Cabin accommodations near Elizabeth, Pennsylvania range from rustic to modern across multiple state and private parks. Positioned within the Appalachian Plateau, most campgrounds sit at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, creating cooler evening temperatures even during summer months. Fall cabin rentals book quickly due to popular foliage viewing from mid-October through early November.
What to do
Swimming and boating access: Ohiopyle State Park offers river activities minutes from cabin accommodations. "This park and campground is nature at it's best," notes one visitor who appreciates the variety of water options. During summer months, kayak rental costs $15 per hour at nearby Laurel Hill State Park Campground, which a camper described as "the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake."
Off-road biking opportunities: Access to trails directly from camping areas makes these locations popular with cyclists. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," reports one visitor about Ohiopyle State Park. The Blue Canoe RV Resort (formerly Uniontown KOA) positions cabins specifically for trail users, with one camper noting "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground."
Fishing spots: Raccoon Creek State Park maintains fishing access throughout the year. "A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the sun. The hiking trails are in excellent condition and the park keeps them clear of fallen debris," mentions one regular visitor. Fish species include bass, bluegill, and catfish with licenses required.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA receives positive feedback for their shower houses. "Bathrooms were fairly clean, laundry was nice. The pool looked very well maintained," reports a recent visitor. Similarly at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, guests note, "Very peaceful and friendly place, bathhouse are extremely clean."
Scenic mountain views: Cabins positioned at higher elevations provide panoramic vistas. "What amazing views from this location! It actually does really sit at the mountain top and gives you pretty good views of the valleys and surrounding areas from any of the rim campsites," shares a visitor at Mountain Top Campground. Sites positioned along ridgelines typically cost $5-10 more per night but offer superior views.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently value separation between accommodations. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, the layout creates natural boundaries: "All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others." This contrasts with more open layouts, as one Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor notes: "Like most KOAs, there is little privacy to begin with as sites are right on top of each other."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many cabin locations in this region require preparation for uneven terrain. At Mountain Top Campground, "the sites are well spaced out" but may require adjustment for comfort. Similarly, a visitor to Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA cautions, "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable."
Limited grocery options: Plan food purchases before arrival. The Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA store receives mixed reviews: "Campstore is sparse, they need to bring it up date and offer more. Make sure you grocery shopping before you pull in." Most cabin locations require a 15-20 minute drive to reach full-service grocery stores.
Weekend noise levels: Weekends bring increased activity, particularly during summer. "We had people walk through our site on shortcuts to the bathroom in the middle of the night," notes one Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor. Raccoon Creek State Park offers quieter alternatives: "I had the most wonderful time on my first tent camping at Racoon Creek. We made a fire, hiked by the moonlight and swam at the warm lake at night. There were other campers around but we rarely noticed them."
Tips for camping with families
Playground and pool amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run stands out for family facilities. "We have a wonderful, big electric and water site. Our camper doesn't have a bathroom so we need the bathhouse," explains one visitor to Ohiopyle State Park, highlighting the importance of bathroom proximity for families. Jellystone Park offers extensive water features, with one visitor noting, "they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids."
Seasonal activities calendar: Holiday weekends feature special events at most cabin locations. "We try to come every year for trick or treat! We've loved this one the most ever since we found it! Can't wait to be there in the fall!" shares an enthusiastic Jellystone Park visitor. Activity schedules typically post 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season.
Cabin size considerations: Interior space varies significantly between locations. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, one visitor explains cabin limitations: "If you stay in one of the smaller kabins with a shower, just know there will be a flood and you should wet, turn the water off, lather, then rinse." Most cabins sleep 4-6 people with limited floor space for additional items.
Tips from RVers
Access road challenges: Mountain cabin locations often feature steep approach roads. "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites," cautions a Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor. Larger vehicles require planning, as Mountain Top Campground advises: "The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in. If you are Overlanding like us just follow the map."
Utility hookup placement: Consider connection locations when booking. At Laurel Hill State Park, "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." Extension cords rated for outdoor use should be 25-50 feet to reach many cabin and site hookups.
Off-season considerations: Several locations remain open beyond summer. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots," reports a Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA winter visitor. Most cabins maintain heat sources but may require supplemental heating during December through February.
