Cabins near Derry, Pennsylvania provide access to the Laurel Highlands region at elevations between 1,200-2,800 feet. This area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 55-65°F at night. Winter cabin rentals often require chains or 4WD vehicles from December through February when snow accumulation can reach 2-3 feet in higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing access year-round: At Quemahoning Family Recreation Area, visitors find excellent fishing opportunities. "Great place for fishing kayaking. Very family oriented," notes Kyle K. The lake supports multiple species and fishing remains productive even during cooler months.
Water activities for cooling off: The swimming areas at Keystone State Park Campground provide relief during summer months. "Park itself is gorgeous with a large lake and designated swimming area. Place attracts a lot of people in the summer as its basically in the Pittsburgh suburbs along a major road artery," explains Matt R. The swimming beach operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day with lifeguards on duty 11am-7pm daily.
Winter activities: Several cabin rental locations maintain winter operations. "We met with friends from Pittsburgh here, they visit often and consider this a hidden gem. We enjoyed the waterfront camping and snowshoeing," reports Harry H. about Kooser State Park Campground. Cross-country skiing trails range from beginner to advanced with 3-7 mile loops.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary significantly: At Keystone State Park, campers find different privacy options. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods. There are some very secluded sites," writes Matt R.
Fishing spots away from crowds: Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers less-trafficked fishing locations. "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat," says Erik E.
Rustic cabin charm: The historic cabins maintain their original character. "My family has been camping here for generations. There are charming rustic cabins, toilets and showers nearby. Outdoor spigots for water. They're all right next to a shady crick, near a sliding rock, and some nice hikes," describes Rachael K. about Linn Run State Park Cabins.
What you should know
Bathhouse maintenance varies: Some facilities need updating across the area. "The bathhouse and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them. They are clean but the creepy and gross factor are too much," reports Nora M. about Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
Terrain challenges: Many sites require leveling equipment. "The RV sites are REALLY not level because the sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," notes Kathy L. about Laurel Hill State Park. Bring adequate leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Seasonal operation differences: While some locations operate year-round, others close completely. "We camped at Kentuck Campground two weekends before the typical summer camping season (2 weeks before Memorial Day)," reports one visitor, discovering limited facilities during shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Multiple types of water recreation suit different ages. "The campground is nice with my kids loved it everything you need is in the spot with hookups. Pool was clean and if you forget something there little store has it," shares a reviewer at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Kid-focused amenities: Look for sites with playground proximity. "My family stayed in one of the cabins while friends were in their campers. The cabin was great, very clean and cozy. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc," describes Austin B. at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
Pet policies vary widely: Not all locations welcome pets at cabins. "There are also very limited sites that you can have a pet with you. So a nice place but if those two things are important to you just be aware," advises Nora M. about Ohiopyle State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Research specific site characteristics before booking. "We stayed in a pull thru that was very easy to level with a great area for my 2 year old granddaughter to enjoy," notes Paul B. about Kooser State Park. Request sites away from main roads for noise reduction.
Hookup limitations: Many area campgrounds lack full hookups. "Stayed in one of 4 full hookup sites. My complaints...WAY too close to the neighbors and VERY little shade," reports Olivia L. about Kooser State Park. Most locations offer electric-only sites with water access points and dump stations.
Extension cords needed: At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises Erik E.
