Cabins near Dushore, Pennsylvania range from rustic to fully equipped accommodations within the Endless Mountains region at an elevation of approximately 1,570 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with fall foliage peaking in mid-October, creating ideal conditions for cabin camping from late spring through early fall. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, making wood stoves and adequate insulation essential for cold-weather cabin stays.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground features the Falls Trail with 22 named waterfalls. "The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) 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. The trails are very well marked," notes a visitor.
Lake activities: Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground offers fishing and non-motorized boating on their private lake. "You can rent non electric boats and they offer catch&release fishing without a PA license in the lake. My son caught 2 sunfish," shares a camper who appreciated the family-friendly fishing options.
Seasonal recreation: Lackawanna State Park Campground provides winter activities for year-round cabin users. A visitor notes, "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house." This extends the cabin season beyond traditional summer months.
What campers like
Primitive tent sites near water: Cozy Creek Family Campground offers waterfront primitive sites. "The tent sites are right on the creek. The grounds, the little store/coffee shop and the facilities were pristine," reports a recent visitor, highlighting the appealing creek-side camping options near cabin accommodations.
Privacy between sites: Pioneer Campground features spacious sites with natural separation. A camper commented, "The sites are huge- Plenty of room for activities. The campground is family owned and operated- the employees are fantastic." This privacy factor contrasts with more densely arranged cabin sites at state parks.
Connectivity options: Unlike state park cabins with limited connectivity, some private campgrounds offer internet access. "We did have to rely on our jet pack from time to time but anyone who knows about campground wi-fi knows to even be able to use it at all is a huge plus!" notes a visitor to Whispering Pines Camping Estates.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities: Rustic cabin accommodations typically share centralized bathroom buildings. At Worlds End State Park Campground, "There was also a dishwashing sink with dish detergent INSIDE the bathhouse (women's– not sure about men's!), something I have never seen before but which was appreciated in the colder months."
Seasonal availability: Most cabin rental options have specific opening and closing dates. Red Rock Mountain Campground operates seasonally, while Whispering Pines Camping Estates offers "all year" availability for their cabin rentals, providing winter options.
Reservation timing: State park cabins book quickly, especially for peak seasons. "Get your reservations in early though weekends for lakeside sites are booked super fast!" advises a Pine Cradle Lake camper, with this advice applying equally to cabin reservations in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When selecting cabin accommodations with children, consider amenities within walking distance. "The visitor center has a nice playground, but it is a mile away from the campground," notes a Lackawanna State Park visitor, highlighting the importance of checking amenity distances.
Seasonal activities: Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse offers special programming for families. "This has become a new tradition for our family and friends. We started with a trip in the summer because of their candy bar hunt and heated swimming pool," shares a visitor who returned for their Halloween activities.
Swimming options: Multiple cabin providers maintain swimming facilities. "The heated pool and splash pad, spacious sites and clean amenities" were highlights for a family staying at Pine Cradle Lake, providing alternatives to natural swimming areas during cooler weather.
Tips from RVers
Access roads: Some cabin locations have challenging approach roads. A Cozy Creek visitor noted, "The road in (Vacation lane) is dirt, rough and narrow. There is presently no gate as well so the public can just drive in." Consider vehicle clearance when planning cabin stays.
Winter accessibility: Snow removal varies by location. Worlds End State Park maintains winter access, though preparation is essential. "Health kinda made it impossible to really do much. But the setting, weather, views, and timing made sitting around the fire with family more than good enough," reported a winter visitor.
Utility reliability: At Lackawanna State Park, a camper observed "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained." This electrical limitation applies to cabin facilities as well, suggesting bringing backup power banks for devices.
