Cabins near Cranberry, Pennsylvania occupy a region of the Pocono Mountains where elevation ranges from 1,100 to 2,300 feet, creating varied terrain for all camping styles. Most cabins remain accessible year-round though winter access often requires four-wheel drive vehicles. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations with summer cabin temperatures reaching the 80s during day but dropping to the 50s at night.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: Visit the famous boulder field at Hickory Run State Park Campground, a National Natural Landmark covering 16 acres. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes one visitor who enjoyed this unique geological feature.
Waterfall hiking: The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground features 22 named waterfalls along a 7-mile loop. A reviewer explains, "The biggest draw to this state park is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike."
Swimming and fishing: Many cabins provide access to lakes suitable for warm-weather recreation. Mauch Chunk Lake offers clear water ideal for paddleboarding. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," a camper reports.
What campers like
Quiet weekday stays: For peace and privacy at rustic cabins, book midweek visits. "You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars. If you go during the week, it's quite calm," notes a visitor at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Modern amenities: Some cabin facilities offer surprisingly modern features. At Lakewood Park Campground, visitors appreciate the blend of rustic settings with comfort: "This place has the best of an old-fashioned campground with a great layout. But it offers modern amenities and utilities in a natural setting."
Well-stocked camp stores: Many cabin areas maintain stores with extensive supplies. "The camp store had good hours and is stocked to high heaven; you could come here with just the clothes on your back and buy everything you need for a very comfortable stay," explains a reviewer about one facility.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Cabin proximity differs dramatically between locations. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, a visitor notes: "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right. After that... we had the best time!! Tons of trails and creeks."
Seasonal booking requirements: Most cabin facilities operate with different reservation systems depending on time of year. A camper at Tuscarora State Park Campground shared: "We reserved 3 of 4 yurts for first weekend in June...non peak season. Peak season requires minimum 5 day reservation, I believe."
Variable bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality and proximity varies by location and loop. "Bathhouses in this loop are non-flush/pit toilets. However, the other camping loops had shower houses and flush toilet restrooms," explains a reviewer describing their experience at a local campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select cabin locations with dedicated play areas for children. "There was a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," notes a reviewer from Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning resources for children. "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," reports a camper about the educational offerings for families.
Amusement park access: For families seeking entertainment beyond nature, Knoebels Campground offers a unique option. "My family likes to camp here for the convenience of being able to walk to the amusement park. Very nice campground and park. Clean bath houses and lots of things for all ages to do."
Tips from RVers
Advance water hose planning: Water connections at some sites require extra-long hoses. A visitor to Moyers Grove Campground advised: "Make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require substantial leveling equipment. "The site was pretty nice, but there is very little privacy as the sites are so close to each other," notes a camper describing the typical leveling and spacing situation found at many locations.
Seasonal temperature variation: RVers should prepare for wide temperature swings, especially in spring and fall. "It was chilly in the mornings and evenings and warm and sunny during the day. Perfect fall weather," explains a visitor describing typical conditions that require both heating and cooling capabilities.
