Cabin camping near Saltsburg, Pennsylvania offers access to the Laurel Highlands region with elevations reaching nearly 3,000 feet. The area features several state parks with seasonal availability typically running April through October, though some cabin accommodations remain open year-round. Winter temperatures in the region can drop below freezing, making heated cabin options particularly valuable during colder months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Yellow Creek State Park provides a lake stocked with various fish species. "Very clean and helpful camp. Too bad the fishing isn't the best at yellow creek national park," notes one visitor to Yellow Creek State Park.
Hiking trails: The surrounding mountains offer numerous trail options with varying difficulty levels. At Laurel Hill State Park, "There is a large picnic area at the end of one of the loops. Bike and boat rentals are available in the summer season."
Water recreation: Many parks feature lakes for swimming, boating and paddling during summer months. "We rented a pontoon boat for one afternoon and explored the lake, which was awesome," shares a Yellow Creek State Park visitor. Water temperatures are typically comfortable from June through August.
Historical sites: The region includes several historical attractions within driving distance. "The visitors center at Keystone was beautiful and informative of the local history which was very interesting how the park first came about," mentions one camper.
What campers like
Peaceful surroundings: The mountain location provides a quiet retreat away from urban areas. A visitor to Mountain Top Campground notes, "It actually does really sit at the mountain top and gives you pretty good views of the valleys and surrounding areas from any of the rim campsites."
Friendly management: Several campgrounds receive praise for their hospitable staff. At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, "You will not find better campground owners, they are amazing. After office hours they can be commonly found hanging out with their campers."
Creek access: Water features enhance many camping experiences. "Lots of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek," shares a Mirror Lake visitor.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and showers matter to many campers. "The campsite and bathrooms were clean when we arrived and when we left," reports a visitor at Laurel Hill State Park.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Not all sites are created equal, particularly for tent camping. At Ohiopyle State Park, "The campground itself was buggy, not well maintained, and covered in poison ivy." Research individual sites before booking.
Seasonal accessibility: Winter weather can limit facility availability. "The water hookups weren't working at the time, but we were able to connect in Cherry Loop and fill our tank," notes one Ohiopyle visitor during a November stay.
Advance planning required: Popular cabins book quickly, especially during peak seasons. Silver Canoe Campground cabins "are much nicer than your average campground cabins," but availability can be limited.
Pet policies vary: Some loops or cabin areas restrict pets while others welcome them. "The park has a more pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded," explains a Laurel Hill camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas: Creeks and lakes provide natural entertainment for children. At Silver Canoe Campground, "You can rent paddle boats or canoes to paddle around the lake," making it easier to enjoy water activities without bringing your own equipment.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play structures. "There is a nice playground area for kids and some nice overflow tent sites nearby," mentions a Kooser State Park reviewer.
Nature programs: Educational activities are available at certain parks. "The visitors center at Keystone was beautiful and informative of the local history," notes one camper, providing indoor options during inclement weather.
Yurt accommodations: Alternative to traditional cabins, yurts offer a unique experience. "We stayed in one of the yurts, and it was perfect for the group of 6 I went with. It dumped rain the first night we were there and the yurt kept us perfectly comfortable and dry," shares a Yellow Creek visitor.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have uneven sites. "The sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," warns a Laurel Hill State Park visitor. Bring leveling blocks.
Hook-up placements: Power connections aren't always conveniently located. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises an RVer at Kooser State Park.
Access routes: Some campgrounds have narrow approach roads. "The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in," recommends a Mountain Top Campground visitor. Local knowledge can prevent difficult driving situations.
Grey water management: Special systems exist at certain sites. "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area," explains a Mountain Top camper.
