Cabin camping near Atglen, Pennsylvania offers year-round options within a region characterized by rolling hills and farmland at elevations ranging from 300-600 feet above sea level. Most cabins in this area provide shelter during the colder months when temperatures can drop below freezing between November and March. Winter cabin rentals typically require reservations 2-3 months in advance due to limited availability.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 2 lakes at French Creek State Park Campground contain multiple species for anglers. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," notes a reviewer who found the variety excellent for a weekend trip.
Halloween festivities: October weekends transform many campgrounds into family-friendly celebration zones. A visitor to Thousand Trails Circle M reports: "We loved it here. They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!"
Amish countryside tours: Several cabin locations provide direct access to authentic cultural experiences. At Beacon Hill Camping, "Within walking distance are Amish shops, and guided tours into the Amish countryside. Restaurants are nearby," according to one visitor who appreciated the convenient access to cultural attractions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value separation from neighbors. A visitor to Philadelphia-West Chester KOA notes: "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. They are close enough for you to camp with a group, but most also have a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites."
Family-friendly water features: Pools and water parks rank highly in reviews. "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained," writes a visitor to Jellystone Park™ Quarryville, highlighting the dual appeal for all ages.
Seasonal activities: Winter camping offers different experiences than summer stays. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," mentions a solo female traveler about French Creek State Park Campground, noting she felt very safe there during the off-season.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. At Country Acres Campground, "This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained," according to a recent visitor who found the location ideal for exploring the region.
Bathroom conditions vary: Check recent reviews for current status. "Upper showers were much better, no bugs and water was hotter. Heated spa/pool in upper area are a bonus," writes one camper about Spring Gulch Resort Campground, suggesting visitors should be selective about which facilities they use.
Reservation timing: Holiday weekends require early booking, often 6+ months ahead. "We camped here over Memorial Day weekend and it was full," notes one visitor about Spring Gulch Resort Campground, indicating the popularity of cabin accommodations during peak times.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly programming: Some campgrounds offer structured activities. At Jellystone Park™ Quarryville, "Fun fun and more fun loads of activities for the kids! Breakfast with Yogi!" One parent warns to "make sure the kids you have are not afraid of people in costumes, we found out the hard way!"
Playground options: Several locations feature recently upgraded play areas. "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground (September 2020). There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages," describes a visitor to Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.
No-child options: For adults seeking quieter environments, choose selectively. "Great little adults only campground. Quiet and surrounded by Amish farm lands and shopping locations nearby," writes a visitor about Beacon Hill Camping, highlighting its appeal for those seeking a child-free experience.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Look for concrete pads when possible. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level. It is absolutely beautiful out. The grounds are well-kept," reports one RVer who appreciated not needing to make extensive adjustments.
Access challenges: Some parks have tight turning radiuses for larger rigs. "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle," cautions a visitor about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, suggesting this campground might be better for trailers that "bend at the hitch."
River site cautions: Waterfront sites may have drainage issues. A Thousand Trails Circle M visitor explains: "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground," indicating that higher elevation sites might be preferable during wet weather.
