Cabin camping near Bainbridge, Pennsylvania offers year-round options with accommodations ranging from rustic to deluxe setups. Located in Lancaster County at an elevation of approximately 407 feet, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer high temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most cabin locations are situated within 20-30 miles of Bainbridge, providing convenient access to both countryside attractions and urban amenities.
What to do
Fishing at lake access points: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities with multiple lake access points. One visitor noted, "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."
Hiking on varied terrain trails: The Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country features several walking paths through wooded areas. The surrounding countryside offers additional hiking opportunities, with one camper sharing, "In the event that you need to replenish any of your supplies, rest assured as in nearby Quakertown, there's a Giant & Aldi's grocery store as well as a local Target, Walmart, TJMaxx, Kohl's."
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot has two 18-hole disc golf courses in different day-use areas. A camper warns, "BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course."
Wildlife observation: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers unique animal interaction opportunities. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," noted one family who visited during COVID restrictions.
What campers like
Pool facilities: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA receives high marks for its swimming facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Nice quiet campground. A little pricey and strict for visitors, they need to leave by 10 and can't bring their pets. We always camp over the holiday weeks or weekends depending on where we stay."
Rental cabins with multiple sleeping arrangements: Many parks offer cabins with varied layouts to accommodate different group sizes. A camper at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm shared, "The country store has souvenirs, sundries, snacks and ice cream. You can buy firewood there too. The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids."
Clean bathhouse facilities: Codorus State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. A visitor reported, "Campground bath houses were very clean, nice hot showers with great showerhead that stayed on without pushing a button. Our site was close to the bath, a trail head, and field where we lay in the sun and played frisbee."
Seasonal activities and events: Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park offers structured activities throughout the camping season. "The place was very nice. Clean bathrooms and showers," noted one camper, while another mentioned, "Great campground. Lots of sites. Friendly and accommodating staff. Great location for activities."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: When choosing a cabin site, location matters significantly. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground explained, "There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult, there are some in wide-open park-like settings, and some that are treed."
Noise factors: Several campgrounds have nearby noise sources to consider. A Pinch Pond camper noted, "Nice, forested campground. Friendly staff, clean bathhouses. Sites well maintained but ours wasn't level. Main drawback is noise from road and shooting range nearby."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, especially during peak season. "We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," shared an Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA visitor.
Weather preparedness: The area experiences significant seasonal variation. "We decided to camp in the fall and did a cabin since it was colder and we had the baby. We loved it! The cabin was cute, clean, and warm. It snowed a bit but we had an outdoor fire," reported a camper at Thousand Trails Circle M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select cabin sites near play areas for convenience. A Gettysburg Farm visitor shared, "Great park and probably still one of our kids favorites after being on the road for over a year this one easily stands out as a must stop!"
Animal experiences: Farms and wildlife areas provide educational opportunities. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach," mentioned a Gifford Pinchot State Park visitor.
Water activities: Swimming options vary by location. At Codorus, "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."
Seasonal events: Halloween camping is particularly popular in the region. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground. They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" shared a Thousand Trails Circle M visitor.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many cabin and RV sites require significant leveling. A PA Dutch Country visitor warned, "Sites are very close together. Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground."
Utility connections: Water pressure varies significantly between parks. A visitor at Hershey Road Campground reported, "Beautiful campground. Very recently renovated. Very spacious and quiet. Great little store stocked with everything you need."
Weather drainage: Some sites experience flooding during rain. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground," noted a Circle M camper who experienced firsthand the importance of site selection during wet conditions.
