Cabin camping near Greensburg, Pennsylvania offers lodging options at elevations ranging from 850-2,800 feet across the Laurel Highlands region. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, with temperature differences of up to 15°F between mountaintop campgrounds and valley locations. Winter cabin rentals often require reservations 6-11 months in advance, while shoulder season availability (April-May and September-October) tends to increase.
What to do
Water activities at Keystone State Park: The 78-acre lake provides fishing, swimming, and boating from spring through fall. "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town," notes one camper at Keystone State Park Campground.
White water adventures in Ohiopyle: Rafting trips range from family-friendly Class I-II rapids to more challenging Class III-IV sections. A visitor at Kentuck Campground explains, "Time and finances limited us to a 'family friendly' float self-guided raft down the Middle Yough…laced with minimal Class 1 and 2 rapids, which I would classify as riffles. The float took three hours, was relaxing, serene and full of solitude."
Mountain biking access: The Great Allegheny Passage trail connects directly to some campgrounds, offering 150 miles of bike trails. "We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground. We were there in November with plans to visit Fallingwater. This campground was the perfect location for both activities!" reports one cyclist.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Some campgrounds offer more private spots away from RV areas. At Laurel Hill State Park, campers appreciate the terrain variety: "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded... Campsites more spread out with trees in between and way quieter."
Panoramic mountain views: Elevated campgrounds provide scenic vistas across the Laurel Highlands. One visitor at Mountain Top Campground shares, "You are on top of a mountain with great views. The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned. The family is always out making improvements, talking with the campers, and putting on events."
Cabin proximity to water features: Many cabins are situated near streams, lakes or rivers. A guest at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing reports, "We were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip."
What you should know
Varied terrain affects site selection: Many campgrounds have uneven sites, especially for RVs. A camper at Kooser State Park notes, "My only complaint is that many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level. The campground is close to many places in the Laurel Highlands which makes it convenient."
Seasonal facility closures: Some campground amenities close outside peak summer months. "We camped at Kentuck Campground two weekends before the typical summer camping season (2 weeks before Memorial Day), and the roads were torn up due to the paving project," reports one visitor.
Limited grocery options: Stock up before arrival at most cabin locations. "Somerset, approximately 15 minutes from Kooser State Park, offers grocery shopping options," while as another camper points out, "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close."
Tips for camping with families
Water park facilities: Some campgrounds offer extensive water attractions beyond natural features. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run, "they have upgraded the water slides - 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids & the original 2 big water slides in woods, had 25 people in group & everyone had a blast."
Natural water features: Many sites offer creek access that's popular with children. According to one parent at Mirror Lake, "The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool."
Pet policies vary significantly: Some campgrounds have designated pet-friendly cabin areas. A visitor to Kooser State Park mentions, "They welcome all furry friends!" while another camper at Ohiopyle cautions, "There are also very limited sites that you can have a pet with you."
Tips from RVers
Grey water hookups: Some mountaintop campgrounds offer partial hookup solutions. A Mountain Top Campground visitor explains, "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area."
Hookup locations may require extensions: Plan for variable utility placement. As one camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground notes, "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable."
Narrow access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging approach routes. One RVer advises, "The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in. If you are Overlanding like us just follow the map. Great scenic routes and close to the spot you want to see."
