Camping cabins near Frederick, Pennsylvania provide outdoor getaways in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 300 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Fall camping season brings vibrant foliage displays starting in mid-October while spring often features muddy conditions due to seasonal rainfall.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: At Boulder Woods Campground, the extensive disc golf course attracts enthusiasts of all skill levels. A camper noted, "They have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf."
Fishing opportunities: Campers at French Creek State Park Campground can fish at two different lakes. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, 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," explains one reviewer.
Explore unique geological formations: Ringing Rocks Family Campground offers access to a fascinating natural phenomenon. A visitor shared, "It's close to ringing rocks, which are a natural rock formation which when hit with a hammer the rocks make a metallic ringing sound hence the name of the park."
Hiking trails: The region offers numerous hiking options, particularly at Blue Rocks Family Campground. A camper explained, "It is right off the Pinnacle Trail so you have access to great hikes and amazing views." Another mentioned, "Super easy access to Appalachian trail. Trail heads begin inside the campsite."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Multiple campgrounds offer secluded tent camping options. At Ringing Rocks Family Campground, a visitor praised the "Great secluded sites with clean facilities for when you need some civilization."
Waterfront camping: Campers appreciate sites with water views. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. They are close enough for you to camp with a group, but most also have a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites."
Spacious campsites: French Creek State Park Campground receives positive feedback for site layout. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," shared one camper. Another mentioned, "We had sites #32 & #34 in Loop B and the kids had a lot of room to run and play between the two sites."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain good bathroom and shower facilities. A Boulder Woods Campground visitor wrote, "The bathrooms were nice and clean, showers were nice. There are a few bath houses that make the large camp ground have easy access to the bathrooms which I appreciated."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most cabin options operate from April through October, with limited year-round availability. French Creek State Park Campground remains open year-round, with a visitor noting, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great!"
Reservation requirements: Peak season demands advance planning, especially for cabins. At Nockamixon State Park Cabins, cabins book quickly. "The cabins are full electric with heat and are well appointed. It was an excellent fall trip location for a family with young children," explained one visitor.
Site selection considerations: Different campground loops offer varying experiences. At French Creek State Park, "Loop C is the only loop that allows pets," while "Loop A to have very spacious, less rocky sites, however, there was little shrubbery between each site, making them less private than the sites in Loop C."
Primitive vs. developed sites: Little Red Barn Campground offers both options. A camper advised, "I spent several days looking for a close-by camp site for us to stay at as it was our first time tent camping. I stumbled upon this campground and reserved a space with electric and water. Upon arrival...we were placed right in the middle of a bunch of RVs, which was not what we had envisioned. I took a walk with my dog and saw the primitive sites tucked in the back of the grounds."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Allentown KOA offers numerous recreation options. A visitor shared, "They do have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool. The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground (September 2020). There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages."
Boulder exploration: Blue Rocks Family Campground provides unique terrain features. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time," wrote one parent. Another mentioned, "It is right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trail, The Pinnacle."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer swimming facilities. French Creek State Park Campground features "a huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake," while at Boulder Woods, "The pool is nice but small and the sites are very close to one another."
Seasonal events: Ringing Rocks Family Campground organizes themed weekends. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" reported one family. Another mentioned, "Kids had a blast with hay rides and playground."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger RVs. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, a camper with a 45' motorhome warned, "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle."
Site leveling: French Creek State Park Campground receives positive feedback for site preparation. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," explained one RVer. This makes stabilization easier for campers of all sizes.
Hook-up options: Quakerwoods Campground offers various site types. "The RV spots seem nice and large. The tent sites are on dirt and not stone which we enjoyed, I hate stone under my tent," shared one visitor.
Maneuvering assistance: Boulder Woods Campground staff provides parking help. "The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did. It was super tight," explained a grateful RVer.
