Cabin camping near Hopwood, Pennsylvania sits in the Laurel Highlands region at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 feet. The area's climate includes snowy winters with temperatures often below freezing from November through March, requiring different cabin preparations depending on season. Most cabin accommodations remain accessible year-round via paved roads, with winter requiring snow-ready vehicles during peak conditions.
What to do
Hiking at Swallow Falls State Park: The park features Maryland's largest waterfall at 53 feet tall along with several smaller cascades along accessible trails. A visitor noted, "The trails to the namesake falls are beautiful and very family-friendly, with lots of helpful signage. However, the parking lots and trailheads were PACKED on the weekend, so if you're a day tripper, get there early!"
Whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle State Park: Access multiple difficulty levels on the Youghiogheny River with outfitters located in town. "A picturesque waterfall, numerous outdoor retailers, bicycle & raft rentals, peaceful trails and a sweet, cutting edge visitor/nature center. You could easily spend a week here and not exhaust all there is to see and do," shares one camper who enjoyed their rafting experience.
Fishing at Yough Lake: The reservoir provides year-round fishing opportunities with trout, bass, and panfish. A visitor to Tub Run Rec Area mentioned, "The swimming lake was perfect and they had canoes and kayak rentals on site. We had such a relaxing time there."
Star-gazing platforms: Several campgrounds have designated observation areas away from light pollution. At Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, one camper got "a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform."
What campers like
Natural water features: Many cabin sites offer creek or river access for cooling off in summer months. A Tub Run visitor reported, "Site #5 is where We stayed and it was perfect for the small children to play in the creek behind us there was the perfect pathway down to the creek."
Wooded privacy: The mature forests provide natural separation between most cabin sites. At Coopers Rock State Forest, "The sites are well spaced out and pretty spacious, the site we were in had electric hookup for 50a/30a/20a but no water at the site but there was water near the bathroom area."
Winter accessibility: Several cabin locations maintain plowed roads during winter months. "We went in late October and we arrived fairly late in the day and to our surprise someone was in the store when we got there. Campground was in great shape, the RV lots were well maintained and all the asphalt seems to have been redone recently," noted a Coopers Rock visitor.
Cabin heating systems: Many facilities have upgraded from wood stoves to electric or propane heat. "The bathrooms were clean and heated to a comfortable level. Showers had great pressure as well," shared a camper who visited during colder weather.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Not all cabins have running water, especially in primitive units. "Electricity at sites but no water or sewer. A new section will be opening later this season that will have elec and water," noted a camper at Chestnut Ridge Regional Park.
Site levelness challenges: Many cabin and RV sites in the mountains require leveling equipment. At Laurel Hill State Park, "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others."
Advance reservations essential: Most cabins book 6-9 months in advance for summer and fall weekends. "Book early for holidays," advised a visitor to Benner's Meadow Run who emphasized the popularity of cabin accommodations.
Kitchen provisions: Bring all cooking utensils and supplies as cabin kitchen equipment varies widely. "Most of the cabins include basic furnishings and beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries," according to regional standards.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Many family-friendly facilities offer structured recreation programs. Jellystone Park Mill Run provides "water slides, tractor rides, fire truck rides and a train ride alongside the free activities for the kids there is always something fun to do and only a few minute drive from beautiful ohiopyle state park."
Playground locations: Consider cabin proximity to play areas depending on children's ages. One parent at Benner's Meadow Run appreciated that "I didn't feel like I was walking in the dirt or through someone's campsite to get to the bathroom or the playground for the kids."
Shower facilities: Family bathhouses with private changing areas exist at select locations. The Blue Canoe RV Resort offers updated facilities where "new bath house is excellent. Old ones… meh.. they are old."
Tips from RVers
Electric options: Many cabins share power infrastructure with RV sites. A visitor to Coopers Rock noted, "The site we were in had electric hookup for 50a/30a/20a but no water at the site but there was water near the bathroom area."
Winter RV connections: Heated water connections are available at year-round facilities. "Bathrooms and showers were convenient and clean. They offer a game room, pool, mini golf, a full camp store, firewood, etc. Our tent/RV site had water and electric," explained a visitor to Benner's Meadow Run.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies dramatically between cabin locations. "We did have cell service with Consumer Cellular (AT&T Towers) and were able to work while we camped," shared a visitor to Coopers Rock State Forest who needed connectivity.
