Cabin camping near Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania offers diverse options in the Allegheny Mountains, where elevations range from 1,000-2,900 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October with limited year-round accommodations available.
What to do
Hiking trails: 30+ miles at Seven Points. The extensive trail system includes the Allegrippis Trails, which are maintained to International Mountain Bicycling Association standards. "The Allegrippis Trail system begins just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," notes a visitor at Seven Points, who adds that the trails are "open year round and in any weather."
Lake activities: 8,300-acre Raystown Lake. The lake provides swimming, fishing, and boating options at multiple access points. A visitor to Lake Raystown Family Camping Resort shares that you can "paddle and hike year round and camp in the spring, summer and fall. Amazing camp sites and several have beautiful lookouts over the lake."
Nature education programs: Parks often host educational activities for visitors of all ages. "We had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things," explains a recent visitor to Four Seasons at Raystown Lake, noting that these programs are "primarily for kids, but we sat and listened too."
What campers like
Waterfront options: premium sites at Seven Points. The waterfront sites offer direct lake access and scenic views. "The lake front sites are beautiful and well maintained, but difficult to book," explains a camper at Seven Points, who considers it "our go to campsite for a quick weekend not too far from home."
Clean facilities: consistently maintained bathhouses. Most parks maintain clean, functional shower facilities. At Blue Knob State Park Campground, a visitor noted that "shower & bathhouses have always been clean and well stocked" and the water "tasted good enough to use for hydration needs during our rides."
Spacious sites: particularly in less crowded loops. Many campgrounds offer larger sites in certain areas. At Crooked Run Campground, "all sites are paved as are the roads. Bathrooms are fairly modern and clean. Some sites are larger than others."
What you should know
Weather preparation: mountain conditions can change rapidly. Due to the higher elevations at some parks, temperatures can drop quickly after sunset. A visitor to Blue Knob State Park noted that "short little bursts of rainfall are frequent, and they don't always show up on weather apps. Come prepared for short rain showers, chilly air even in the summer."
Reservation timing: 6-12 months advance booking recommended. Popular sites, especially waterfront locations, fill quickly. "We wanted a waterfront site but even trying to reserve the first day we could for this weekend, they were all taken," explained a camper who stayed at Seven Points instead.
Water access varies: some sites require driving to lake entry points. Not all sites have direct water access. At Trough Creek State Park Campground, while "the area is gorgeous and there are a ton of trails to check out," one reviewer noted that "the campground is fine. Basic amenities and pretty small. But it has everything you need."
Tips for camping with families
BMX track: kid-friendly biking options. Some parks offer specialized recreation areas for children. At Crooked Run Campground, one visitor mentioned it's a "great place for kids! Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. BMX track for kids."
Playground access: varied by campground loop. Some campground areas have better playground access than others. At Shawnee State Park Campground, "a somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground."
Educational activities: weekend programming. Many parks offer structured activities for children. "We stayed during Bigfoot weekend. It was super fun as our family likes bigfoot fun... On Saturday was rock painting and then bingo and ended the night with a DJ dance party," reported a family who stayed at Four Seasons at Raystown Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: check descriptions carefully. Many campsites in the region have elevation changes that can make leveling challenging. At Shawnee State Park, a camper advised to "double check site booked. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked."
Dump station efficiency: varies by location. Some parks have better dump facilities than others. At Seven Points, a visitor appreciated the "ultra-cool 4 lane dump station" and noted that "the dump station, as noted above had wide lanes and made the experience an easy and clean one."
Electric service: amperage options. Check for appropriate electric service for your needs. At Crooked Run Campground, a visitor mentioned that "Site 258 on loop D is quiet... There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site."
