Camping cabins near Cheswick, Pennsylvania provide shelter options across southwestern Pennsylvania, with locations largely concentrated within a 40-minute drive radius. The area features rolling hills with elevations between 800-1,200 feet and experiences four distinct seasons, with summer cabin stays typically ranging from May through October. Winter availability varies widely by property, with some facilities closing completely while others maintain limited cabin operations.
What to do
Horseback riding and wagon rides: At Bear Run Campground, families can enjoy scheduled horseback rides each weekend. "My son loves the horse rides on Sundays," notes a visitor. The campground also hosts wagon rides to their lake during holiday weekends.
Whitewater rafting: Located 90 minutes from Cheswick, Ohiopyle offers excellent water activities. "Great place to go white water rafting!!!" writes one camper about Kentuck Campground. The Youghiogheny River features multiple difficulty levels for different experience levels.
Hiking the Palomino Loop: Several trail systems connect to campgrounds in the region. "Got out for a couple hours hiking in the snow. It was great. Just what we needed to stretch the legs and enjoy some family time. We did the Palomino Loop," reports a winter hiker at Raccoon Creek State Park.
Creek exploration: Some campgrounds offer direct water access. "From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail. Approx. 30min walk along the creek down into McConnells Mill State Park," shares a visitor at Breakneck Campground.
What campers like
Mountaintop views: Mountain Top Campground in Tarentum offers panoramic vistas from elevated sites. "You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It's cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond," describes one camper.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds include water recreation. "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town," notes a visitor at Keystone State Park Campground.
Seclusion by the creek: For those seeking privacy, certain campgrounds offer more isolated sites. "We were lucky enough to be able to camp down by the stream. There are designated fireplaces. It is quite a walk up the hill to the campground amenities, but worth it to feel secluded down by the creek," reports one camper about Breakneck Campground.
Wide open spaces: Some campgrounds feature more spacious layouts. "Campground is very nice. A lot of sites with plenty of room at each site. Bathrooms were very clean as well," notes a visitor at Smith Grove.
What you should know
Steep terrain challenges: Several campgrounds in the region feature significant elevation changes. "The campground is steep in parts and too large to walk efficiently," warns a visitor at Bear Run. Similarly, at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, a camper noted: "The parking spots for non seasonal are okay, a few steep ones but they all have gravel and a patch of grass with a table and fire pit. Now their monthly (which I have currently) man are those a nervous wreck! Very steep and awkward but we got it done."
Limited cell coverage: Some rural areas have spotty service. "Note: there is no phone reception at the tent sites by the creek," mentions a Breakneck camper. Similar connectivity issues exist at other wooded locations.
Payment processes vary: Campgrounds collect fees differently. "The owners are awesome and come around to collect fees in the evening with kids and dogs in tow," explains a Breakneck camper. Others require advance payment or specific check-in windows.
Shower considerations: Facility quality and arrangements differ widely. "Note the showers were coin operated, so you not only needed cash on hand but then had to turn those into special coins for the shower," reports a Mountain Top visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Some campgrounds schedule regular events. "Every weekend there are activities, there is a heated pool and Friday night Bingo. A great place with even better people!" shares a Indian Brave Campground visitor. Many campgrounds host themed weekends throughout summer.
Campground layout considerations: Sites with playgrounds offer convenience for families with small children. "If you HAVE KIDS young enough to have to keep an eye on the kabins and spots facing the pillow ARE PRIME (kids wait for it to blow up every morning)," advises a Madison-Pittsburgh KOA visitor regarding their jumping pillow attraction.
Multiple bathroom options: Facilities vary widely between properties. "Bathrooms are typical for a state park," notes one Keystone camper, while another points out: "The restroom 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."
Loop selection matters: Many campgrounds have distinct areas. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and is set in the woods," advises a Keystone visitor.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in," advises a Mountain Top camper who stayed for a month.
Grey water options: Unique disposal arrangements exist at certain locations. "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 visitor.
Site selection for larger units: Some campgrounds accommodate larger RVs better than others. "Bear Run offers pull through sites for larger RV's," notes a visitor, while another camper suggests: "We stayed at site 43 in the Hillside Loop because we brought our 2 large dogs. Site was very private and relatively flat."
