Best Cabin Camping near Dauphin, PA

Rustic cabins and furnished cottages can be found at several campgrounds within a short drive of Dauphin, Pennsylvania. Gifford Pinchot State Park offers camping cottages with electricity, heat, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. "We stayed in the Dragonfly camping cottage. It was a standard rustic-type state park cabin, with one double bed, one single twin bunk, and one regular set of bunk beds, so it sleeps 5-6 comfortably. There was also a sturdy dining room table with chairs and an oscillating fan inside," notes one visitor. Little Buffalo State Park Campground provides cabin rentals with modern amenities including electricity and heat, though no air conditioning. Most cabins include outdoor fire rings, picnic tables, and porches, with indoor furnishings typically featuring beds, tables, and basic seating.

Cabin camping options range from basic rustic units to deluxe accommodations with kitchenettes. KOA cabins at Jonestown/Hershey KOA and Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA provide pet-friendly options with additional fees. Ferryboat Campsites offers "honeymooner cabins" in a shaded area with good privacy. Seven Mountains Campground features cabins with full-size mattress bunk beds, wall-mounted TVs, and mini-refrigerators. Thousand Trails Hershey operates from April through October with cabin rentals that include electricity and basic furnishings. Most locations require advance reservations, especially during summer months and weekends. Cabin layouts typically accommodate 4-6 people with various bed configurations, making them suitable for families or small groups.

Most cabin rentals provide beds with mattresses but require guests to bring their own linens, pillows, and towels. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations, from basic fire rings with grills to cabins with refrigerators and microwaves. Campers should pack cooking utensils, food storage containers, and cleaning supplies. On-site camp stores at locations like Jonestown/Hershey KOA stock essential items, firewood, and ice. Grocery stores are located in nearby towns for more substantial shopping needs. Visitors staying in cabins without bathrooms should bring flashlights for nighttime walks to bathhouses. Many cabins include electricity for charging devices and powering small appliances, though capacity may be limited in more rustic units.

Best Cabin Sites Near Dauphin, Pennsylvania (73)

    1. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 936-0949

    "There were trees in the back along the creek that shaded the picnic table a little. This part of the campground is quiet. In the front area it’s very close together and crowded."

    "This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."

    2. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $20 - $89 / night

    "The lake is large and gorgeous. There are a lot of lake side campsites which are amazing. The hosts are all very friendly."

    "All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area."

    3. Little Buffalo State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 567-9255

    $22 - $92 / night

    "Fire rings and picnic tables are at each site, but no wifi in the campground area. We did have cell phone service at our campsite."

    "Camping trails, grills to cook on but bring ur own charcoal, giant lake to fish and boat on, hiking for all experience levels, great fishing, lots of space, wildlife is everywhere and there is even an"

    4. Ferryboat Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Millersburg, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 444-3200

    $30 - $100 / night

    "With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild."

    "Wood at the camp store is incredibly expensive — they don’t sell to nightly campers by anything more than the small bundle ($8) — thankfully a lien seasonal let us buy some of his stock, otherwise we wouldn"

    5. Camp Hebron

    2 Reviews
    Halifax, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 896-3441

    $26 - $85 / night

    "Good water pressure, reliable electric. Cheap firewood available. Nice pool and lots of hiking trails. The sites have lots of tree cover and they are private."

    6. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $50 - $60 / night

    "Thousand Trails Hershey is huge! Sites were first come, first served which was a little weird for us but wasn’t a problem. Sites came with full hook ups, picnic table and fire pit."

    "For me, there are definitely some decent pros and cons for this private campground near Hershey Park. "

    7. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 367-7718

    $45 - $279 / night

    "Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table. The bath house was extremely clean and very nice. The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in!"

    "A little pricey and strict for vistors, they need to leave by 10 and can’t bring their pets."

    8. Jonestown/Hershey KOA

    16 Reviews
    Jonestown, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-6411

    "Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing."

    "Connects to Swatara State Park via Appalachian Trail. Has playground, creek, pocket park, miniature golf, bike and canoe rentals and a splash pad."

    9. Lake Heron Retreat

    5 Reviews
    Millersburg, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (929) 464-3766

    $20 - $240 / night

    "This lake was beautiful! A short walk from the campsite. We had the lake to ourself both evening and morning. $61. No WiFi. Leveling was fine. Verizon service was fine."

    "It was great to add this property on over 240 acres of woodland and a 10 acre lake. The lake provides excellent fishing. Check them out and leave them some love!"

    10. Buttonwood Campground

    14 Reviews
    Mifflintown, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 436-8334

    $30 - $78 / night

    "We stayed in their rustic cabin. The cabin was nice and clean. Bathrooms were really clean and had really nice showers. Lots for the kids to do. My grandkids had a blast."

    "Clean and well kept campground located 12 mile below Lewistown, Pa. As clean a campground as you will find. Staff is super friendly."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Cabin Reviews near Dauphin, PA

747 Reviews of 73 Dauphin Campgrounds


  • Jen V.
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Large, pretty park in a very convenient location

    Site Details: We stayed in the Dragonfly camping cottage (quick weekend trip without the husband, and I’m not quite up for towing and setting up the popup by myself with 3 kids!). It was a standard rustic-type state park cabin, with one double bed, one single twin bunk, and one regular set of bunk beds, so it sleeps 5-6 comfortably. There was also a sturdy dining room table with chairs and an oscillating fan inside. Electricity/lights and heat, but no AC. Very clean inside. The cabin also had a really nice front porch, picnic table, and fire ring, and was situated with a beautiful lake view. The area we were in contained both rustic cabins and yurts (which looked really neat).

    Facilities/Overall Park: Multiple bath houses were scattered among various loops, and each one we visited was very old, dim and drab, but they were also spacious and reasonably clean. Showers all had old rust and water stains. However, it was nice that there were so many of them, because this is a very large state park with multiple camping loops. Most tent and basic RV sites were shaded and private, while the newer FHU sites were more open (but still nicely spaced). Hosts and rangers were nice, but not very helpful or proactive when they needed to correct a reservation mistake they made (but it worked out in the end). There is a beautiful lake with a really nice day area in the center of the park, with a great playground and concession stand. The lake is popular for fishing and swimming, although there is oddly no sand beach; swimmers just entered the water straight from the grass.

    Surrounding Area/Attractions: Not much going on in the immediate vicinity, but Harrisburg, Amish country, and Hershey are all doable day trips from the park. We were here just for the Hershey RV show, and it was an easy 40-minute drive.

    Overall, this was a very pretty park with site options for every type of camper, but certain elements are in need of updating. I don’t think I’d go out of my way to make this park a destination, but it’s a nice option as a base camp for visiting the RV show or other attractions (with a much cheaper price tag than the private CGs closer to the action).

  • barb C.
    Aug. 6, 2022

    Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

    Amazing campground!

    We stayed for 10 days in a rustic cabin. Campground is well organized and clean. Tons of activities and even a hiking path. Pet friendly with small dog park. We had civil war soldiers drilling and staying the weekend we were there. Bathrooms are super clean.

  • Wendy W.
    Oct. 25, 2020

    Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    Quiet Family Fun

    What a wonderful place! The resort is spacious, scattered throughout the woods. The RV sites are comfortable with all the amenities. And the customer service is impeccable.

    We stayed during a few weekdays in October and we almost had the whole place to ourselves. We stayed in one of the cabins, which had 2 beds and a bunk bed, sink and toilet, refrigerator, microwave, dining table and sofa. There was also a front porch with picnic table and fire pit.

    Honestly, the beds were not very comfortable and way too small for a couple to sleep in one. It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals. Otherwise the stay was great.

    I would strongly recommend camping there in the summer months or during weekends in the shoulder season if you have social kids like mine. There were tons of things to do there for adults and kids alike. The activities — such as putt-putt, jump zone and the playground ended up being kinda boring for them without others to share it with. Obviously that would change with crowds. And advance reservations are a must — this place books up fast!

    I would highly recommend staying at Merry Meadows, especially if you have an RV and a group of friends to join you!

  • PhiladelphiaKaley R.
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Basic amenities and activities for the average camper

    Large campground with electric RV/camper sites as well as non-electric tent sites. Several bathroom and shower facilities. Lake-side sites are available and each site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and parking spot. Friendly staff, decently maintained. There were several planks missing from our picnic table and the parking spot was a mud hole. Some pet friendly sites are available as well. A snapping turtle stopped by for a visit at our campsite and ended up laying eggs! Quite a sight to see, there is plenty of wildlife around to enjoy during your stay.

  • V
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Knoebels Campground

    Clean, quiet, inexpensive, fun place to camp!

    Knoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins.

    There is electricity at every site but not water. There are fill stations throughout the campgrounds. Most sites are level and shaded. There are nice sturdy wooden platforms for tent campers.

    The bath houses are clean and well maintained. There are outside sinks with mirrors, laundry facilities, shower stalls, and toilet stalls. Or if you prefer there are also traditional bathrooms with showers.

    Quiet hours are enforced between 10p and 8a.

    Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Wood is available by the bucket near the check in building. Sites are inexpensive and are all a short walk, or free shuttle ride, to the park!.

  • J K.
    Oct. 14, 2019

    Seven Mountains Campground

    Nic cabin camping!

    Nice, clean, friendly/accommodating staff and the prices were reasonable for the accommodations. My Outdoor Adventure Algorithm is:(Drink+Fire+Lean-To)-(Rules+Regulations+Fees)/(Crowd-Privacy)*(Isolation*Acceptability of loud, primal, Forest-Man behavior)=Camping. While you won't mistake yourself for a member of the Donner Party, you'll also be comfortable, watching Dish, cooking on a gas stove or microwave inside(fire-ring out), with cold food/drinks and ice from the'big' mini-fridge. Bunk room had 2 bunk beds, each with a full size mattress AND room to move, plus good natural light. Living/dining area is large with a wall-mounted tv, rustic wood dining set, storage room and hooks/hangers, good natural light, as well as sufficient artificial direct and ambient lighting.Comfortable couch pulls out into a comfortable bed. Large covered front porch with again more lighting and a hanging swing. Parking is driveway-close, and they're pretty mellow about blazing conflagrations(IF it's under control) so you can get a REAL bed of coals to properly cook.They also have used/re-purposed camping/RV/tailgating items for sale( some free). It would even make a good event-specific yard-sale trip. Overall, a damned nice hotel in the woods. Not a survivalist challenge or hXc camping experience; just a clean, safe getaway for a game, Arts Fest, or just a time-out

  • Jennifer S.
    Sep. 29, 2017

    Knoebels Campground

    Great for a cheap place to stay near the park, but NOT good camping.

    The first time we decided to visit Knoebels resort, we decided to camp at the nearby Lake Glory Campground/Knoebels Campground. We rented a cabin and a family we were traveling with, also rented a cabin.

    The cabins were clean, as was the bathhouse, but the cabins were right on top of each other, with NO division at all. It was more like a neighborhood on a quiet street. In some ways, it was nice that all of the children in the area where able to play together and all of the adults could watch them- but there was just NO privacy or feelings of seperation at all.

    The fire rings seemed old, and you could hear every single cough, laugh, etc from your neighbor. It was also a fairly decent walk to the bathhouse- though the bathhouses were large and well kept.

    While we didn't stay in the tent or RV sites, it looked like a fairly similar sense of privacy in those sites. It basically looked like tents were just randomly placed in open spaces of grass.

    Firewood was for sale at the entrance, and it was "fill a bucket for $5". So basically, whatever you could fit and carry on of their metal pails, cost you $5. If you take your time, you can get a good amount of wood for that.

    The insides of the cabins had a large queen size bed and then a loft bunk. There was a nice built in shelf with electric and even a good amount of hooks and cubbies for storage. Of the camping cabins we have stayed in, this was the largest and most functional. That said, there was a ceiling fan for air circulation at the top and it was LOUD. I had to sleep up top, since my sensory-senstive child couldn't handle it- just a head's up, in case you have a similar issue.

    Overall, if you're looking for a dirt cheap way to stay near the local amusement park, this will do. Personally, when we returned this year, we just rented a hotel. We didn't enjoy the "camping" experience here at all.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country

    Camping in Amish Country @ Its Best

    I don’t know if the Amish camp, but regardless, if you’d like to experience what it’s like to go camping in Amish country then Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort has you covered. First of all, whenever I see that word ‘resort’ I always wonder – is it really a resort? And, well, while we're on that particular question, what makes a place a resort in the first place? In my estimation, a resort has to have a pool and likely some of those splash pools, probably gated or requires some sort of secure admittance, full of recreation options, is a restful respite and (very probably) features a Tiki Hut or some version of an outdoor bar that is serving up delicious libations. Apart from that very last amenity, this particular RV campground destination ticks most of the boxes.

    So, should you be looking for an authentic Quaker environ to enjoy some of the best of what the great Keystone State has to offer, then you might want to give PA Dutch Country RV Resort some consideration, but before you do, you’ll need to secure a membership with Thousand Trails in order to access this, and indeed the other 250 or so other campgrounds this camping conglomerate has throughout the US. The biggest downside to this particular campground is its very close proximity to the PA Turnpike, which while convenient, might detract a bit from the peace & quiet you might be expecting when here at your new-found camping ‘resort.’ That said, as the PA Dutch Country RV Resort rests at a slightly higher elevation than the turnpike, I have to admit, we really didn’t notice much of any noise coming from the highway and what’s more, this campground is completely surrounded by a fairly dense forest, which likely is what blocks any irritable sound and most certainly blocks any highway or traffic visibility.

    Should you decide to leave ‘the reservation’ for any reason, you’ll be engulfed by the incredibly rich, verdant countryside populated by incredibly rural residents who’s ancestors settled this vast rich farmland a few hundred years ago. Today, the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside (of which my Irish ancestors intermingled with a long time ago) is a combination of rolling hills in a plush countryside punctuated by massive rolled bays of hay in the surrounding fields, covered wooden bridges and the occasional quaint New England well-preserved charming towns that you will be sure to encounter. So, if you have camping on your mind, discovering a spot like PA Dutch Country RV Resort places you in the heart of one of the most picturesque natural landscapes anywhere in the Keystone State.

    Should you need directions to this campground, it’s just off Exit 44 of PA Turnpike or Exit 60 & 60A off of I78. Here at PA Dutch Country RV Resort you’ll encounter a destination offering up 267 back-in and pull-through slots with full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) for RVs in the midst of a fairly decent wooded surrounding with about 6 tent sites offering 15 amp electric and running water. You will discover that no matter where you look on this property, you will have to contend with sloping land as this campground appears to be situated right on the side of a heavily wooded hill. That said, we didn’t have any problems laying out our campsite that came with the standard-issued picnic table and in-ground fold-up fire ring. Don’t have an RV, 5th Wheeler or Tent? Not a problem, as the good folks here at PA Dutch Country RV Resort will rent you one of their 3 cottages for the night.

    As previously mentioned, with the term ‘resort’ there should be a ton of amenities that one conjures up and PA Dutch Country RV Resort does not disappoint with plenty of amenities, inclusive of: 3 fairly massive restroom & shower facilities, Wi-Fi service (at a cost), trading post / camp store, swimming pool, walking paths, clubhouse/ office, playing card room, church service, crafts & arts, family bingo, community library, mini golf course, basketball court, horseshoe pits, kids playgrounds, fire pit, designated picnic & BBQ areas, ranger station, recreation hall, cornhole, basketball court, designated dump stations, water stations, ice for sale, propane refueling station, RV storage, Laundry-O-Mat and pet friendly.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are an RVer or 5th Wheeler, the best sites IMHO are those that back up to the periphery and are northernmost up the slight embankment as you’ll have greater privacy and less noise being furthest away from all of the action in the center of this campground resort – these sites include: #C1– C5, #D9– D17 and #E44– E49; (2) Should you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or from the confines of your onboard mini-fridge, while there’s not a ton of restaurants around these parts, there are a few and they are pretty amazing, including favorites Brick Tavern Inn and The West End, McCoole’s @ The Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery; (3) In the event that you need to replenish any of your supplies, rest assured as in nearby Quakertown, there’s a Giant & Aldi’s grocery store as well as a local Target, Walmart, TJMaxx, Kohl’s and Link Beverages to stock up on the 21+ liquid refreshment; (4) Should you be towing your canoe or kayak with you and are eager to get the beak of your waterbird wet, then head on over due east of Quakertown Campground to Nockamixon SP where there’s a sizeable, yet skinny lake just begging for you to navigate it and get some good, hard oaring in; and (5) As a tent camper, while there are only 6 or so spots to choose from, you’ll be happy to know that these are also located on the periphery, with #L1& L2 being southernmost, which I would avoid altogether as this places you too close to the highway) and #T9– T12, which are located northernmost and are the best tent campsites to book.

    Happy Camping!

  • Avery M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Ferryboat Campsites

    Great little site with lots of seasonal residents.

    This is a wonderful little campsite primarily catering the seasonal RVer. With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild. There are also water/electric sites in a loop behind the honeymooner cabins, and they have teh best shade and set up for hammock camping.

    The ferry here is real, and has been in operation for the last 100+ years

    There is a small goat petting zoo, with very friendly pigmy goats and the camp is extremely pet friendly as long as they are on a leash.

    There is the typical camp store, and in addition there is the icecream store next to the river. Across the street is a local winery with the best views of the river around.

    The campsite fills quickly on the weekends, kayakers and fishers, and motorboats use this as the weekend home and mini family vacation spots.

    The showers are located in the RV section of the campground, so you will have to walk a bit if you are tent camping.

    There are horse stable available as well on site.


Guide to Dauphin

Cabin camping near Dauphin, Pennsylvania offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the conveniences of home.

Explore the Great Outdoors at Little Buffalo State Park

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Little Buffalo State Park Campground, where you can hike scenic trails and fish in the nearby waters.
  • The campground features spacious cabins that provide a cozy retreat after a day of exploring the park's natural beauty.
  • With year-round access, this location is ideal for both summer adventures and winter getaways.

Family Fun at Hersheypark

  • Stay at Hersheypark Camping Resort for easy access to the famous amusement park, making it a great choice for families.
  • The campground offers well-maintained cabins and amenities, including pools and playgrounds, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all ages.
  • Enjoy the convenience of shuttle services to Hersheypark, allowing you to focus on the fun without worrying about parking.

Relaxation and Recreation at Lake Heron Retreat

  • Experience tranquility at Lake Heron Retreat, where you can unwind by the beautiful lake and enjoy fishing or canoeing.
  • The retreat features well-kept cabins that provide a serene escape, perfect for those looking to recharge in nature.
  • With a focus on peace and quiet, this location is ideal for couples or anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Dauphin, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Dauphin, PA is Hersheypark Camping Resort with a 4-star rating from 29 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Dauphin, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 73 cabin camping locations near Dauphin, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.