Cabins near Jessup, Pennsylvania offer rustic to full-amenity lodging options within a 45-minute drive of the city. Located in the northeastern Pennsylvania highlands, this region features elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 feet with numerous lakes and forested areas. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day with cooler nights around 55-60°F, making cabin stays comfortable even without air conditioning.
What to do
Lakefront activities: At Keen Lake Resort Campground, visitors can access multiple water recreation options. "We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake," wrote Shannon C.
Hiking trails: Hickory Run State Park Campground offers 44 miles of marked hiking paths. "Many hiking trails, some great views, loads of waterfalls, some swimming. All around a wonderful place to visit for the day or to camp for a few. Great any time of year (frozen waterfalls, fall leaves, wildflowers)," according to Amber A.
Swimming options: Tobyhanna State Park Campground maintains both lake swimming and other water facilities. "The lake is very nice a little copper kind of like iced tea color but was very nice. They have a few hiking trails we didn't get to do, also have a horse shoe pit volleyball ball area and a little play area in the camping area," notes Erik M.
Wildlife viewing: The woods surrounding cabin areas provide opportunities for wildlife observation. At Tobyhanna State Park, "We even got to see an eagles' nest near our campsite," reports Marlaina M.
What campers like
Lake access: Keen Lake Resort Campground earns high marks for its waterfront sites. "It was SO BEAUTIFUL. We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. The kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch," writes Shannon C.
Clean facilities: Cabin users appreciate well-maintained bathroom facilities. At Highland Campgrounds, "Office is clean and a combined country store with fresh produce in the outdoor fridge and bug spray and essentials in the office area. Rec room and bathrooms are older, but vintage," notes Jennifer R.
Privacy between sites: Secluded Acres Campground provides more separation between rental units. "Such wonderful rustic sites that are absolutely secluded!! Love it and just wish it was open all year round!" according to Julie.
Store conveniences: On-site stores provide necessary supplies when staying in cabins without full kitchens. "The store has a huge selection of necessities, so no need to worry about forgetting things," confirms Emily Z. about Keen Lake Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area experiences distinct temperature changes by season. "First trip of the season and we were amazed. Not crowded this time of year, serene, and perfect weather. We collected our own firewood as there is none for sale in the state park," reports Angie G.
Fire ring locations: Fire pits may not be ideally placed at all cabin sites. "Only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it's a nice wooded site with privacy," notes Dawn R. about Lower Lake Beechwood.
Wildlife precautions: Bears are common in this region, requiring proper food storage. "Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car. Camp sites were nice most had plenty of trees for privacy but were still kind of close," advises Erik M. about Tobyhanna State Park Campground.
Cell service quality: Connectivity varies significantly between cabin locations. "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon," mentions Mara S. about winter stays at Promised Land State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activities programming: Hickory Run State Park Campground offers educational options beyond standard recreation. "There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network of hiking and horse riding trails," writes Janet R.
Kid-friendly amenities: When selecting a cabin site, check for recreational facilities nearby. "There was a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," notes Michael at Lackawanna State Park.
Swimming options: Some locations offer multiple water recreation choices. "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," shares Emily Z. about Keen Lake Resort accommodations.
Organized programming: Several campgrounds provide scheduled activities. "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day," reports Mike H. about the family-friendly approach at Keen Lake Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing concerns: Clayton Park RV Escape provides more room between units than some state parks. "Excellent family quiet area. Pool boats, hike, relax," writes David R. about the well-spaced sites.
Hookup reliability: Electrical systems can vary in quality and capacity. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," cautions David about Lackawanna State Park's electrical systems.
Site selection strategy: At several campgrounds, location makes a significant difference. "We stayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers," reports cheryl M. about Lackawanna State Park's newer section.
