when you walk through the doors of this renovated warehouse. With a sense of elegance and industrialism, you can enjoy mouth-watering seasonal dishes and an unbeatable wine list.
Eleven Contemporary Kitchen is open Sunday through Thursday from 4:30 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Day 2: Birds, Bikes, and a Brick Oven
Morning: National Aviary
Next on your Pittsburgh itinerary is an up-close encounter with some of nature’s most vibrant and fascinating birds. At the National Aviary, you’ll learn how birds of prey attract mates with their feather colors, blend in with their environment, and scare predators away.
Lunch: Proper Brick Oven Tap Room
The name tells you exactly what to expect from this favorite restaurant of locals and tourists alike. The Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room was developed by a lifelong local who owns and operates it, so you know you’ll get a genuine Pittsburgh eating experience. Feast on wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta while you wet your whistle with unique cocktails and local craft beers.
Afternoon: Bicycle Heaven
Whether you ride bicycles or not, Bicycle Heaven is sure to blow your mind. This is the world’s largest bicycle museum and shop, full of every themed bike you can imagine, many of which you might recognize from the big screen. This is also a great place to rent a bicycle or get your own bike tuned up.
Evening: Dinner at Altius
Since it may be your last night in Pittsburgh, you might as well end on a high note at Altius, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant. Not only is the menu extensive, but you also get treated to a gorgeous view of the city while you eat.
Day 3 and Beyond in Pittsburgh
Still looking for more fun and adventure while you’re here? Pittsburgh locals have plenty of ideas for you. Here are just a few of them:
• A tour of Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pitt Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. These tours offer a variety of experiences as you explore the immense stadium, and you’re also afforded breathtaking views of the surrounding city.
• Randyland is a specialty art museum that’s full of positivity, unique energy, and local culture. Take in the visually stimulating murals and repurposed items in the museum’s open-yard environment.
Summer Activities
Summer is the ideal time to catch a festival or event in Pittsburgh. It’s also perfect for enjoying the city’s three rivers via the Gateway Clipper Fleet sightseeing tours.
To cool off, you can visit Sandcastle Waterpark. But if you would prefer something a bit more thrilling, there’s always Kennywood, the award-winning amusement park.
Indoor Activities
Once you’ve had enough of Pittsburgh’s great outdoors, pay a visit to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Learn about how science plays into your daily life and be reminded that humans are just as much a part of nature as everything else. The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thursday when it stays open until 8 p.m.
Or if you’d rather try your hand at some putt-putt, swing on over to the Puttshack for a mini golf experience you won’t soon forget. All the holes are infused with technology to make things more interesting, and you can even enjoy a cocktail or two as you play.
When you choose Pittsburgh for your next RV vacation destination, you’re in for a world of fun and memorable experiences. No matter the time of year that you choose to visit or how long you stay, you’ll always find something new that keeps you wishing for one more day.
