Cabins near Essington, Pennsylvania provide convenient access to the Delaware River watershed with elevations ranging from 30 to 400 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild winters and warm summers, making cabin rentals available year-round in most locations. Seasonal differences affect water levels at lakeside accommodations, with spring typically offering the highest water access for fishing and boating activities.
What to do
Canoe on the Brandywine River: At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville, you can enjoy direct river access. "Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float," notes a camper who stays there frequently.
Try pickleball courts: Several cabin rental locations now feature this popular activity. "We found a pickleball court at a nearby city park," reports one visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA who explored the surrounding area.
Explore historic sites: Many cabin rentals serve as convenient bases for history enthusiasts. "Not too far from Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Daniel Boone Homestead," mentions a reviewer about French Creek State Park accommodations, highlighting additional nearby attractions.
Fish in managed lakes: French Creek State Park Campground maintains two well-stocked fishing areas. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," explains a regular visitor who appreciates the fishing diversity.
What campers like
Cabin variety: Atsion Family Camp offers waterfront options in different configurations. "My friends and I stayed here overnight... the campsites are spaced so you can meet other people but also have your own space in the woods!" writes a visitor who appreciated the layout.
Playground access: Families with children appreciate recreation options steps from their cabin door. At Old Cedar Campground, "Nice playground, good fishing, staff is great," according to a repeat visitor who considers this place their "home base."
Pet-friendly options: Some cabin rentals specifically accommodate travelers with dogs. Loop C at French Creek State Park is "the only loop that allows pets," as one camper points out, making it essential to book the right section if traveling with animals.
Private settings: Cabins with natural barriers between sites are highly valued. "The campground is quiet, well-kept, and relatively clean. There were quite a few dog droppings around the pond despite plenty of doggie bags available," notes a visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, appreciating the overall tranquility despite minor issues.
What you should know
Advance reservations required: Most cabin facilities book quickly, especially in prime seasons. At Parvin State Park Campground, cabins feature "a stove the heating, which was necessary in November, was accomplished via a stove," according to one off-season visitor, highlighting the importance of knowing seasonal amenities.
Temperature considerations: Some cabins lack climate control systems. "The cabins are more rustic than most, which I enjoyed," explains a Parvin visitor who stayed during colder weather and appreciated the rustic heating solutions.
Water quality varies: Some properties have mineral-rich water supplies. "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing," reports a Parvin State Park camper, suggesting visitors might want to bring drinking water.
Accessibility challenges: Not all cabin areas accommodate larger vehicles. "Very narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large," explains a Parvin State Park visitor who navigated the roads in a 31-foot Class C motorhome.
Tips for camping with families
Reserve waterfront cabins early: Prime lakeside spots offer direct water access. At Four Seasons Family Campground, "They have many amenities from a lake to swim or fish, to playgrounds, there's a convenient store and even an arcade, and the best part is all the farms around," shares a family who enjoyed the agricultural surroundings.
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Many cabin rental facilities provide scheduled programming. "The staff was very friendly. Facilities are clean. Very quiet and peaceful at night with lots of activities for the kids during the day," reports a visitor to Four Seasons who appreciated the balance of relaxation and entertainment.
Check playground proximity: Location relative to common areas affects noise levels. A Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA visitor notes, "There is a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground," highlighting that while convenient, nearby play areas can create more ambient noise.
Consider cabin configuration: Bunk bed setups are common but not universal. "The only thing I did not like about the cabin was that it's all bunk beds. One of the things I appreciate about PA State Parks is that one of the bedrooms has a full size bed for couples," shares a Parvin State Park visitor comparing accommodation styles.
Tips from RVers
Site preparation matters: Sites without defined pads require advance planning. At Wharton State Forest Atsion Recreation Area, one visitor noted, "Although we were there on Friday the 13th, sadly neither Jason or the Jersey Devil stopped by for s'mores," highlighting how the remote, wooded setting creates a truly immersive forest experience.
Road conditions vary significantly: Some cabin areas have challenging access roads. "Roads into the place are single car only, with a good amount of spots to pull off if you find yourself head to head with another vehicle. Pretty bumpy road," warns a visitor to Wharton State Forest who navigated the narrow forest roads.
Watch for seasonal road hazards: Spring and fall conditions can create access challenges. "The entire campground is sand and gets very dusty and messy. This was the dirtiest campground we've stayed at, meaning the trailer and truck needed a full bath once we got home," reports a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park who dealt with sandy conditions.
