Cabin rentals near Howard, Pennsylvania provide shelter options within a mountainous region in central Pennsylvania where elevations range from 700 to 2,300 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak cabin rental season. Many cabins maintain consistent availability year-round, though winter access sometimes requires four-wheel drive vehicles due to snow and ice on mountain roads.
What to do
Kayaking on Bald Eagle Lake: Rent kayaks for $15-25 per day at Russell P Letterman Campground to explore the 1,730-acre lake. "We love this park and usually rent a boat and swim and watch the eagles all day. One of the best experiences ever," notes a visitor to Russell P Letterman Campground.
Cave exploration: Woodward Cave Campground offers cave tours ($15 adults, $10 children) from Memorial Day through October. "This campground is off the beaten path which we like. Best part was it had it's own cave! This place is also about 20 to 30 minutes from Penn's Cave which is the only cave in Pa that you tour by boat," shares a camper at Woodward Cave Campground.
Mountain hiking: Access the Mid-State Trail directly from Little Pine State Park for day hikes ranging from 1-15 miles. "Beautiful setting for camping along a stream and the mountains. The Mid State hiking trail comes right through the Campground and there are numerous other trails within the park," according to a review of Little Pine State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private cabin sites: At Seven Mountains Campground, cabins feature outdoor space with fire rings separated from neighboring units. "My Outdoor Adventure Algorithm is:(Drink+Fire+Lean-To)-(Rules+Regulations+Fees)/(Crowd-Privacy)(IsolationAcceptability of loud, primal, Forest-Man behavior)=Camping. While you won't mistake yourself for a member of the Donner Party, you'll also be comfortable," explains a guest at Seven Mountains Campground.
Clean facilities: Holiday Pines Campground maintains well-kept bathroom and shower areas with recent renovations. "Small quiet and clean. Helpful owner," notes a camper at Holiday Pines Campgrounds.
Affordability: State park cabin rentals typically range $38-85 per night compared to private facilities costing $95-150 nightly. "Very affordable camp rates," points out a visitor at Little Pine State Park Campground regarding overall value.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many wooded cabin areas have limited or no cellular connectivity. "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!!" shares a guest at Poe Valley State Park Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Cabin availability increases significantly after Penn State home football weekends. "We stayed here over a weekend and the campground was packed because there was a Penn State football game. Once the weekend was over, the park cleared out," notes a Bellefonte-State College KOA visitor.
Site selection matters: View photos of specific sites before booking as cabin placement varies widely. "Definitely look at pictures of your site before reserving. The distance between spots was good," advises a Russell P Letterman Campground camper.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Black Moshannon State Park offers cabin rentals near a swimming beach with dedicated kid-friendly areas. "They have a swimming area, concession stand, showers, bathrooms and changing area. You can camp, fish, boat, kayak, hike and swim!" explains a visitor at Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Wildlife watching: Morning and evening wildlife observation opportunities exist near most cabin sites. "The lake is okay but you can't even see it from the campsites," shares a Russell P Letterman visitor regarding visibility.
Cabin sizing: Most state park cabins accommodate 4-6 people comfortably with bunk arrangements. "Bunk room had 2 bunk beds, each with a full size mattress AND room to move, plus good natural light," describes a Seven Mountains Campground guest.
Tips from RVers
Campground layout: Bellefonte-State College KOA features a tiered layout on a hillside. "The campground is built on a hill and sites are terraced. Some pull-thru sites have a very steep short hill to go up which made for some RV's scraping bottom," warns a visitor at Bellefonte-State College KOA.
Utility connections: Water pressure varies significantly between cabin sites. "I honestly struggled with what to rate this campground. I loved the area. Very peaceful and quite, but close to State College. Then there was the water pressure... or lack of water pressure. Saying it trickled out would be generous," reports a Bellefonte-State College KOA camper.
Site leveling: Bring leveling blocks as many cabin sites have slight to moderate slopes. "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side," advises a camper from Russell P Letterman Campground.
