Cabin camping near Hartleton, Pennsylvania provides access to Penn's Creek watershed and the Ridge and Valley region of the Appalachian Mountains. The area's elevation ranges between 500-1,200 feet with average summer temperatures of 75-85°F. Most cabin facilities remain open from April through mid-December, though winter access is limited to a few year-round operations.
What to do
Swimming and beach access: Raymond B. Winter State Park features a sand beach area with swimming access to the lake. "The lake is small, more like a pond, but super cold and clean water, as it is fed by two mountains streams. The beach is amazing. Tons and tons of clean sand, no rocks, and lots of space to play and swim," notes one visitor at Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple bodies of water in the region offer fishing. At Poe Valley State Park, visitors can fish directly from the shore. "You can camp, fish, boat, kayak, hike and swim! There isn't any cell service as you are way back in the mountain but it's so beautiful and relaxing you won't care!!" says a camper who stayed at Poe Valley State Park Campground.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature small petting zoos. "One of our favorite places to camp! My daughter loves the pools, gem mining, and slushies. The farm animals are adorable," explains a family who visited Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA.
Evening activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular weekend entertainment. At Riverside Campground, "We all took the kayaks out on the Susquehanna River that runs behind the property for a sunny paddle. Came back and went to a wine fest, in the park that is right next to the campground, bought some root beer moonshine (which is AMAZING) then ended the night with hamburgers music and a friendly (competitive) game of corn hole."
What campers like
Natural surroundings: The forested settings create private camping spaces. "Pretty nice campground, camp sites all over and and very secluded and private. 10/10," writes a visitor about their experience at Raymond B. Winter State Park.
Dark skies for stargazing: The area has minimal light pollution. "The night skies were beautiful (starry starry night w/little light pollution) and trails galore leading directly from the campground. Bathrooms were clean as well- an added bonus!" reports a camper from Raymond B. Winter State Park.
Creek-side sites: Several campgrounds offer sites adjacent to waterways. At Little Mexico Campground, "My husband and our three sons usually camp here at least two times a summer. We always get a site by the creek and have a great time. The sites are always clean and the staff is great."
Variety of cabin options: From rustic to modern, cabins range in amenities and size. A visitor to Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA reported, "We spent 1 night passing through. We booked by calling because it was after 4pm the same day, but the host on the phone was friendly and helpful and check in was easy. We were given a pull through site with water close to the bath house, which was very clean and had nice warm showers."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Coverage can be limited in mountainous areas. "There isn't any cell service as you are way back in the mountain but it's so beautiful and relaxing you won't care!!" mentions a visitor at Poe Valley State Park.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. At Hidden Valley Camping Resort, a camper notes, "Campground is located outside of Lewisburg and Mifflinburg. Campground is huge over many acres. They have 2 nice swimming pools. Lake for fishing. Very relaxing and peaceful."
Reservation requirements: Many sites require advance booking, especially for cabins. "We have a group of 4 campers and we already have our 2021 reservations :)" shares a camper from Little Mexico Campground.
Seasonal popularity: Summer weekends often fill quickly. "We are extremely pleased with the campground. We decided to stay here based on it's close proximity to Bucknell University. The staff is friendly, clientele is calm. Lots of well maintained seasonal sites. All the kids flock to the playground," notes a visitor at Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. "The playground was fantastic and looked to be new, and there was a jumping pillow and a pool (we didn't get to use these because of the rain but they looked like fun!)," writes a camper who stayed at Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA.
Educational opportunities: Some cabins provide access to natural learning experiences. A visitor to Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse shares, "Staff is very friendly. Cool mining for kids. Live music. Great food/bar. River was low and slow so we dropped in at Montgomery boat club instead of Muncy. Took about 3 hours with a lunch stop on island."
Proximity to swimming: Cabin locations near beaches benefit families with children. At Raymond B. Winter State Park, "The beach is amazing. Tons and tons of clean sand, no rocks, and lots of space to play and swim. The concession stand is so cool. They have great food, lots of treats, and beach supplies and toys too, all reasonably priced."
Theme weekends: Several campgrounds organize scheduled activities. "This place is great! Always end our season here. The Halloween weekends are the best," mentions a visitor at Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds place cabins and RV sites close together. "We unfortunately got stuck in infamous Northeast PA weather but we made the best of it. There were thunderstorms and campsite was a little flooded but we were still able to camp," notes a visitor at Riverside Campground.
Seasonal site options: Many RVers choose seasonal arrangements at cabin campgrounds. A camper at Woodward Cave Campground shares, "This campground is off the beaten path which we like. Best part was it had it's own cave! No playground for the kids but with the cave we didn't mind."
Utility connections: Check power capacity before booking. "We had campsite 19 - pull through with full hookups (50amp, cable, water, sewer). The site was nice and long. Even though they have had a lot of rain in this area, our jacks did not sink into the ground and the site was pretty level," explains an RVer who stayed at Riverside Campground.
Terrain challenges: Rain can affect site conditions. "We called the campground around 5:30, we were an hour away. She said no big deal just give me a call when you get here. We arrive and she takes care of us and sells us a nice bundle of firewood," shares a visitor at Holiday Pines Campground.
