Cabin accommodations near Gardners, Pennsylvania range from basic structures to more developed options. Most cabins in the area are concentrated within state parks and private campgrounds at elevations between 500-1,200 feet. Winter cabin rentals typically require earlier reservations, especially during October through early December when temperatures average 30-50°F.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: Pine Grove Furnace State Park serves as the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail with multiple access points. "This is one of my favorite places to camp! Make sure you take a hike on the AT and then up to Pole Steeple for a great view! You may even bump into a through hiker excited to chat!" according to a Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground visitor.
Exploring historic Gettysburg: Cabins provide convenient access to Civil War sites. A camper at Artillery Ridge Campground noted, "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts."
Fishing and water activities: Most cabin campgrounds offer fishing access with some requiring licenses. "The park has two lakes for swimming, with a rail trail that separates them, so they are easily bikeable. We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," shares one camper about their experience.
What campers like
Lakeside cabin options: Several parks feature waterfront cabins with immediate lake access. At Gifford Pinchot State Park, "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. It has a small beach area within the campground loop that we camped in."
Year-round availability: While many cabins close for winter, some remain open through colder months. "We visited this park in December so it was pretty closed down. We were hoping to stay here for a night en route from Antietam Battlefield to Gettysburg," reports a visitor at Caledonia State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The wooded settings around cabins support diverse wildlife. "The fireflies were amazing and there were few mosquitoes even in mid-July. If you have kids and like to camp it's a great place to let them roam," explains a camper about their summer experience.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. "We got the last available campsite for the night we stayed - I booked ahead of time by calling the campground office and they were very nice and helpful," notes a visitor.
Variable amenities: Cabin facilities differ significantly between locations. At Mountain Creek Camp Ground, "The store has everything. Including hand dipped ice cream. Pool. Mini golf. A creek to fish or splash in... We stayed in the upper tent area. It's a walk to the pool and arcade area."
Seasonal challenges: Winter cabin camping requires additional preparation. One camper mentioned, "Cell service is pretty much nonexistent in the campground, so keep this in mind if you can't be out of touch (we had Verizon)."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for kids: Several cabin campgrounds feature swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming. A visitor at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA shared, "Amazing family campsites. Staff is super friendly, amenities are perfect and super clean. A lot of activities for the entire family."
Activity planning: Organized family activities vary by season and campground. "Fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family. Close to historic Gettysburg battleground. Fantastic horse rescue on the campground. You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback," writes a summer visitor.
Playground proximity: Some cabins offer direct views of playground areas. One camper at Granite Hill Camping Resort mentioned, "We stayed in the 'C' row site. Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging. It's only 15 yards for the play set."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV sites at some facilities require additional preparation. A camper noted, "It took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot, thankfully we had enough wood to get the jack up without having to over extend it."
Extended hookup cords: Electrical connections sometimes require additional equipment. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extensions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," warns an RV owner who stayed at a local campground.
Navigational caution: Internal campground roads can be confusing with limited signage. "The signs/directions posted are...not very helpful, and you can easily find yourself face-to-face with someone driving a golf cart from the opposite direction or kids running around through the road, so be very careful."
