Cabin camping near Laporte, Pennsylvania sits at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 feet in the Endless Mountains region. The terrain features dense northern hardwood forests with hemlock groves and rocky outcroppings. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, requiring cabins with adequate heating sources for cold-weather stays.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, visitors can access 22 named waterfalls along well-marked trails. "The biggest draw to this state park is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike. The trails are very well marked."
Boulder field exploration: The boulder field at Hickory Run State Park Campground is an unusual geological formation spanning 16.5 acres. "This is probably the largest, most well-kept public campground I have ever been to. The park itself is stunning. Trails & waterfalls can't be beating. Definitely the best."
Swimming and fishing: At Lake Jean in Ricketts Glen, the swimming beach operates from late May through mid-September. "Lake Jean is also right there for boating and recreation. Beach and lake activities are available as well."
What campers like
Creekside sites: The creek at Worlds End State Park Campground provides natural sound insulation from other campers. "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing. Sites are well maintained and well organized, though a little close together."
Privacy between sites: Pioneer Campground offers wooded sites with natural separation. "We try to get the same campsite each year because it is wooded and spacious. The campground itself is beautiful, it's back a long lane from the main road so it is quiet and peaceful."
Cabin temperature control: State park cabins use wood stoves that can produce significant heat. "The cabins stay very warm with a wood burning stove - sometimes even too warm and windows need to stay cracked open. We purchased wood from a local gentleman who delivered."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in this area have minimal or no cell reception. At Whispering Pines Camping Estates, "We have Verizon and my work phone is T-Mobile and at most would get 2 bars of LTE but it mostly stayed at 1 so if we weren't connected to the internet or our jetpack our phones were basically useless."
Cabin amenities vary significantly: State park cabins typically have electricity but no plumbing. "The cabins generally sleep 6-8 very comfortably with 4 double bunk beds in most. The cabins also have electricity and include a stove and refrigerator. There is no plumbing, so no sink or toilet but there are several very well maintained and equipped bathroom houses."
Weather preparedness: The mountain elevation means rapid temperature changes. "We went in late august and although it was pool weather during the day time the temperatures dropped somewhat dramatically into the evening hours so bring clothes for both 70-80 degree weather and 40-50 degree weather overnight."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Red Rock Mountain Campground offers a quieter alternative to busier parks while still being near attractions. "Peaceful little campground five minutes from Ricketts Glen State Park. Accommodating and friendly hosts, clean bath house and firewood for sale on site."
Bathhouse considerations: Family bathrooms are limited at most sites. "Bathrooms are clean, but only one shower (at least in Loop B). Also a tip- the sites are down the road from the Office, so I recommend arriving during daylight hours so you don't have a hard time finding them."
Winter cabin preparation: For cold weather stays, bring appropriate sleeping gear. "If you come in the fall, make sure you bring a cold weather sleeping bag or heater because the temp does drop. Seriously, a great campground you wont be disappointed!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: At Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse, RV sites require adjustment. "Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling. Not much shade in the full hookup loop, so was happy to have electricity for A/C."
Seasonal RV options: Many campgrounds offer both short-term and seasonal RV sites. "Every site is really tight. And the fire pits are just about sitting on the road. If your fire is too big look out that you don't catch your vehicle or camper on fire 🔥. It's that close."
Campground layout navigation: Some campgrounds have confusing layouts. "I would suggest getting there while it is still light out, there is plenty of room on the roads to get your rig around the campground, but there are lots of trees and it gets a little hard sometimes to see where the road is vs a site."
