Damascus, Pennsylvania sits at the convergence of the Delaware and Lackawaxen rivers in the northern Pocono Mountains. At elevations ranging from 670 to 850 feet, the area's humid continental climate creates four distinct seasons for cabin campers. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making properly insulated cabin accommodations essential during colder months.
What to do
Fishing at riverside sites: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers excellent fishing from lakeside cabins. "My kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch," notes one camper, highlighting the accessible fishing directly from cabin sites.
Water activities beyond swimming: Keen Lake Resort Campground provides diverse water recreation options near their cabin rentals. "We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake," shares a visitor who stayed five nights.
Winter cabin camping: The Honesdale-Poconos KOA operates year-round, allowing for four-season cabin stays. Their cabins include heating systems suitable for winter use when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
River access for tubing: Cabins near Damascus provide easy access to river recreation. "Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip," recommends a visitor to Kittatinny Campground, where cabin accommodations complement river activities.
What campers like
Quiet, secluded settings: Valley View Farm and Campground offers cabin rentals in a peaceful woodland environment. A recent visitor noted, "Quiet and peaceful at night and the other campers were very friendly. There is not one negative thing I can say."
Larger cabin site spacing: Campers appreciate cabins with adequate surrounding space. At Soaring Eagle Campground, "sites are huge, plenty of room for 2+ family campers," according to a recent visitor who enjoyed the riverfront location.
Clean facilities: Consistently clean bathrooms and showers rank high among cabin campers' priorities. One visitor to Valley View Farm and Campground stated, "The owners are very nice and helpful. Very clean sites and bathrooms."
Cabin lakefront options: Cabins with direct water access command premium rates but deliver enhanced experiences. At Keen Lake, a camper observed, "We had a great time despite cold wet weather. Our site was probably one of the worst in the place but we were able to scope out others that we would prefer for our next visit. Get a site on the lake."
What you should know
Winter planning requirements: For cabins near Damascus during winter months, advance preparation is critical. Winter cabin stays require additional planning for potentially hazardous road conditions.
Cabin classifications vary: Not all "cabins" offer the same amenities. Russell Brook Campsites provides different levels of cabin accommodations. "Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table," reports one visitor.
Reservation timing: Summer cabin availability becomes limited 3-6 months in advance, particularly for waterfront options. Book early for prime locations.
Coin-operated showers: Some facilities require quarters for shower use. One Keen Lake visitor noted, "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground. The showers are coin operated."
Winter cabin access: Road conditions can limit cabin access during winter months. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary after snowfall.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Ponderosa Pines Campground offers cabins with family-oriented entertainment. "They have some entertainment, but nothing rowdy," notes a visitor, making it suitable for families seeking quieter cabin accommodations.
Safety considerations: Evaluate cabin proximity to water features when traveling with small children. Consider cabins with railings on porches and stairs.
Multi-generation options: Some cabins accommodate extended family gatherings. A Keen Lake visitor suggested, "Great for families. It would be a great place to camp with extended family."
Proximity to amenities: When selecting cabins with children, consider distance to bathrooms and recreation areas. "If you don't want to drive during your stay, camp on the side with the beach and pool," advises a Keen Lake camper.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: When RV sites are unavailable, cabins provide similar comforts. Honesdale-Poconos KOA offers both options, with a camper noting, "KOA campgrounds are always extremely well maintained with all the amenities we want."
Site levelness: Cabin sites typically offer more consistently level accommodations than tent sites. "Our site was well maintained and flat which were the most important," reported a camper.
Winter accessibility: RVers transitioning to cabin stays during colder months should verify road conditions and cabin heating systems. Honesdale-Poconos KOA offers year-round options with appropriate heating.
