Pennsylvania's Pocono region near Freeland offers a mix of rustic and modern cabin accommodations at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 feet. Many cabins near Freeland remain accessible year-round, with winter cabins typically requiring advance reservations of 2-3 months during peak cold-weather periods. Most state park cabin facilities maintain plowed access roads from November through March, though seasonal water restrictions may apply during freeze warnings.
What to do
Boulder exploration at Hickory Run: The unique boulder field at Hickory Run State Park Campground provides a distinctive geological experience near cabin accommodations. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," notes reviewer Amber A.
Waterfall hiking: With 22 waterfalls within a 4-7 mile hiking distance, Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers some of the region's most accessible waterfall viewing from cabin locations. "The trails are very well marked. We stayed in the large loop, which is a peninsula on Lake Jean. Many of the sites have lake views," explains Lee D.
Lake activities: Many cabins provide direct lake access or are within walking distance to swimming areas. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town," states Lisa S. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
What campers like
Spacious cabin sites: Cabins at many locations offer more privacy than tent or RV sites. "We stayed in site 20. Easy to back in. Didn't need leveling blocks as our site was nice and level," reports Angela from Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Modern amenities: Newer cabin facilities often include unexpected conveniences. "The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade. It was a very quiet weekend for us as our loop was not crowded," mentions Shirley M. about her experience at Hickory Run State Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Many campers note the cleanliness of cabin areas. "The bathhouse was cleaned frequently. The campground is mostly seasonal campers and they were very welcoming," reports Becca U. from Moyer's Grove Campground.
What you should know
Cell service varies significantly: Coverage can be spotty or non-existent at some cabin locations. "Be advised that there was no cell service or internet for AT&T users. Verizon did have some service," notes a reviewer at Moyers Grove Campground.
Water access considerations: Some cabins require extra planning for water needs. "Make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot," advises a camper at Moyer's Grove.
Reservation timing matters: During peak seasons, cabins book quickly. "This was our first visit to Hickory Run State Park & we loved it. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground," shares Shirley M., suggesting early reservations for prime spots.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When booking cabin accommodations with children, check for play areas. "There was a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," mentions a reviewer at Hickory Run State Park.
Beach access: Several parks offer cabin locations with beach swimming. "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" says Annette M. about Tuscarora State Park Campground, which offers yurts and cabins with lake access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many cabin sites offer wildlife observation opportunities. "We saw deer daily. There are 3 resident geese who wander around near the creek and lakes," reports a camper about family-friendly wildlife viewing at Moyer's Grove.
Tips from RVers
Water logistics: RVers who've stayed in cabins note important water differences. "The sites in the outer loop far from the rest of the campground only had ports potties and hand sanitizer. I wish we had been on the inner loop for the bathrooms," advises Sarah L. about Hickory Run's various cabin and camping loops.
Parking limitations: Unlike RV sites, cabin areas often have restricted parking. "We were always looking for a place to park our tow because we had no extra space in front or back," cautions a reviewer about space constraints at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Off-season benefits: Many experienced RVers recommend cabin stays during shoulder seasons. "We went in April so it was still chilly. Camps sites are a bit close together, but still clean. Was busy even for that time of year," reports Marlaina M. about Sandy Valley Campground.
