Cabin camping near Frederick, Pennsylvania offers diverse overnight lodging options within the region's wooded landscape. Located in eastern Pennsylvania at elevations ranging from 300-1,200 feet, this area experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm summers and moderately cold winters. Cabin accommodations range from basic shelters to fully equipped cottages with electricity and plumbing, providing shelter during Pennsylvania's average 42 inches of annual rainfall.
What to do
Miniature golf: Lake-In-Wood Campground offers a well-maintained course for family fun. "They have a mini golf course too, but I am unsure if they do anymore. Great pools and classes (water aerobics was fun for everyone)," notes Meag F., highlighting the variety of recreational activities available.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds maintain stocked ponds for catch-and-release fishing. At Sun Valley Campground, "The place was very nice. Clean bathrooms and showers," according to Charlotte T., with the fishing pond providing a peaceful activity for campers of all ages.
Arcade gaming: Pinch Pond Family Campground includes an arcade with a ticket redemption system. "Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time," shares Melissa Y.
Animal encounters: Some properties offer unique wildlife viewing. As one camper at Lake-In-Wood Campground explains, "Goats to pet and watch. There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others. Nice playground for the kids and a small arcade."
What campers like
Unique accommodations: Beyond standard cabins, some campgrounds offer distinctive lodging options. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, visitors appreciate the "tree house, double decker bus, among others" mentioned by Jen R., providing memorable alternatives to conventional camping.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and shower buildings receive positive reviews for cleanliness. At Robin Hill Campground, "the cabins are beautiful and clean, bathrooms are amazing for a campground, staff is very friendly and they truly go above and beyond," according to one reviewer who noted recent management improvements.
Swimming pools: Many campgrounds maintain both indoor and outdoor swimming areas. A visitor to Appalachian Camping Resort noted that "the pool was open until 10pm everyday," providing extended swimming hours compared to many other facilities in the region.
Group activities: Organized events create community engagement opportunities. "They had a chicken dinner. It was actually very good. We experienced the hayride around the campground," shared Mary C. about her stay at Lake-In-Wood, highlighting the campground's social programming.
What you should know
Shooting range proximity: Several campgrounds are located near shooting facilities. At Pinch Pond, "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. However if you enjoy sitting outside of your camper and relaxing this might be nerve wracking," warns Tara N.
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects many campgrounds in the region. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, "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," reports Justin B., indicating the need for substantial leveling equipment.
Seasonal operations: Most facilities close during winter months. Year-round camping options are limited, though Village Scene Park operates continuously, allowing winter camping near Frederick when most other options are closed.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds experience inconsistent water quality. As Justin B. noted at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay."
Tips for camping with families
Age-specific activities: Campgrounds offer varying recreation options by age group. "The weekend we were there they had a chicken dinner. It was actually very good. We experienced the hayride around the campground," reports Mary C. about Lake-In-Wood, mentioning multiple activity options.
Swimming options: Consider properties with both indoor and outdoor pools for weather flexibility. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, "Heated spa/pool in upper area are a bonus. Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes," shares Beth B.
Playground assessment: Playground quality varies significantly between properties. Jen R. notes that Lake-In-Wood offers a "nice playground for the kids and a small arcade," making it suitable for families with younger children who need play structures.
Holiday programming: Special events occur during peak seasons and holidays. At Appalachian Camping Resort, one visitor shared, "The campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone. I find that a lot of campground activities tend to be centered around small children and with my kids being 13 and 12, they're usually left out of the fun."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: When rv camping near Frederick, Pennsylvania, experienced campers recommend specific site areas. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, Stuart K. suggests "sites #102–120, again, in the far rear or sites #308–317 along Angler's Way" for RVers seeking quieter locations.
Utility connections: Inspect sewer hookup placement before selecting sites. One visitor to Appalachian Camping Resort noted, "One star taken away because fire pit is within feet from poop sewer connection of neighbor. Thankfully, they didn't use it, but imagine if they had as we were cooking over the open fire."
Seasonal site advantages: Long-term sites often occupy premium locations. At Stonybrook RV Resort, one camper observed, "Mostly seasonal campers, we were one of the few transient campers for our visit," indicating that short-term visitors may have fewer prime site options.
Navigation planning: Many campgrounds have challenging interior roadways. A visitor to Lake-In-Wood Campground reported, "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees," highlighting the need for careful maneuvering especially with larger RVs.
