Cabin accommodations near Hershey, Pennsylvania range from rustic to modern, with sites spread across a 20-mile radius around the chocolate-themed town. Winter temperatures typically drop to 20-30°F, so most cabin camping options are seasonal with peak availability from April through October. While some locations maintain year-round operations, many close for winter and require reservations several months in advance for summer visits.
What to do
Fishing access: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers excellent shoreline fishing with numerous bluegill and bass. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," notes one visitor who enjoyed exploring the park's water features.
Rail trail connection: At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, cabins provide easy access to outdoor recreation. "The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc. Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking," reports a camper who appreciated the connectivity to trails.
Amusement attractions: For families wanting cabin accommodations with entertainment options, Twin Grove RV Resort offers unique on-site attractions. "At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride. They also have a restaurant if you want a break from cooking," explains a regular visitor who returns annually.
What campers like
Cabin variety: Hershey Road Campground provides newly renovated cabin options in a well-maintained setting. "Beautiful campground. Very recently renovated. Very spacious and quiet. Great little store stocked with everything you need. Very close to Hersheypark," explains a visitor who appreciated the convenient location.
Pool facilities: Many cabin guests prioritize swimming options during summer stays. "There is an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," mentions a family who stayed at Thousand Trails Circle M where cabin rentals include access to both pool types.
Clean restrooms: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high on cabin campers' priority lists, especially for those staying in rustic units without private facilities. "Bathrooms were very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful," reports a visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA where cabins are situated throughout the property.
What you should know
Reservation policies: Many cabin locations around Hershey have specific booking requirements. At Thousand Trails properties, cabins require advance reservations while RV sites work differently. "As with all thousand trails, this campground is first come best site," explains a camper at Circle M, noting the distinction between cabin and RV booking procedures.
Noise considerations: Some cabin locations experience noise from nearby attractions or transportation routes. "There is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner," warns a visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park where cabin guests should prepare for occasional background noise.
Seasonal pricing: Cabin costs fluctuate significantly throughout the year, with peak season rates during summer months when Hershey attractions draw visitors. "Sites are a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out. Nice pool and great camp store!" notes a visitor to Hersheypark Camping Resort describing the variable site spacing.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible cabins: Families with young children should consider cabin location relative to amenities. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach," recommends a parent who stayed at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Look for scheduled activities: Many cabin properties near Hershey offer organized family programming. "We come here once a year to take our grandkids on an annual camping trip with us. Lots to do! Playgrounds, special events, crafts. Very nice sites and shower houses are very clean," reports a grandparent who regularly visits Twin Grove RV Resort with family.
Consider pet policies: Family trips often include four-legged members, but cabin pet policies vary widely. "There are 2 dog parks right next to each other, which is great for your furry friend to be able to run around and play off leash," explains a pet owner who appreciated the designated areas at Twin Grove where some cabins allow pets.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: RVers sometimes opt for cabin rentals when traveling without their rigs. "We decided to camp in the fall and did a cabin since it was colder and we had the baby. The cabin was cute, clean, and warm. It snowed a bit but we had an outdoor fire. We cooked inside and my parents had their t.v. next door," explains a family who enjoyed a fall cabin stay at Circle M.
Site levelness: Many cabin locations also serve RVers who note the importance of level sites. "The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites. We had to go out and get more blocks and we're still not very level front to back," warns an RVer at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, information relevant to those considering cabin rentals with parking needs.
Shuttle services: Some cabin locations offer transportation to nearby attractions. "Close to Hershey Park. Shuttle bus to the park. Nice sites in the shade. Has pool and playground," notes a visitor to Hershey RV and Camping Resort who appreciated not needing to drive to the park.
