Cabins near Jacobus, Pennsylvania cluster around the Susquehanna River Valley at elevations between 400-1,200 feet, providing year-round rental options in diverse settings. While summer remains the most popular cabin rental period with temperatures averaging 75-85°F, fall cabin rentals (September-November) offer colorful foliage viewing with more availability. Winter cabin options remain limited primarily to Cedar Lake Family Campground and a few other year-round facilities.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm offers a stocked fishing pond that makes for easy catches. "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site," reports a visitor to Merry Meadows.
**Trail access: Several cabin rentals provide direct access to hiking paths. At Artillery Ridge Campground, cabins are situated near natural areas with historical significance. "We had a site right on next to the trail going to Stangler Farm. AT&T cell reception at our site was hit or miss, but good in the rest of the campground," notes a recent camper.
Farm animal interactions: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers unique cabin camping with farm animals nearby. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires. The weather is perfect right now highs reaching low 80s, so the evenings are super lovely!" shares a cabin guest.
What campers like
Cabin variety: Some rental cabins offer unexpected amenities beyond the basics. "We stayed in one of the cabins, which had 2 beds and a bunk bed, sink and toilet, refrigerator, microwave, dining table and sofa. There was also a front porch with picnic table and fire pit," reports a visitor to Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Water access: Select cabin sites feature waterfront locations. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, waterfront cabins provide excellent access to recreation. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced," states a recent guest.
Clean facilities: Cabin campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as important. "Cedar Creek was amazing and clean. Staff was friendly and courteous. Price is affordable. The cabin was clean and perfect. Grounds were very clean. Toilet and showers clean," notes a visitor to Cedar Lake Family Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most cabins close during winter months with limited exceptions. Cedar Lake Family Campground remains open year-round with 195 total sites including cabins.
Reservation timing: Peak season cabin reservations often require booking 6+ months in advance, especially for weekend dates from May-September. Weekday availability typically remains better for last-minute bookings.
Variable amenities: Cabin features differ significantly between parks. At Codorus State Park Campground, primitive options contrast with more developed cabins. "We stayed for 2 nights in July 2017. The site we originally picked was advertised as 'partially shaded' but when we got there we found one small tree per site in a grass field. But on the way in we noticed there are lots of wooded sites, and asked to move."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Parks with multiple recreation options tend to rate highest with families. "There were tons of things to do there for adults and kids alike. The activities — such as putt-putt, jump zone and the playground ended up being kinda boring for them without others to share it with," mentions a guest about the importance of timing visits.
Site selection: For cabin camping with children, proximity to restrooms and playgrounds matters. "We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table. The bath house was extremely clean and very nice," notes a visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Noise considerations: Train noise impacts some cabin areas, particularly at Hersheypark Camping Resort. "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" warns a recent camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Cabins often sit on more level sites than tent areas. "Sites were a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out," notes a visitor, highlighting the importance of researching specific site characteristics.
Extended stays: Some locations offer monthly cabin rates during off-peak seasons. "Stayed there this weekend Thursday through Sunday. Original reservation was Fri-Sun, but they were calling for 60 mph wind gusts Friday, and no one was in my spot so I went in a day ahead."
Weather preparation: Jacobus area cabins experience significant temperature swings, particularly in spring and fall. The region averages 42 inches of precipitation annually, with occasional severe weather requiring preparation.
