Camping cabins near Champion, Pennsylvania dot the Laurel Highlands region at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet, creating distinctly cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Winter cabin rentals often require snow-ready vehicles from December through February when average snowfall exceeds 100 inches annually. The region sits within the Allegheny Mountain range, creating dramatic terrain changes throughout the cabin camping areas.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing at the lake: Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers excellent water activities just a short drive from Champion. According to one visitor, "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat. Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake."
Winter sports access: Kooser State Park Campground cabin rentals position you near major ski areas. "We enjoyed the waterfront camping and snowshoeing. We got a site by the water and with good tree cover. They also have cabins but we were just in a tent (I don't know if the cabins are open all year). Great place to camp for simple beauty," notes a winter visitor.
Historic site visits: The cabin rentals around Champion provide convenient base camps for exploring regional landmarks. "This is located about an hour away from my home, so we plan on making this our go-to for quick camping getaways throughout the year," mentions one Hickory Hollow visitor. Another camper adds, "This is our first stay at this park. We have a wonderful, big electric and water site. Our camper doesn't have a bathroom so we need the bathhouse."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hickory Hollow Campground receives high marks for maintenance. "This may be the first campground I give a 10 out of 10! All the amenities your could want, it's clean, sites are leveled, it's maintained beautifully, there are cows in the distance, fully stocked store, friendly staff. Laundry, bathrooms, fairly spacious sites, a pool, dog park. Very, very nice," shares one satisfied guest.
Family-friendly atmosphere: The cabin areas include programmed activities for younger campers. "This Yogi Bear campground offers a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do, but there are also many local attractions as well. Kids love it here," notes one visitor about the Mill Run location.
Hiking accessibility: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground connects to numerous trail systems. A visitor notes, "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time. Park was well kept." Another adds, "They even have a star-gazing point/trail."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Ohiopyle State Park cabins have specific seasonal limitations. "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," warns one camper. For winter stays, check road conditions as access routes may close without notice.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require substantial advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "This campground is a very nice campground about 30 minutes from Pittsburgh. It is a membership-based campground, we stayed there using coast to coast," explains one Roaring Run visitor.
Bathroom facility quality: Bathhouse conditions 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," notes an Ohiopyle visitor, while other parks receive praise for modern facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Pioneer Park Campground offers multiple water features for children. "Nice size campground. Lots of stuff for the kids to do and all inclusive. Big fishing lakes. Pool could use a heater," notes a family camper. Another mentions, "Great family friendly campground. Site 202 is right on a pond, a nice shady spot with lots of space."
Playground access: Many cabin locations include dedicated play areas. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had a amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do!" shares a Benner's Meadow Run visitor.
Off-season advantages: Visiting outside peak summer months means quieter conditions. "I was surprised that just a few days before Memorial Day, only a handful of sites were occupied," mentions one Laurel Hill visitor. Another camper adds, "This is a very nice campground. Plan your meals well, before arriving."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: The Blue Canoe RV Resort reports some uneven terrain. "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. New pool, but not open when we stayed. Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood," shares one RVer who continues, "The only thing we didn't care for was the fire rings are all in sight of each other."
Power requirements: Several cabins and RV sites have limited electrical capacity. "The campground is decent, but not sure it really qualifies as a 'resort'. It is an older park that could use some updates, namely electric service, fresh gravel for the sites, and sewer, but overall the park was clean and reasonably well kept," notes a visitor to Roaring Run Resort.
Seasonal road conditions: Winter access requires preparation. "Simple wooded beauty in southern PA, an hour or so from Pittsburgh not far off 76. Pros: nice swimming, short trail, great XC skiing (here and nearby), nice green area with rolling hills, cabin options, hot showers," shares a Kooser visitor who continues, "one-way road was a little frustrating."
