Best Cabin Camping near Elm, PA

Several campgrounds near Elm, Pennsylvania provide furnished cabin rentals with varying amenities and comfort levels. French Creek State Park Campground offers rustic cabins with electricity, heat, and basic furnishings, including bunk beds that sleep 5-6 people comfortably. According to one visitor, "It was a standard rustic-type state park cabin with one double bed, one single twin bunk, and one regular set of bunk beds. There was also a sturdy dining room table with chairs and an oscillating fan inside." Thousand Trails Hershey and Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country feature more modern cabin options with kitchen facilities and private bathrooms. Pinch Pond Family Campground offers cottage rentals with picnic tables and fire rings in a family-friendly setting. Most cabins include outdoor spaces with fire pits and picnic tables, regardless of the interior amenities.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available throughout the region, with prices typically ranging from $90-$125 per night. Spring Gulch Resort Campground features recently renovated cabins that include "a set of bunk beds, a queen bed, and a fold out couch, plus a bathroom with shower/tub and everything you would need except linens." Pet policies vary significantly between locations - some state park cabins prohibit pets entirely, while private campgrounds like Shady Grove charge additional pet fees of approximately $25 per stay for designated pet-friendly cabins. Reservations are essential during summer months and weekends, with many locations operating seasonally from April through October. Knoebels Campground cabins feature "a large queen size bed and then a loft bunk, with a nice built-in shelf with electric and even a good amount of hooks and cubbies for storage."

Most cabin rentals require guests to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary widely - from basic cabins with no cooking facilities to deluxe units with refrigerators, microwaves, and stovetops. Firewood is generally available for purchase at campground offices, with prices around $5 per bundle. On-site camp stores stock essential items, though selection is typically limited to basic groceries and camping supplies. For more extensive shopping, the towns of Hershey, Lancaster, and Lebanon offer full-service grocery stores within driving distance. Visitors staying at cabins should also bring their own cooking utensils, dishwashing supplies, and food storage containers, as these items are rarely provided even in more upscale cabin rentals.

Best Cabin Sites Near Elm, Pennsylvania (65)

    1. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    10 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. "

    2. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 665-7640

    "campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."

    "I loved it, nice big sites very friendly staff, pool, playground, fun game room, nice little store, pond and planned activities."

    3. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country

    13 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "decent wooded surrounding with about 6 tent sites offering 15 amp electric and running water."

    "This is my 3rd stay with a Thousand Trails campground and haven't been too impressed and wasn't expecting too much when we drove in. I was pleasantly surprised when we did."

    4. Thousand Trails Circle M

    19 Reviews
    Millersville, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "I got an amazingly large site with a nice fire pit and picnic table. The site was very level so that was great! Nice indoor and outdoor pools! Cable TV isn't free, but I never use it anyway."

    "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground.

    We moved to a full hookup on the Delaware section."

    5. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    19 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."

    6. Old Mill Stream Campground

    16 Reviews
    Lampeter, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 299-2314

    "Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."

    "Close to all shopping and local activities and restaurants. Cozy and friendly here."

    7. Hickory Run Family Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Reinholds, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 336-5564

    "Comes with picnic table and fire ring with grill. Lots of fishing, hiking, and kayaking around. Recently redid the visitor center and it’s beautiful. Will definitely be back."

    "The campground, as all PA State Parks, was well maintained. Here are the caveats however. The "pet loop" was clearly geared towards RVs etc."

    8. French Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "Two of the loops allow pets (A, C) and two do not. Loop D offers no hookups while Loops A-C offer a mix of no hookups, water/Electric, and full hookups."

    "We stayed in loop C that allows pets. Very spacious sites. The paved parking spot was tight but a short walk down to the spacious fire pit picnic table area."

    9. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    17 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."

    10. Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort

    14 Reviews
    Concord, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 687-8181

    "Close to the tourist spots in Lancaster. Great views. Clean, friendly, and would definetly recommend!"

    "Great, convenient location. Cost friendly considering the location. Clean grounds & maintained sites. Mix of open & shaded sites, all appear to be pretty level, our site was next to stream."

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Cabin Reviews near Elm, PA

720 Reviews of 65 Elm 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).

  • Mandy F.
    Jun. 18, 2019

    Tuscarora State Park Campground

    Glamping

    My girlfriends and I just stayed in the yurts for annual glamping trip. We reserved 3 of 4 yurts for first weekend in June...non peak season. Peak season requires minimum 5 day reservation, I believe. Yurts have 2 sets of bunk beds with one set having full size mattress on bottom. Yurts have heat and fans. Full size refrigerator, stove and microwave. No water but directly across from facilities with basin sinks outside for cleaning dishes, etc. Each yurt has a huge deck, 2 picnic tables and fire pit. Restrooms and showers are a hop, skip and jump from yurts and well maintained. Also each yurt comes with a moor skip to keep kayaks, paddleboards or canoes at lake. Beautiful lake surrounded by trails and includes beach area and playground. Dogs are allowed in the park but not in campgrounds (yurts and cabins). There is no tent camping here but is available at Locust Lake State Park, just a few miles away. Alcohol is prohibited. Must park in overnight lot after unloading.

  • 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.

  • Phinon W.
    May. 23, 2018

    Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    Great staff, very quiet

    Mostly an RV campground, but does have a few campsites and cabins. Campsites can be on top of each other and can be very rocky or muddy. We actually broke quite a few tent stakes just trying to get our footprint down.

    The campsites available are primitive or have water and electric and bathhouses / restrooms are located in a few spots around the park.

    Fire rings are at each site, but appear to get moved a lot.

    The camp store sells firewood for $5 per cord and has other necessities, including coffee.

    Some cabins, like those in my photos, are brand new and have everything you would need to set up house minus linens, towels, toilet paper , paper goods and toiletries.

    Would definitely revisit.

  • 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!.

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2021

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Feels crowded

    This PA state park felt, upon first impression, very tightly spaced and had an overall crowded feel in loop C, the only dog friendly electric loop. The sites that aren’t ADA have more space between them than we did.  Our site C41 was full hookup as are several others (1-7, 39-47). This is an ADA site, there are several of them. Perhaps this is why it’s crowded so they could fit extra ADA sites? They are very level and have paved pads, but also a paved picnic pad, and paved fire ring pad. Non ADA full hookup sites appeared to be the nicest though they were narrow and some weren’t level side to side. There were a lot of rocks embedded in the ground around and on many sites. Non ADA sites have only a paved pad for the RV. The picnic table and fire ring were behind our RV and when sitting at them, we were within view of sites 37, 39, and 40. I felt like I was in a townhouse setting. Non ADA sites varied as to where picnic and fire rings were set. Also many sites looked like there was quite a drop off at the edge of the already narrow pad so that you had a big step down off your last RV step. Site C42 is ADA and is a nice, semi private, spacious site. Though I’d choose from sites  #1-7 next time. ALL parking pads are 45’ long.

    Loop B has a mix of electric and non electric but doesn’t allow pets. That loop was more spacious and had trees between some  sites so it felt  more private. The sites appeared level. There are Yurts and mini cabins outside Loop C that had lots of space around them. Loop A is a pet loop but no electric. However, it’s closed now for what appears to be renovations. Loop D is non electric, no pets.

    The campground had no vacancy on this particular weekend. One car allowed per site and most had to park perpendicular. Sites were short (45’ long). 2nd cars are $5 a night but wouldn’t fit in most sites.

    The day use areas have frisbee golf, boat rentals, fishing, hunting, hiking, and a pool that overlooks the lake. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is adjacent to the park but was not fully open due to covid. It’s a large state park. The pool was nice looking but not open until Memorial Day. Boat rentals are available weekends in May and Sept. and daily all summer. These amenities were far from the campground and would require driving your car. Hiking trails were plentiful but most were labeled as “more difficult.”  Horse back riding is allowed on some trails. I didn’t see any trails that started at the campground loops. 

    Overall, it’s an adequate campground but not my favorite.

  • John B.
    Aug. 13, 2021

    Rosemount Camping Resort

    A Little Bit of Everything

    Camping here is a delight.  Its a secluded,  public campground that has been owned and ran by the same family for generations. 

    They have almost 400 sites, ranging from tent sites, to pop ups, 5th wheels, rv's and even 5 rental cabins. You can stay a weekend, or a month...   Every site has a fire pit, picnic table and a trash can provided.  Back that up with every site has electric, water, as well as basic cable.  Every site means exactly that, even your tent site will have full amenities.

    There is a pool with a smaller children's pool as well as a bath house. Clean, nice hot/cold showers, general store, coin laundry, private pond (occasionally stocked), badminton, horseshoes, golf cart friendly, A large pavilion with a large flatscreen display and community firepit is there for general use or for rental,  There is wifi by store and surrounding area, non denominational services.

    Many campers are here"semi-permanently" and have landscaped their sites even including custom decks, some people I met have been coming here faithfully over 30 years. Its a a very friendly, know your neighbor type of camping. There has been structured entertainment,(bingo, shuffleboard, etc) in the past as well as dj's and bands on occasion.

    Literally in the middle of nowhere, but 10 minutes from town, 15 from a Walmart and fast food, as well as 2 local hospitals. Local you can find multiple state parks, Historical sites, and other local attractions.

    Open from the 2nd week of April until the 3rd week of October, weather permitting. All guests must be signed in,

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2018

    Tuscarora State Park Campground

    Park for recreation

    This park has no tent camping. They offer cabins and yurts, but have no sites for people to set up tents. The main attraction for this park is their lake, which you can swim in, fish, kayak or drop in a boat. There is a playground for kids to play in that is well maintained. There are hiking trails in the back side of the park, from the main entrance. The visitor center is only open during the week. The cabins and yurts have electricity and running water. They are great if you want the outdoor experience while getting the option of a bed. If you want tent camping, check out locust lake state park which isn't far away.


Guide to Elm

Cabin camping options near Elm, Pennsylvania include a mix of rustic and modern accommodations throughout the region's wooded countryside. The area sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level with distinct seasonal changes that affect camping conditions. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 20s while summer days reach the 80s with moderate humidity.

What to Do

Fishing opportunities: At Pinch Pond Family Campground, campers can take advantage of a small fishing pond at the back of the property. "Lots of fishing, hiking, and kayaking around," notes a visitor who appreciated the outdoor activities available.

Historic exploration: Visit nearby Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site adjacent to French Creek State Park Campground. "There are also two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish."

Pennsylvania Dutch immersion: The region around Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort offers authentic Amish country experiences. "It is right in Amish country," confirms one camper, making it ideal for those wanting to experience local culture, shop at farmers markets, or observe traditional farming practices within walking distance of your cabin.

What Campers Like

Private woodland sites: Many visitors appreciate the natural separation between campsites at French Creek State Park. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors."

Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive consistent praise at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, where cabins provide comfort with access to modern amenities. "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful."

Family-friendly environments: The cabin camping areas provide safe spaces for children. At Thousand Trails Circle M, one visitor shared: "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site."

What You Should Know

Shooting range proximity: Several campgrounds in the area are located near shooting ranges, which may disrupt the quiet camping experience. "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If your out and about, it won't be an issue."

Seasonal limitations: Most cabin rentals operate from April through November, with few options during winter months. Some locations like French Creek State Park Campground offer limited year-round cabin availability, but advance planning is essential.

Noise considerations: Railway tracks run near some campgrounds. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, campers advise: "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!"

Water quality: Some campgrounds have water quality issues. "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay. The site on either side was the same rusty."

Tips for Camping with Families

Pack board games: During rainy days, cabin accommodations provide shelter but limited entertainment options. Most cabin rentals lack television, so bringing indoor activities is recommended.

Playground access: Choose cabin locations based on proximity to play areas. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "The grounds are clean and there's also a small playground and basketball court! Even though the amusement park wasn't open yet, kids still had a good time!"

Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife encounters. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground." This type of information helps families prepare for natural elements.

Budget for activities: Most cabin-based campgrounds charge additional fees for recreational amenities. "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!"

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose cabin locations carefully based on terrain. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same. The walk to pool and all other amenities was not pleasant due to hills."

Morning logistics: Cabin guests should plan bathroom schedules around peak usage times. "Laundry is quaint and coin operated. Playground was open and great for the kids, so was mini golf."

Kitchen essentials: Unlike RVs with built-in kitchens, most cabin rentals require bringing cooking equipment. Even in cabins with kitchenettes, specific utensils may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Elm, PA is Thousand Trails Hershey with a 3.9-star rating from 21 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 65 cabin camping locations near Elm, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.