Cabin camping near Cornwall, Pennsylvania offers access to the state's southcentral wooded terrain within 30 miles of Hershey attractions and Amish country. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 400-700 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak season. Winter cabin rentals remain available at select locations when temperatures drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Fishing and water recreation: At Pinch Pond Family Campground, a small fishing pond provides relaxation away from the campground bustle. "The pond is not suitable for swimming and has no swimming signs around. Nature decided to reclaim the area and the fish have an abundance of kel to live in. It is a wonderful fishing and boating area," notes Yamileth K.
Hiking trails: The Jonestown/Hershey KOA connects directly to regional trails. "The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc. Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking," explains Bobby S.
Theme park access: For family entertainment, cabin rentals near Old Mill Stream Campground provide direct access to Dutch Wonderland. "Literally off the same parking lot as Dutch Wonderland. It's really small but very pleasant... Not too noisy being next to a theme park," shares Joshua W.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Cabins at French Creek State Park Campground offer natural separation. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," according to Jen R.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at several campgrounds. "Amazing....staff is friendly...BATHROOMS CLEAN!!!!! Is there really anything else? Lol!" exclaims Anna M. about Thousand Trails Hershey.
Family activities: The seasonal events draw repeat visitors. "They had Halloween every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" reports Kasey M. about Thousand Trails Circle M.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all cabin locations provide equal comfort or privacy. "The cabins were right on top of each other, with NO division at all. It was more like a neighborhood on a quiet street," notes one reviewer about Thousand Trails facilities.
Weather considerations: Winter cabin stays require preparation. "Cold it was, 15 degrees was a teeth chattering experience. However our A Liner Ranger kept me warm and cozy," shares Ed P. about Hickory Run Family Camping Resort during off-season.
Environmental issues: Some campgrounds have unexpected environmental factors. "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there and we enjoyed sitting outside in the afternoon, but when the wind shifted the horrid smell drove us inside," reports Nancy W.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Position cabins near play areas for convenience. "They have a tennis court, mini golf, basketball court, and you saw many kids out with their bicycles. There is even an arcade center for the kids and a rec center with a pool table," mentions Yamileth K.
Budget for extras: Factor in additional activities beyond cabin rental. "The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in!" says Cat R. about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Pack entertainment: Bring diversions for rainy days. "It rained the whole weekend but we made the most of it. The pull through sites are nice and long, but we were put in a buddy spot and didn't know. We were happy we made friends with our neighbors," explains Angie G.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many cabins sit on the same uneven terrain as RV sites. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same," reports Justin B. about site conditions.
Weekday advantages: Schedule cabin stays midweek for better experiences. "Close to Hershey World, nice campground mid week nice and few campers. Nice staff, trash pickup at site, friendly escort," shares Victoria G.
Location trade-offs: Consider highway noise when selecting cabin locations. "A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were..." notes Emily L.
