Bedford cabin options range from rustic wilderness structures to modern units with full amenities. The cabins at Rocky Gap State Park Campground offer varying levels of privacy, with most tucked among wooded sites. Many cabins in the Bedford area sit at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet, resulting in cooler nighttime temperatures even during summer months. Sites fill quickly from Memorial Day through Labor Day, particularly at lakeside locations.
What to do
Lake activities at Raystown Lake: Lake Raystown Resort provides numerous water-based activities including swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. A camper noted, "The lake is beautiful and sunsets from the campground are stunning. There is a sandy beach which is perfect for swimming."
Hiking trails: Blue Knob State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems on the second highest peak in Pennsylvania. A reviewer remarked, "The hiking here is really spectacular with lots of scenery, overlooks, and side trails that extend many miles out into state forest lands which are adjacent to the park."
Fall foliage viewing: Cowans Gap State Park Campground delivers excellent autumn color viewing. According to one visitor, "Absolutely amazing fall color on the lake and great drives surrounding. Bathrooms are clean and hot showers."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Rocky Gap State Park Campground earns praise for site size. A camper observed, "Can't believe how much space is between each site. You're close enough to see other campers but far enough away to feel you have you own sections of woods."
Swimming opportunities: Shawnee State Park offers a lake with designated swimming areas. A visitor noted, "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating. The campground was nice, quiet and clean."
Family-friendly amenities: Friendship Village Campground & RV Park provides numerous children's activities. According to one camper, "There are multiple ponds on the property however only one of them can be fished in. No license is required for fishing here. There are also two pools at each end of the campground."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Bedford area require leveling equipment. At Shawnee State Park Campground, a visitor cautioned, "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level."
Traffic noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Friendship Village, one camper reported, "Nice campground, clean and plenty of activities for the kids. The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways."
Seasonal weather variations: Blue Knob State Park Campground experiences different weather patterns than surrounding areas. A reviewer advised, "Clouds blowing east from the Midwest tend to break on the mountains here at Blue Knob, so short little bursts of rainfall are frequent, and they don't always show up on weather apps."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Cowans Gap State Park Campground offers a beach area ideal for families. A reviewer shared, "Amazing lake front campground! One of our favorites! Campground sits right on a gorgeous lake. Lots of fishing options including boats you can rent."
Playground access: Friendship Village Campground features multiple play areas. One visitor mentioned, "There are many playgrounds spread out across the property as well as a jumping pillow and a very well-built gaga ball pit."
Educational opportunities: Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA includes educational programming. A camper detailed, "Sunday we had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things. This is primarily for kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons requires careful site selection. A visitor suggested, "Site 22 is a deluxe patio back in site with a patio, 4 nice Adirondack chairs, a double glider, a weber propane grill and built in fire pit AND a dog fence just for that site."
Utility connections: Shawnee State Park Campground offers various hookup options. A camper explained, "Site 258 on loop D is quiet, but may have been noisy if the yurt and 2 cabins had been rented out. There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site."
Off-season advantages: RVers find benefits in spring and fall visits to cabin camping near Bedford, Pennsylvania. One visitor at Rocky Gap State Park Campground shared, "Rocky Gap is best earlier and later in the year. It's less crowded. The campground beach is fun."
