Camping cabins near Everett, Pennsylvania provide shelter within the Appalachian Mountain region at elevations ranging from 1,000-2,500 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 82°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-October, making cabin reservations during this period more competitive than other times of year.
What to do
Hiking trails: Cowans Gap State Park offers multiple trail options around a scenic lake. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained. Nice lake where you can fish, canoe/kayak, etc," shares one visitor who found the park's signage particularly helpful.
Swimming: Rocky Gap State Park Campground provides a swimming beach with lifeguards on duty. "The campground beach is fun. There is a 5 mile trail that goes all around the lake. Lots of lake to paddle," notes a camper who enjoyed the multiple water activities available. The beach area includes volleyball nets and equipment rentals.
Mountain biking: Seven Points (PA) connects to the Allegrippis Trail system with 36 miles of purpose-built mountain biking trails. "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," explains a rider who appreciated the trail accessibility from the campground. Trails remain open year-round regardless of weather conditions.
Fishing: Lake Raystown Resort offers multiple fishing access points. "The lake is absolutely gorgeous and offers endless outdoor adventure—hiking, biking, fishing, boating, kayaking, and more," reports a regular visitor. Raystown Lake spans 8,300 acres with largemouth bass, striped bass, and lake trout among the primary catches.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Friendship Village Campground & RV Park features well-designed camping areas. "Sites are very spacious and the gravel pad was level upon parking. Good connections and solid cable. Facilities are well maintained and there are a ton of activities to enjoy," comments a visitor who appreciated the ease of setup.
Clean facilities: Most cabin locations maintain regular cleaning schedules for shared facilities. "The bathhouse was clean. Did not use the shower," noted a camper at Shawnee State Park who appreciated the maintenance. Bathhouses typically include toilets, showers, and sometimes dish washing stations.
Privacy between sites: Blue Knob State Park Campground offers more secluded options. "Small quiet campground with room for tents and travel trailers at most sites. Two walk in sites that are less than 100 yards off the access road," explains a visitor who enjoyed the layout. The park's elevation creates natural separation between camping areas.
Lake views: Several parks feature waterfront cabin options. "Nice waterfront sites," describes a Raystown visitor simply. Many lakeside cabins include fire rings positioned to enjoy sunset views over the water.
What you should know
Heating options: Many cabins include electric heating for cooler seasons but lack air conditioning. "We stayed at site 258 on loop D is quiet, but may have been noisy if the yurt and 2 cabins had been rented out. There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site," explains a Shawnee State Park camper, noting the electrical capabilities.
Site terrain: Some cabin locations feature challenging terrain. "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating!" shares a visitor who needed to relocate at Shawnee due to space constraints.
Road noise: Some cabins experience highway noise despite wooded settings. "Nice campground, clean and plenty of activities for the kids. The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long," notes a Friendship Village visitor about the sound conditions.
Reservation timing: Cabin reservations typically open 6-12 months in advance depending on the park. "The waterfront sites are beautiful and well maintained, but difficult to book," explains a Seven Points camper who planned ahead for a holiday weekend.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons offers kid-friendly amenities. "We stayed during Bigfoot weekend. It was super fun as our family likes bigfoot fun. We started out Friday night getting the offered $12 bbq plate that included pork burnt ends, beans and potato salad that were 'oh it's so good'," shares a visitor who enjoyed the themed weekend activities.
Kid-friendly activities: Many parks schedule regular weekend events. "Went camping here for the first time this weekend. Although it was the off season there was still tons to do. The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing," describes a Friendship Village visitor who found plenty for children even during slower seasons.
Safety considerations: Some cabin areas feature steep terrain that may challenge families with young children. "With the slope, however be aware of the kids and adults riding around on bicycles and skateboards," cautions a Seven Points visitor about the potential hazards on hillside roads.
Beach access: Lakes with designated swimming areas provide controlled environments for families. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating. The campground was nice, quiet and clean," notes a Shawnee State Park visitor who appreciated the maintained beach area.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many cabin areas also accommodate RVs but may require leveling equipment. "We've been to many stellar Pennsylvania state park campgrounds, but this one was not as good as many others," notes a Shawnee State Park visitor who found challenging terrain for larger vehicles.
Water and electric connections: Cabin areas typically provide nearby water sources even when cabins lack running water. "The water pump is located right in front of site 23. This was convenient but we also had a lot of visitors," explains a Cowans Gap visitor who found benefits and drawbacks to utility placement.
Dump station access: Most parks provide centralized dump facilities. "Easy access to the dump station as you exit," notes a Shawnee State visitor who appreciated the convenient layout when departing.
Winter access: Some cabin areas remain open year-round but with limited services. "Bathhouses are ok. Each site has plenty of space for tent or camper but the sites are close together," observed a Cowans Gap visitor noting the general space considerations that apply to both cabin and RV guests.
