Camping cabins near Jim Thorpe are the charming alternative to a tent or a yurt. The Dyrt can help you find the best cabin camping destinations for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect cabin for your Pennsylvania cabin camping excursion.
Are you daring enough to hike the Shades of Death Trail? This is just one of the hiking trails available to visitors at Hickory Run State Park. Not to worry though, the trail is not nearly as ominous as its name. Hickory Run was established as a state park in 1945 following a long and storied history of devastation and restoration. The first settlements in the area occurred following the American Revolution, when landowners began building mills on the local creeks. By the mid-1800s, the area was clearcut, then experienced several incidents of fire and flooding. In 1935 the area was purchased by the National Park Service (NPS) for use as a recreation area, and many of the roads, campgrounds and trails were developed. Ten years later, the NPS transferred the land to the state of Pennsylvania for use as a state park. Just 30 miles south of Scranton, Hickory Run State Park is a 16,000-acre natural area in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The area features numerous trout streams, boulder fields, wetlands and restored forests. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, from birds to black bears. The park’s large campground features more than 300 tent, trailer and RV sites, as well as a few walk-in sites and camping cottages. Some campsites are ADA accessible. Park facilities include restrooms with showers, drinking water, two playgrounds, amphitheater, fishing pier, dog-walking area, and a camp store. There’s also recycling and dump stations. The Shades of Death and Beach trails are accessible right from the campground. Campsite rates range from $15–$40/night; cabins and cottages range from $38–$105/night. There is no shortage of outdoor play to be enjoyed on your visit to Hickory Run. On warm days, cool off with a dip in Sand Spring Lake, or go wading below Hawk Falls; cast a line for brook and brown trout in Hickory Run or Mud Run; or test your precision at the park’s disc golf course. There are also several geocaches hidden in the park if you’re up for a little treasure hunting. If you’re packing hiking boots, you have 44 miles of trails to wander. Choose from short, family-friendly nature and wildlife-watching trails, to the more strenuous Boulder Field Trail, which traverses a 16.5-acre field of sandstone boulders that predate several of North America’s ice ages. In winter, many of the park’s trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
In the heart of the Eastern Pennsylvania wilderness, there’s an exciting escape for RVers, campers, and hikers of all ages. Blue Rocks Family Campground occupies over 100 acres of beautiful forest divided by mountain streams and is surrounded by miles of hiking trails that offer incredible views of the Pennsylvania countryside. Topped off with our breathtaking Blue Rocks boulder field that gives our camp its name, Blue Rocks Family Campground is truly the definition of an amazing outdoor Pennsylvania experience. We can’t wait to see ya!
Boasting 22 named waterfalls amid old-growth forest and deeply-incised canyons, Rickett’s Glen State Park encompasses more than 13,000 acres around a high bluff known as the Allegheny Front. On top of the bluff, several lakes—Lake Jean being the largest—are the source of the many creeks that tumble down the canyons and create the spectacular falls. The area was mostly logged out in the early 1900s by the landowner, R. Bruce Ricketts, before he decided to preserve the woodlands in the falls’ three glens. Following efforts to turn the area into a national park in the 1930s failed, he began selling the land to the state of Pennsylvania, who turned the area into a state park in 1944. The park is now a year-round destination for camping, hiking, fishing, bird-watching, paddling, skiing and ice climbing. Just an hour’s drive west of Scranton, the campground at Rickett’s Glen offers 120 drive-in campsites in two areas near the shore of Lake Jean. Sites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 40 feet; some sites are ADA accessible, and a few group camps are available. Hookups are not available, but there is a dump station outside the camping area. Facilities in the campgrounds include restrooms with showers, drinking water, an amphitheater, a trail to the lake’s beach, and a designated dog area. The Big Loop campground also has five deluxe cottages available to rent. In a separate area, there are 10 cabins available, as well as a boat ramp (rentals available) and snack bar. Campsite rates range from $15–$20/night; cabins and cottages range from $60–$115/night. The most popular activity at Rickett’s Glen is to hike through the three waterfall glens. This can be done via several looping trails ranging from 3.4 miles to 7.2 miles. Two trailheads are located above the falls, from the lakes area, and one is located below the falls, from PA Route 118. Other summer activities in the park include paddling and fishing on Lake Jean, or just soaking up the sun at the beach. An onsite naturalist offers guided walks, nature activities and interpretive programs. There are also limited hunting opportunities. If visiting during the winter season, many of the trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Ice fishing is popular, as is ice climbing on the waterfalls. Check the park’s website for off-season services, accessibility, and ice climbing requirements.
$15 - $150 / night
In Pennsylvania, the once industrious geography of North Coventry and Warwick now serves as home to 7,730 acres of protected wilderness known as French Creek State Park. Right in the heart of the Schuylkill Highlands, the park’s boundaries make up the largest mass of forested space between anywhere in Washington D.C. and New York City. The diverse land consisting of forests, wetlands, marshes, and sleepy bluffs throughout have become a top destination for the people of southeast Pennsylvania to hike, fish, camp, and bike. At a point long ago, before the industrial revolution, the land was once dominated by ancient forests of American chestnut. Sadly, in 1771 foresters started to clear these trees, in order to create charcoal for the furnace at nearby Hopewell Furnace. However, the forests were still allowed to regrow, with routine clearing scheduled every 25 years thereafter. The furnace was in operation for 112 years until 1883, and its impact on the regional environment was undeniable. The once wooded hillsides, towering trees, and babbling brooks that once existed now appeared as a barren wasteland in many areas. The ecological outlook was looking dim, that is until President Roosevelt started the CCC in 1993 as a response to economic turmoil created by the Great Depression. During the same time, Governor Gifford Pinchot invited the CCC to assist in reclaiming this special land, and they subsequently worked to clear the forests and streams of brush. To commemorate the work, they began the restoration of the historic Hopewell Furnace as well as the creation of many of the facilities still in use today at the park. Among these facilities are several tent camping areas, two group camps, picnic shelters, two small dams and lakes, and even the extensive network of roads and trails that snake throughout the park. Today, the second growth has brought with it a rebirth of life and wonder to the region. This massive expansion of protected land is now home to a multitude of rare animals and plants, not commonly found in the region. For example, French Creek State Park is an Important Bird Area as designated by the National Audubon Society, and an Important Mammal Area as designated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Pine Swamp is a State Park Natural Area. The park is now known for its diverse fishing, large abundance of wild game for hunt, and it’s plethora of outdoor recreation activities available within. Visitors to the park have a few options for overnight accommodations. The campground itself is well suited for both large and small groups, as well as individuals. In total, 201 modern sites accommodate thousands of visitors annually. The campground also boast a range of amenities, including a centrally located shower and toilet facility. Additionally, there are ten cozy cabins with heat and electricity. Finally, there are two historic group camping CCC Cabins available. The facilities include dining halls, central washhouses, and cabins for campers and staff.
$23 / night
$20 / night
$33 - $42 / night
Traveler
This is a great little campground. Nice pool decent playground for kids. Definitely recommend creek side site if you can. Bathrooms a little dated but we’re very clean. Staff was friendly, helpful and accommodating. A lot of paperwork to fill out and go over though. It’s just a short drive away from Jim Thorpe which is great. Would recommend!
Ranger
I can't say enough good things about PA's DCNR. This cabin was just as excellent as our stay the night before at Hill's Creek State Park. The only thing I wish the DCNR would do is expand the dog friendly cabins. While we managed to get one of the dog friendly ones here, they are limited in number and Hill's Creek had no such cabins.
Legend
The camping cabins and yurts are somewhat grouped together in the middle of the campground area. We chose to stay in a yurt, as we were on a business trip to Philly, but wanted a couple days outside before heading home. There looked to be some nice tent sites as well. Lots of hiking trails to explore!
Ranger
Otter lake has every amenity imaginable super clean swimming beach beautiful lake with boat rentals available. Tons of activities for kids and adults. Indoor pool with 2 hot tubs even a dry sauna. Tennis volleyball pickle ball basketball bocce ball. Can’t wait to return. Sites seem to cater to Rv camping but tents are not bad.
Legend
This place has everything! Mini golf, playgrounds, indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, kiddie pool, Cafe, arcade, camp store, pond with fishing, kayak and peddle boat rentals, hiking, fenced in dog area, walking trails. Not to mention all of the different cabins and specialty houses you can rent like the tree house, train caboose and others. Everything is very clean and the roads are paved which make it great for riding bikes. There are open field areas so you can drive RC cars, play volleyball, catch, Frisbee or whatever. Lots to do here and something for everyone. Nice size sites as well. Ours was nice with a lower fire pit area. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the seasonal site behind us had their solar lights on the whole time. They were very bright and made it difficult to enjoy the fire at night.
ScoutWe drive from Arizona to camp here for 6 weeks each year. It is truly a resort with organized activities like softball, archery and ceramics for kiddos. 2 pools, hot tub, sauna, lake beach and swimming. All sites are wooded, clean and spacious. We have been coming here for 11 years! If anyone knows of a similar place in the southwest please let me know.
Legend
Well kept, wooded sites on a mountain. No lake in site. Standard amenities, like pool, hot tub, laundry, outdoor games a community fire pit etc.. Small store as well. 5 minutes to town. Sites are large in most cases. All have fire pit and picnic table, some have bbq grill too. We are only here for a couple days but get a feeling it's a great place to take a family for that weekend camping experience.
Ranger
The first time we decided to visit Knoebels resort, we decided to camp at the nearby Lake Glory Campground/Knoebels Campground. We rented a cabin and a family we were traveling with, also rented a cabin.
The cabins were clean, as was the bathhouse, but the cabins were right on top of each other, with NO division at all. It was more like a neighborhood on a quiet street. In some ways, it was nice that all of the children in the area where able to play together and all of the adults could watch them- but there was just NO privacy or feelings of seperation at all.
The fire rings seemed old, and you could hear every single cough, laugh, etc from your neighbor. It was also a fairly decent walk to the bathhouse- though the bathhouses were large and well kept.
While we didn't stay in the tent or RV sites, it looked like a fairly similar sense of privacy in those sites. It basically looked like tents were just randomly placed in open spaces of grass.
Firewood was for sale at the entrance, and it was "fill a bucket for $5". So basically, whatever you could fit and carry on of their metal pails, cost you $5. If you take your time, you can get a good amount of wood for that.
The insides of the cabins had a large queen size bed and then a loft bunk. There was a nice built in shelf with electric and even a good amount of hooks and cubbies for storage. Of the camping cabins we have stayed in, this was the largest and most functional. That said, there was a ceiling fan for air circulation at the top and it was LOUD. I had to sleep up top, since my sensory-senstive child couldn't handle it- just a head's up, in case you have a similar issue.
Overall, if you're looking for a dirt cheap way to stay near the local amusement park, this will do. Personally, when we returned this year, we just rented a hotel. We didn't enjoy the "camping" experience here at all.
ScoutBeautiful lake for all water related activities. Trails are nice, although not as well-marked as some other places we’ve been. Excited to go cabin camping here in January!
Traveler
Very tightly packed but a cool campground. We had a small pop up trailer with available hookups. They also have cabins. This was mainly a seasonal campground. Bathrooms were great! Showers clean. Love the area of Jim Thorpe.
Scout
This place is amazing! everything you could want, from tent and RV camping to cabin rentals. They also have a pool and playground. some of my favorite parts of this park are a good 100’ rack wall perfect for climbing, great fishing, trails for miles that even connects to the AT, and when scheduled they open the dam up stream for som world class whitewater rafting.
As for some things that aren’t listed. this is no alcohol permitted in the park due to it being a state park, however that all depends on how open you are about it and the Park rangers. Cell phone service is limited last time I was up there in 2012 only people with Verizon Wireless had any reception. Also there is no WiFi. No hookups or camp store.
Ranger
One of the best places we have stayed. The campground was spacious and while it was likely full, it still felt secluded. Beautiful lake beach and canoe and kayak rentals. There’s much to explore in the town Jim Thorpe and beautiful hiking close by.
ScoutThe sites were fine and I liked the location. Next to the creek where you can fish trout (don’t forget to buy a license). About 3 miles stroll along the creek to Jim Thorpe. About 3 miles the other way is a lake with the rentals (was closed in May 2020 due to COVID)
GuideWe had a great camp spot! We stayed 2 nights and it was actually the more secluded camp site. I do see however that there are definitely cramped camping sites. The staff were friendly and there were flushable toilets. The location was so great because it’s just right above Jim Thorpe!
Legend
Close to Jim Thorpe and tons of recreational activities. If you’re driving through the area, there’s a Cabela’s nearby that allows boondocking. Also very close to a few Appalachian trail heads.
There’s a cute river that flows through the campground and this one has a doggy park. Love this one!!
ScoutYou can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it’s quite calm. You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear.
TravelerThis campground is definitely designed for young families. I booked last minute and had to make do with a primitive site which was downhill and a little bumpy. However, there are extremely nice bathrooms and a ton of things to do if you have children like playground, arcade and activities. It’s nice how close it is to downtown Jim Thorpe but it was a little too close together and family oriented for me as someone who travels only with young adults.
Ranger
Signs for check in were not well marked but the rangers didn't seem to mind that we went straight to our site without checking in. Campsites and the roads through the campground are a little tight. Bathhouse was decently clean. The best part of the campground was definitely the visitor center. Lots of educational displays for kids and everything seemed new.
The state park is gorgeous. We hiked the shades of death trail which was great. Close to Lehigh gorge and Jim Thorpe too.
TravelerI love this park, and have seen it really evolve over the past 20 years. There is something here for everyone whether you like to hike, fish, mountain bike or go white water rafting. The newly built park office and entrance rivals some national parks. Staff is helpful and professional and the campsites are always very well maintained. Hiking trails are clear with plenty of parking at the trailheads. Many of the trails lead to beautiful waterfalls and some even hold stocked trout. The town of Jim Thorpe is near by and has businesses that cater to outdoor adventures. Outlet shopping is also a short drive away for anyone look for something more on the mild side.
ScoutPros: The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming. The campsites were adequate size. The campground is very close to lots of outdoor attractions and fun in the Jim Thorpe and Blue Mountain area. The park rangers are very friendly and helpful.
Cons: we visited in the summer on a weekend when it was full. The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers. It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight. There are supposed to be quiet hours, but they were not enforced. I am not sure if this is typical or if we hit a bad weekend, but it was the LOUDEST campground I have ever been to.
Legend
We stayed at Lakewood Park Campground in Barnesville, PA, for a few days for R&R. And we got it!
THINGS I LIKED:
This place has the best of an old-fashioned campground with a great layout. But it offers modern amenities and utilities in a natural setting.
Family owned and operated by folks who take great pride in offering a really nice place to stay.
About 30-minutes to Jim Thorpe, PA, or Lehigh Valley Zoo.
The place is filled with mature shade trees which offer some protection from the sun and a beautiful setting. But they take great care to remove problem trees and branches from the sites and roads.
Fun activities during our stay included bingo and a food truck.
Our site(#74) was plenty big enough for our 45’ motorhome and Jeep plus lots of room to spread out.
The park is relatively new. Everything is clean and in great working order. All kinds of maintenance was going on throughout each day, and it shows.
I contacted the campground by email after 11pm to inquire about availability to arrive a day early. I sent an email rather than a phone call as I had no expectation of a response until at least the next day. They replied within minutes, adjusted my reservation, sent a revised confirmation email, and didn’t ask for payment until I arrived for check-in. Wow, that’s top-notch service!
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Traveler
Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV’s and strictly walk in tent sites. There is a beautiful lake and a very large pool. We went in early spring midweek, it was very quiet and exactly the get away we wanted.
Traveler
My husband and I have stayed here several times, but the last time was the best! We stayed 2 nights in Cabin Z for our anniversary getaway and we loved having the whole place to ourselves. The pit latrines were clean, the water spigots worked fine, and there was plenty of wildlife to see roam through the surrounding areas. It was home away from home.
Traveler
This campground is nestled in rhe mountains of Pennsylvania. This campgound is family oriented, it has a pool, a store, a game room. They also do things for different holidays. There is showers and bathrooms a crick goes through the campground. Therebis pull thru sites, tent sites and cabins.
Guide
This is our 3rd year renting a cabin here. The cabins are clean and affordable, with plenty of room for two people and a doggo. There are 15 cabins, and plenty of RV sites and Tent sites. The staff have always been extremely friendly and accommodating, and Inwould recommend this Campground to anyone.
RangerThe cabins are full electric with heat and are well appointed. It was an excellent fall trip location for a family with young children. I said there was a sense of deja vu because the cabin, even it's placement relative to the lake was near identical to the cabin we had at Hills Creek State Park the month before.
TravelerWe have camped here with friends for the past 10 years. Great for families. The camp bus picks up and drop you off at the entrance to the campgrounds, and a short walk to the amusement park across the road. The roller coaster are fun.
There are single cabins, and double cabins as well as tent/hookup sites.
Experience the charm of cabin camping near Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, where nature meets comfort in a picturesque setting. With a variety of campgrounds offering cozy cabins, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a memorable getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Jim Thorpe, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Jim Thorpe, PA is Hickory Run State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 60 reviews.
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