Several state parks within a 45-minute drive of Claridge, Pennsylvania offer cabin options ranging from rustic wooden structures to modern accommodations with full utilities. The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Claridge features elevations between 1,000-2,800 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures compared to nearby Pittsburgh. Winter cabin reservations often need to be made 3-6 months in advance, especially for holiday weekends.
What to do
Water activities at Raccoon Creek: Swimming, kayaking and fishing opportunities at the 101-acre lake with rental equipment available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "This is my go to spot for camping when I have to just get away from it all. It's close to home plus it is a great place to take the dog out to swim and chase geese and ducks. A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the sun," shares one visitor at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground.
Hiking on maintained trails: Multiple parks offer trail systems ranging from easy lakeside paths to more challenging mountain terrain. "The park itself is large, has over 40 miles of trails, a fantastic backpacking loop setup for beginners, and a nice lake for swimming, fishing, ect," notes a camper about Raccoon Creek State Park.
Winter recreation: Several parks maintain winter programs for cabin guests including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. "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," explains a visitor at Kooser State Park Campground.
Whitewater experiences: At Ohiopyle State Park, cabins provide a comfortable base for exploring the Youghiogheny River rapids. "Ohiopyle is a trendy, hip little town...like Boulder East. Running smack dab through the center of town is the Youghiogheny River...Yough for short. A picturesque waterfall, numerous outdoor retailers, bicycle & raft rentals, peaceful trails and a sweet, cutting edge visitor/nature center," describes a visitor.
What campers like
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and streams provide fishing access directly from cabin areas. "Can be crowded during summer times but always clean and well maintained. Everybody is very friendly and great place to fish with young children," explains a camper at Keystone State Park Campground.
Proximity to attractions: Many cabin locations provide easy access to regional highlights. "We've stayed here multiple times throughout several summers. 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. Great place to spend the weekend," notes a Keystone State Park visitor.
Year-round availability: Some cabin sites remain open through winter months. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots and leaving lots of information at the office," shares a winter camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Varied difficulty levels: Trail systems accommodate different skill levels. "The campground is close to many places in the Laurel Highlands which makes it convenient," mentions a visitor about Kooser State Park, noting its location amid several recreational areas.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all cabin sites offer equal privacy or amenities. "Sitting in a valley the site go up the hillside. Good amenities, pool and bathroom/showers," explains a camper at Mountain Top Campground. "Most sites are not level, but very grassy," notes another visitor about Kooser State Park.
Seasonal infrastructure differences: Water systems and amenities may be limited in colder months. "Water hookups weren't working at the time, but we were able to connect in Cherry Loop and fill our tank," shares a November visitor at Ohiopyle State Park.
Variable shower facilities: Bathroom quality differs 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," reports a recent visitor to Ohiopyle State Park.
Reservation windows: Book well in advance for peak seasons and holiday weekends. "The campground was family and pet friendly on the hillside section," notes a Keystone visitor, referring to one of the more popular loops.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Parks with organized programming offer structured entertainment options. "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids & the original 2 big water slides in woods," shares an enthusiastic visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run.
Playground access: Some parks feature modern play equipment near cabin areas. "We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc. All in all we will definitely be returning," notes a visitor at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
Noise considerations: Family-focused parks may have more ambient noise. "Quiet and privacy is on the backside of those Kabins in the pet friendly area," advises a Madison-Pittsburgh KOA visitor, suggesting where to book for families with young children who need naps.
Creek access: Several parks feature shallow water play areas separate from swimming beaches. "Great place to stay! You will not find better campground owners, they are amazing. Alot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down," explains a Mirror Lake camper.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many cabin sites in the region share uneven terrain with RV sites. "Very nice and newer campground. Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable," notes a visitor at The Blue Canoe RV Resort (formerly Uniontown KOA).
Seasonal site selection: Open field sites versus wooded areas offer different experiences throughout the year. "The site was very private and relatively flat. We did not use the bathroom facilities but they seemed nice. There is a lot to do in the park," shares a camper at Keystone State Park.
Electric service variations: Cabin campers should verify what electrical services are available. "Small campground with nice spots. A great area for hiking and taking walks. Pet friendly. Only downfall is that the lake swimming area is closed," notes a Kooser State Park visitor.
