Cabin camping near Arendtsville, Pennsylvania offers access to South Mountain's 70+ mile ridgeline that reaches elevations of 2,000 feet. The area's temperate climate sees average summer highs around 85°F, while fall temperatures drop to 50-65°F during peak foliage season in mid-October. Winter cabin rentals require preparation for overnight lows that can reach 20°F during December through February.
What to do
Hike the Appalachian Trail: The AT passes directly through Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground, marking its halfway point. "There is an Appalachian trail museum, which was very neat to check out, and the old Ironmaster's Mansion serves as a hostel and event venue. There is a well stocked camp/park store at the entrance," notes Carly E. The park also features the scenic Pole Steeple trail with mountain viewpoints.
Visit historic battlefields: Cabins at Artillery Ridge Campground sit adjacent to Civil War sites. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts," shares MJ B. Many cabin rental locations provide walking access to battlefield monuments and interpretive sites.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks offer stocked fishing spots within walking distance of cabin areas. "The campground has a very friendly atmosphere...Both areas have great access for fishing (bring your license! the rangers in this park check), and we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," reports Danielle V. about Gifford Pinchot State Park. Most fishing areas allow shore access from dawn to dusk.
What campers like
Seasonal water activities: Summer cabin rentals provide easy access to swimming. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, "The LARGE beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water in the swimming area," writes Danielle V. Most park swimming areas operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day with lifeguards on duty.
Natural wildlife viewing: Evening firefly displays create memorable experiences. "We chose this park for the nice pool (short walk from campsites) but loved the synchronous firefly show we saw in July!" shares Stephanie S. about Caledonia State Park. Several campers note wildlife sightings from cabin porches including deer, foxes, and various bird species.
Recreational facilities: Parks offer diverse amenities beyond standard camping. Drummer Boy Camping Resort provides "free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area," according to Laure D. Many cabin rental locations maintain recreational facilities that remain open through mid-October, with reduced hours after Labor Day.
What you should know
Cabin amenities vary widely between locations: "The cabins at Gettysburg Campground offer electricity but limited counter space, so portable cooking equipment proves useful." Even within the same campground, cabin options range from rustic to deluxe. "Our site was in good condition... Sites are very close to each other, there's no privacy, and you can hear everyone and everything," notes Kyle J. about Caledonia State Park.
Reservation requirements: Peak season demands advance planning. At Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, "The campsites were all a very good size with nice fire-pits. Very well maintained. The bathroom/showers were very clean as well, and individual units for privacy," reports Dave B. Most cabins require 2-night minimum stays during summer and fall weekends.
Limited cell service in mountainous areas: "Cell service is pretty much nonexistent in the campground, so keep this in mind if you can't be out of touch (we had Verizon)," cautions Carly E. about Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Connectivity improves at locations closer to Gettysburg, while mountain cabins may require drives to find reliable signals.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Choose cabins near recreational facilities. Gettysburg Campground is "a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do. we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. not far to go anywhere walking. porta potties were cleanest I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain," shares Kelly J. Cabin locations with playgrounds typically maintain them year-round.
Nature exploration opportunities: Creeks provide natural play areas. At Mountain Creek Camp Ground, "The kids had a blast, tubing in the creek, swimming pool and an excellent camp store. Sites in some areas are tight, real tight. Overall, a good camping experience," reports Jim C. Cabin rentals near water features often include fire rings positioned for optimal sunset viewing.
Educational experiences: Combine cabin stays with history lessons. "This park is a huge Thousand Trails owned resort with lots of campsites and tons of amenities. We stayed here because we wanted to visit Gettysburg National Military Park which is about ten minutes away and definitely worth visiting," notes Nancy W. Most historic sites offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Research specific cabins before booking. At Artillery Ridge Campground, "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull thru sites that are much easier. Friendly staff. Lots of trees. Mini golf and pool. We will stay again," advises Bill B. Most campgrounds provide site maps with topography details to help select level locations.
Seasonal considerations: Fall brings unique advantages for cabin stays. "We stayed here in May for Memorial Day weekend. We usually avoid holidays but gave this campground a try. It was pretty full and everyone seemed to have a golf cart. They were constantly driving past our site," reports Laure D. about Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Off-season cabin rentals typically provide more privacy and reduced rates after Labor Day.
Utility management: Plan for diverse hookup configurations. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," warns Bobby S. about Granite Hill Camping Resort. Most cabin facilities maintain 24-hour maintenance staff during peak season to address utility issues.
