Best Cabin Camping near Middletown, DE

We had a wonderful time at Martinak State Park. We rented a mini cabin and it had a full bed, two bunk beds and AC which was such a nice amenity. The site had a fire ring, grill and picnic table. We were right next to the bathhouse walkway. The bathhouse was very nice, clean and the showers had warm water. Due to the boat ramp being closed, there were not many places for fishing besides fishing off the back of the amphitheater. We drove to sister park, Tuckahoe State Park (15 min) and there was plenty of fishing locations. Cell signal was spotty, but perfect for a weekend away. Will stay again!

Mostly an RV campground, but does have a few campsites and cabins. Campsites can be on top of each other and can be very rocky or muddy. We actually broke quite a few tent stakes just trying to get our footprint down.

The campsites available are primitive or have water and electric and bathhouses / restrooms are located in a few spots around the park.

Fire rings are at each site, but appear to get moved a lot.

The camp store sells firewood for $5 per cord and has other necessities, including coffee.

Some cabins, like those in my photos, are brand new and have everything you would need to set up house minus linens, towels, toilet paper , paper goods and toiletries.

Would definitely revisit.

We stayed for a weekend and were very happy with our cabin - a pleasant surprise was how incredible the bathroom inside there was - we're talking spectacularly clean! There was a shower stall w/built-in shelves that seemed brand new (no mildew on the shower curtain, no stains, etc.). The small sink had a mirror above it that opens for a medicine cabinet. Plenty of toilet paper but you need to bring your own soap/shampoo/towels.

The cabin featured a separate kitchenette area with regular size fridge, sink, electric stove with oven and some counter space/cupboard and rack for a hand towel. A fire extinguisher was within easy reach. The main area had two Adirontack chairs, table with benches, electrical outlet and wide barn doors (designed to open fully but ours were nailed shut so only a regular door width opened). There was a wood stove which, in August, we did not utilize (and I'd recommend bringing a small fan or two if you come in the summer, it was hot). There was a chalkboard (no chalk).

While we did not think we'd be using the narrow screened in porch it did rain and we were glad to have it. Also inside were two little rooms with bunk beds. I felt claustrophobic in there, imagining spiders and all sorts of creepy things living in there and opted to sleep in the car. Which reminds me - warning - there are tiny deer ticks. Don't go out to the car in the dark when the dew is on the grass w/o covering your feet and ankles, you will get deer ticks. Not like it happened to me or anything, wink wink. That being said, the bunks were clean, if well-used. Bring your sheets/pillows/sleeping bag for them. 

Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans.

We walked the path around Thundergust lake after dinner and here is another warning: bring super-woodsman-strong-do-not-mess-with-me bug spray. While we all can get mosquito bites, these babies were like Rambo mosquitos on sterioids - one bite would leave a welt swollen a quarter inch above your skin and an inch and a half long. One bite. Now imaging a dozen of them and you can see why my friend was miserable the next day. We also found the "spotted lantern fly" a pest that is non-native and wrecking havock, which we promptly crushed with a hiking boot.

The swimming area of Parvin Lake was closed due to COVID, but we did a few hikes. There are maps available in the ranger's office - and some pretty cool tie-died t-shirts, too. (I got the turquoise). Anyway, the trails were pretty busy - lots of locals out getting a walk, run, or dog walk in. The hikes were easy, with level, sandy trails that were well-marked. There is a lot nearby the camping area, (like Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy where you can feed the animals and purchase some fantasic dairy products, yarn, and meats) or the Jersey Shore, or Amish markets.  So, while you can have the camping experience you will never feel "alone in the woods", which is why it's a great choice for new campers. Also  families who want the option of day trips close by. Some people had kayaks out on one of the lakes.

While a bit worn from the weather, it was nice to read about the foliage/native plants as we walked the trails. We also caught the end of the blueberry season and I was able to collect enough to make a small batch of jam when I got home.

My four-star rating comes from personal preference for more solitude when I camp. The other side of the same coin is the other negative impression I left with - there was a lot of trash/litter no matter where we were in this park. "Leave no trace" is not practiced here by the visitors, and while the park keeps the cabins COVID-spotless, the grounds are not maintained with the same stringency. In all fairness, the visitors should stop throwing bottles, wrappers, etc. on the ground. Signage and some volunteer days might help.

West Chester KOA This is a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly. The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy. A bridge nearby the campground was washed out earlier by a hurricane so we had to take an alternative route going about thirty minutes out of our way. (Make sure you check their website for directions!) There is a lot to do in the surrounding area like visiting the historical sites in downtown Philadelphia, Valley Forge, or exploring Amish country. 

This is a typical KOA with lots of amenities and activities for kids– swimming pool, jump pad, miniature golf, volleyball, butterfly garden, gem mining, playground, store, dog park, nature trail, etc. There is a large pool area with pavilion but it was closed during our stay since we were there early in the season. The campground is right on the Brandywine River which is a slow meandering pretty river that is great to get your feet wet or go for a paddle. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent if you have time and as there is very little current in the river you can paddle out and back without any trouble. There is a nice, short nature trail which was nice to walk our dog and she enjoyed getting wet in the river. 

The campground is hilly which means that a fair number of sites are not level. Our site (#27) was level for our RV but the patio sloped downhill and we could not use our picnic table or find a level spot for our chairs. Some sites are “premiums” with paved patios, Adirondack chairs, fancy firepits, BBQ grill, and tables and chairs with an umbrella. These sites are really nice, but you pay a lot more for them. Some sites are located adjacent to the river with nice waterfront views, but beware some might be muddy. There are lots of camping cabins and a couple of glamping tents. 

Overall, the campground is very clean with no trash lying around and the grass was mowed and trimmed. The 50-amp electric was good as was the water pressure. The sewer connection uphill from our site so it did not drain properly. There is basic cable but since you are so close to Philly there are plenty of over-the-air channels. The Wi-Fi at our site worked well. Garbage is picked up at your site. The surrounding area has plenty of restaurants, shopping, and interesting things to see and do.

Overview: nice quiet campground with a variety of campsites and a pretty good camp store.

Site: this review is of the campsite and cabin we stayed in. Most of the campsite options are fairly level, but are very rocky, so this is something to keep in mind if you are tent camping. We have heavy duty solid steel pegs and still had trouble pegging everything down. Some of the cabins were recently added and are super clean inside. The one we stayed in had a set of bunk beds, a queen bed, and a fold out couch. It also had a bathroom with shower /tub and everything you would need except linens.

Bathroom: the bathhouse had individual bathrooms and showers. Each was pretty clean and spacious.

Amenities: Campsite with $5 firewood, coffee and ice cream. Mini golf Fishing pond Pool

PROS: Quiet campground Pool open seasonally Nice staff

CONS: No walking trails

Have stayed here before and will stay here again.

Site was heavily wooded and very private; we were surrounded by woods on three sides, and could only see our neighbors across the narrow loop road. Site included a picnic table, fire ring, grill grate and lantern post. Pad was nice and level; didn’t need to use any blocks. Drive way was just long enough to accommodate our truck. Site was a little farther from the bath house than we usually prefer, but didn’t really matter as we were camping sans kids this time. I loved the privacy of this site, so I didn’t mind the little bit of extra walking. Almost all the sites looked relatively private, with a fair amount of trees in between, but our was on of the only sites that was truly surrounded by forest. Since we were here in November, the leaves were especially beautiful. Bath house was large, heated and extremely clean; looks recently renovated. There was also a nice large dishwashing station on the Men's side, which I love. The park itself is very quiet, pretty, and easy to get around. Lots of multi-use trails, which i believe are mostly flat, so maybe not the best for die-hard hiking enthusiasts. We took the Lake Trail down to the day-use area, and it was a very pleasant, scenic hike that took less than 20 minutes. The lake/day-use area is beautiful, with a pavilion, picnic tables, boat launch area, volleyball and large recycled-tire playground for kids. There were quite a few people out and about, more than I would have expected during November. The lake is popular for fishing, kayaking and canoeing (no swimming allowed). During the on-season, canoes and kayaks are available for rent to explore the lake and water trails in the adjacent Tuckahoe Creek. Would love to come back in the summer to check them out. There is also a disc golf course, challenge course, and archery range on-site.

Overall, we really enjoyed this park. It has all the major elements we typically look for: privacy, lots of trees, electric hookups, clean bath house, large playground, and a place to fish. The fact that it’s only about an hour’s drive from us is a bonus. We can’t wait to come back in warmer weather with the kids!