Blue Knob State Park cabins provide access to Pennsylvania's second highest mountain peak at 2,975 feet, with nearby cabins offering 10-15 degree cooler temperatures than surrounding valleys. Cabin accommodations near Claysburg span from basic units to deluxe options with kitchen facilities. The region typically receives more rainfall than surrounding areas due to mountains forcing cloud systems upward, creating frequent short rain showers even in summer months.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Explore the extensive Allegrippis Trail system accessible from Seven Points Campground near Hesston. "There is a trail head at the entrance of the camp loop!" one reviewer notes. The trails are "IMBA standard built trails that are open year round and in any weather."
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Take short drives from cabin locations to multiple vista points. "We drove into Huntingdon and found signs to two outlooks which had spectacular views. One was Ridenour Overlook and the other Hawn's Overlook which were accessed from the same parking lot," reports a visitor to Seven Points Campground.
Water activities: Raystown Lake offers boating, fishing and swimming. According to a Friendship Village Campground visitor, "Both RV sites and lots to rent to pitch your own tent, fishing, huge lake with beach, lots of activities for the kids throughout the summer."
What campers like
Quiet mountain atmosphere: The higher elevation cabins provide a cooler retreat during summer months. "Blue Knob State Park might be my favorite place to camp in Western PA. It sits on the flanks of the second highest peak in the state. Clouds blowing east from the Midwest tend to break on the mountains here at Blue Knob, so short little bursts of rainfall are frequent," explains a visitor to Blue Knob State Park Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Many cabins feature upgraded amenities and regularly cleaned common areas. A visitor to Shawnee State Park Campground notes, "Bathroom and showers were clean, bright, and there is a dish washing sink outside. Showers were push button but pressure was great and the water was hot."
Privacy between sites: Some cabin locations offer better spacing than others. "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," according to a visitor at Friendship Village Campground.
What you should know
Weather patterns: The mountain regions experience unique weather systems. "Clouds blowing east from the Midwest tend to break on the mountains here at Blue Knob, so short little bursts of rainfall are frequent, and they don't always show up on weather apps. Come prepared for short rain showers, chilly air even in the summer," advises a Blue Knob State Park Campground visitor.
Limited services: Many cabin locations have restricted access to supplies. At Heritage Cove Resort, visitors note it's "Several miles from town" with "Clean modern shower and toilets. All sites in shade. Boat rentals. Camp store. Boat launch. Gravel sites."
Varying site quality: Not all cabin sites are created equal. "Our site had a gravel pad. But the surrounding area was not level and you had to climb up a 2-3' incline to get to the fire pit area. Gets very slick because it doesn't dry out," reported one Lake Raystown Resort visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for specialized cabin options: Some locations offer unique accommodations for families with pets. At Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA, "Site 22 is a deluxe patio back-in site with a patio, 4 nice Adirondack chairs, a double glider, a weber propane grill and built-in fire pit AND a dog fence just for that site that was maybe 6 ft x 6ft."
Check activity schedules: Many cabin locations have weekend programming. "We stayed during Bigfoot weekend. It was super fun as our family likes bigfoot fun. We started out Friday night getting the offered $12 bbq plate that included pork burnt ends, beans and potato salad that were 'oh it's so good'. On Saturday was rock painting and then bingo and ended the night with a DJ dance party," reports a Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA visitor.
Consider water access: Cabins closer to water features provide more recreation options. At Shawnee State Park Campground, "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating. The campground was nice, quiet and clean."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Mountain cabin sites can have challenging layouts. A visitor to Trough Creek State Park Campground notes, "Nice small park with gravel drives/roads and plenty of room for big rigs. All sites level with partial shade. Open, but with plenty of space between sites."
Reserve early for waterfront locations: Prime cabin spots fill quickly. "We wanted a waterfront site but even trying to reserve the first day we could for this weekend, they were all taken. So we stayed in Senoia loop in site 236 which was spacious, private, and with a nice breeze!" reports a Seven Points visitor.
Verify utility hookups: Not all cabin areas have equal services. "Note: the sites our family were at did NOT have sewage hook ups. I do not know if this applies to all sites," warns a visitor to Lake Raystown Resort.
