Cabins near Ellerslie, Maryland offer year-round accommodations in the Allegheny Plateau region, where elevations range from 1,200 to 2,800 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing, creating ideal conditions for both summer water recreation and winter activities. Cabin availability varies significantly by season, with some facilities maintaining winter operations while others close after fall.
What to do
Hiking trails at Rocky Gap: Access the 5-mile Lake Habeeb trail directly from campground loops for views of the entire park. "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park. Across the lake from the campground is a casino and resort," notes Jeff H. from Rocky Gap State Park Campground.
Water activities on Lake Habeeb: Rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards during summer months. "We brought paddle boards and the lake was perfect for paddle boarding. Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas," shares Kimberly H. from Rocky Gap.
Cross-country skiing: Winter cabin guests at New Germany State Park Campground can access dedicated ski trails. "The trails are easy to medium and are open to cross country skiing in the winter months," explains Bill G., adding that the park has "a warming hut by the lake."
Fishing spots: Multiple stocked ponds and creek access points provide opportunities for anglers. "Short drive down the mountain to get to the ponds but my husband and oldest son had a blast catching fish in their ponds!" reports Kayla M. about Middle Ridge Campground.
What campers like
Natural separation between sites: Cabins are positioned to maximize privacy with vegetative buffers. "Sites are spaced far apart in the section we were in with lots of foliage for privacy," notes a reviewer from Rocky Gap.
Cabin size variety: Options range from small one-room structures to multi-room facilities. "Our site was incredibly spacious, heavily shaded, close to the bath house, path to the beach, and well distanced from other sites," reports Kimberly H. about cabin 170 in Fir loop at Rocky Gap.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities for deer spotting from cabin porches. "Deer are dense in these parts, and bears frequent the area," mentions Bill G. from Laurel Hill State Park Campground, where summer temperatures "usually do not get as nice 85max most of the summer."
Year-round accessibility: Cabin rental options remain available throughout winter when tent camping becomes impractical. "They have full-service cabins and a warming hut by the lake. I'm not into cold weather at all, but I imagine I would love to spend a day by the lake in the summer time," shares Jen V. about New Germany State Park.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Most cabin areas have minimal cell service. "Note that there is very little to no cell phone reception in the park, so combined with the lack of hookups, this is definitely an unplugged, 'connect with nature' type of camping experience," explains Jen V. from New Germany State Park.
Kitchen facilities vary: Some cabins provide only outdoor cooking options while others include indoor amenities. "We stayed in Sullivan's Camp Cacapon for our first 'glamping' trip, and we are so glad we did that! Each tent had two comfy queen-size beds, a heater, a fan, and two lamps with USB ports," reports Snezana H. about Camp Cacapon.
Reservation requirements: Cabins require advance booking, especially during peak summer and fall color seasons. "Rocky Gap is best earlier and later in the year. It's less crowded," advises Marcandpatti B.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some cabins. "It was very noisy at night due to traffic on I-68 and even the campground road, which despite a 15 mph posting has no speed bumps and seems to have a popular straightaway for cars with loud mufflers," reports Sue J. about Rocky Gap.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access proximity: Request cabins near designated swimming areas for easier day trips with children. "This is one of our favorite campground that we visit often. We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch," shares Katie H. about Hidden Springs Campground.
Playground facilities: Several cabin areas feature dedicated children's play spaces. "For kids they have a small jungle gym and critter center. Overall a very nice family camping area," notes Jillian K. about New Germany State Park.
Animal encounters: Some properties offer unique wildlife interaction opportunities. "We have three children who absolutely loved petting and feeding Mules and Donkeys! The pool is a nice amenity," explains Kayla M. about Middle Ridge Campground.
Bathroom proximity: Select cabin locations close to facilities when traveling with young children. "We stayed in cabin 170 in Fir loop and the site was incredibly spacious, heavily shaded, close to the bath house, path to the beach, and well distanced from other sites," recommends Kimberly H.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: RVers needing a break from their rigs can book cabins at several parks. "We have a 32 foot trailer. The site we were assigned was easily accessed and had a nice view of the campground," notes Gerard from Shawnee State Park.
Winter accessibility: Park roads leading to cabins may not accommodate large RVs during winter conditions. "The sites are varied. The website has the camp pad measurements, but I believe they are over stated," advises Bill G. about New Germany State Park.
Supply planning: Limited nearby shopping requires advance meal preparation. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," warns Robert C. from Kentuck Campground.
Site leveling: Many cabin areas feature uneven terrain that affects associated parking areas. "The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities," reports Whistle P. about Pioneer Lakes RV Park.
