Cabins near Fairview, Pennsylvania offer visitors easy access to Raystown Lake and nearby state parks. The Raystown region sits within the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,300 feet, creating varied terrain for outdoor recreation. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making heated cabin accommodations particularly valuable from November through March.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Seven Points campground provides access to the extensive Allegrippis Trail system. "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," notes one visitor to Seven Points.
Lake swimming: The beaches at Raystown Lake offer swimming in clean, clear water. "The lake is so clean and refreshing and we have such beautiful views from our camp site. We went down to the swim beach and our kiddo made sand castles and swam in the clear water," shares a camper at Seven Points.
Hiking at Trough Creek: Trough Creek State Park features unique geological formations and waterfalls within a 30-minute drive. "It has a nice hike up above a creek with a huge rock that appears ready to fall over the cliff with a simple touch. very neat," explains a visitor to Trough Creek State Park.
Boat rentals: Many visitors enjoy renting watercraft at the marina. A visitor at Lake Raystown Resort and Lodge mentions, "Large marina, prepared food is expensive though. Tackle shop and craft days, playground, overall great place."
What campers like
Lake access options: Several camping areas offer direct water access. "There is a boat hire place located on the grounds that hires pontoon boats and jet skis in season. The lake is beautiful and sunsets from the campground are stunning," writes a visitor at Lake Raystown Resort.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathhouses. A guest at Cowans Gap State Park reports, "Bathrooms are clean and hot showers. Absolutely amazing fall color on the lake and great drives surrounding."
Private wooded sites: Many cabin rentals offer seclusion in forest settings. "It is off of a stone road in Rothrock State Forest in a gated community. The back yard was huge and was great for the kids to run around and play football and tag," explains a visitor to Cabin at Raystown Lake.
Fire pits and outdoor spaces: Most cabins include outdoor cooking and gathering areas. "There were three fire pits around the property to choose from which was great. There was also a horseshoe pit with shoes provided," notes the same Cabin at Raystown Lake guest.
What you should know
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Kitchen equipment ranges from fully stocked to minimal. At Cabin at Raystown Lake, "All kitchen items for eating and cooking were provided. There was a coffee pot as well along with a toaster."
Reservations required: Most cabins book quickly during summer months. Some properties have strict cancellation policies, with one camper at Heritage Cove Resort noting their "Tough cancellation policy."
Limited cell service: Many cabins have poor or no cellular connectivity. A reviewer at Cabin at Raystown Lake mentions "no cable or internet service," though some properties provide entertainment alternatives.
Varying pet policies: Check each property's rules before bringing animals. While Drooly Bear Cabin allows pets, Cabin at Raystown Lake does not permit them according to reviews.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. A visitor to Timber Run Campground (formerly Four Seasons at Raystown Lake) shares, "There's the pool, dog park, bounce pillow, playground, but not tons to do which if you're looking for is great."
Educational programs: Some parks provide nature learning opportunities. The same Timber Run Campground reviewer notes, "Sunday we had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things."
Cabin size considerations: Match your group size to appropriate accommodations. "We had two families here which were four adults and three children. There was plenty of room for everyone," notes a visitor to Cabin at Raystown Lake about their spacious rental.
Kid-friendly water access: Beaches with gradual entry points work best for families. "There is a sandy beach which is perfect for swimming," mentions a Lake Raystown Resort reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. One camper at Timber Run Campground notes, "The only drawback was that the sites were tight and not the most level but we made do."
Water and dump stations: Seven Points receives praise for its well-designed facilities. "We filled up the fresh water tank at the ultra-cool 4 lane dump station. The signage was very well marked and the fresh water spigot was more like a little tank, super-solid, clean and modern," explains a Seven Points camper.
Ridge Camp advantages: Some campground sections offer better RV sites. "Our site #6 in Ridge Camp... was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us. The picnic table had a new seat on one side and was in great shape. Our pad was limestone and very flat and level," shares the same Seven Points visitor.
Laundry facilities: Limited laundry options exist in the area. The Ridge campground loop at Seven Points has "a laundromat at only 25¢/load," according to a reviewer.
