Cabin camping options near Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania range from rustic to modern accommodations throughout the Laurel Highlands region. Most cabins are available year-round with varied amenities depending on location and price point. Situated at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers and cold, snowy winters that affect cabin availability and road access during winter months.
What to Do
Hiking trails accessible from cabins: At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy the 5-mile trail around Lake Habeeb. "A fair amount of gnats and other bugs but no mosquitoes to speak of. The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park," notes Jeff H.
Paddle sports on nearby lakes: Many cabin locations offer water access. "The lake was perfect for paddle boarding. Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas," explains Kimberly H. about Rocky Gap State Park's regulations on water activities.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple cabin sites feature fishing ponds or lake access. At Friendship Village Campground, "The pond is nice and has a 1/2 mile walking path around it with trees and beaches to stop and sit," according to Steve K., highlighting the additional recreational options beyond just fishing.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites with privacy: Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers cabins with good separation from other sites. "The campsite and bathrooms were clean when we arrived and when we left. The site numbering is a bit wonky on the dog loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops," advises Erik E.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathhouses and regular maintenance at most cabin locations. "Clean facilities, Huge park, $5 firewood," notes C.S. about Laurel Hill State Park, mentioning affordable firewood options that many campers value.
Family-friendly amenities: Many cabin areas offer playgrounds and recreational facilities. "Nice clean campground, plenty of activities for the kids. The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise," reports Aaron S. about Friendship Village Campground, highlighting both positives and potential drawbacks.
What You Should Know
Site selection matters: Finding a level site can be challenging at some locations. At Shawnee State Park Campground, "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked," explains Brittany V.
Winter accessibility varies: Some cabin areas maintain limited winter operations. "The water hookups weren't working at the time, but we were able to connect in Cherry Loop and fill our tank. The campground was really nice and really empty in November," reports Bounding Around about Ohiopyle State Park.
Bathroom facilities differ widely: Quality and maintenance of bathhouses vary significantly between parks. "The bathroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them. They are clean but the creepy and gross factor are too much," warns Nora M. about Ohiopyle State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Plan meals carefully: Limited grocery options exist near many cabin sites. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," advises Robert C. about staying at Ohiopyle State Park.
Check playground conditions: Not all playgrounds are well-maintained at cabin locations. "The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull a lot of splinters out of my child's hands and feet," cautions Brandy B. about Pioneer Lakes RV Park.
Consider noise levels: Some cabin areas experience road noise or activity noise. "We were surprised that just a few days before Memorial Day, only a handful of sites were occupied. We've been very impressed by the pristine conditions of many Pennsylvania state parks, but this one had a more rustic feel," shares Lee D. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Tips from RVers
Verify hookup locations: Hookup placement varies widely between parks. "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 Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Check site leveling before booking: Many cabin camping areas have unlevel sites. "Sites are very spacious and the gravel pad was level upon parking. Good connections and solid cable. Facilities are well maintained and there are a ton of activities to enjoy," notes Brittany V. about Friendship Village Campground's RV-friendly cabin sites.
Confirm seasonal availability: Some cabin areas close or reduce services in winter. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground. We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season," explains Lee D. about Shawnee State Park.
