Cabins near Hummelstown, Pennsylvania offer various camping options within a 25-mile radius of this Dauphin County town, located at 400 feet elevation in the Swatara Creek valley. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak cabin rental season. Weather patterns include occasional afternoon thunderstorms in summer months, particularly in July and August when most cabin facilities experience highest occupancy rates.
What to do
Fishing access points: The Swatara Creek near Jonestown/Hershey KOA provides excellent creek fishing opportunities. "The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc," notes Bobby S. This campground connects to the Swatara Rail trail, making it easy to combine fishing with other activities.
Appalachian Trail access: Several Hummelstown area cabin rentals offer proximity to hiking trails. "You can access the Appalachian trail from campground," shares Lisa B. about Jonestown/Hershey KOA. For hikers staying in rental cabins, the trail access provides day-hike options without needing primitive camping gear.
Winter activities: While most state park cabins close seasonally, Thousand Trails Circle M offers year-round cabin options. "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," writes Norm F., indicating these accommodations work well in colder conditions.
What campers like
Variety of cabin layouts: Cabin rental options range from basic to fully furnished. "Our site was very nice! We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," reports Cat R. about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, which offers different cabin styles to accommodate various group sizes.
Water recreation: Many families appreciate cabin rentals with water access. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," writes Toshi about Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. The combination of cabin comfort with water recreation makes for popular family destinations.
Pet-friendly options: Select cabins accommodate pets. "Super dog friendly. Many little dog parks throughout," notes Chris G. about Twin Grove RV Resort. The multiple designated pet areas provide convenience for families unwilling to leave pets behind when cabin camping.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways and other facilities can affect the quiet of cabin sites. "There is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner," warns Tara N. about Pinch Pond Family Campground. Always check reviews for noise mentions if seeking a quiet retreat.
Seasonal operation: Operating schedules vary significantly. "We only went once, and not much was open. Nice cute country store on site," shares Heather H. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, highlighting how amenities may be limited in shoulder seasons.
Site selection strategy: Some campgrounds assign sites while others operate differently. "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots," advises Yamileth K. about Thousand Trails Hershey. Early arrival can make a significant difference in site quality at these locations.
Tips for camping with families
Off-season discounts: Families on budgets should consider timing. "We came for a hike and quick one night tent escape. I had never been and reserved a tent site online," explains Scott B. about Gifford Pinchot State Park, where cabin rates drop by 20-30% during fall weekdays compared to summer weekends.
Amenities for children: Cabin rentals with recreational facilities keep kids engaged. "My family has been going here for the last 3 years. We love camping here. They have a pool and fun activities though the day. At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride," reports Dawn T. about Twin Grove RV Resort.
Activity schedules: Check event calendars when booking. "We spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it! They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October," shares Kasey M. about Thousand Trails Circle M, pointing out their themed weekends that enhance family cabin stays.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many Hummelstown area cabin and RV campgrounds have topography issues. "Not just the one we're on but others as well. 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 Sammii D. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, suggesting bringing extra leveling equipment.
Utility considerations: Water pressure varies significantly between locations. "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay," reports Justin B. RVers staying at cabin resorts should bring water filters if planning to use onsite hookups.
Strategic timing: Arrival timing affects site selection at first-come campgrounds. "For everyone complaining about driving around and not finding spots, if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem," advises Yamileth K., noting this particularly applies to Thousand Trails properties that don't pre-assign sites.
