Cabin camping near Laughlintown, Pennsylvania offers options within the Laurel Highlands region, situated between 1,200-2,800 feet elevation. The area receives significant precipitation year-round, with summer thunderstorms common during peak camping season. Autumn foliage typically peaks in mid-October when temperatures begin to drop into the 40s at night, creating ideal conditions for campfires.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Quemahoning Reservoir provides excellent fishing options near cabin accommodations. "Great place for fishing kayaking. Very family oriented," notes a visitor to Quemahoning Family Recreation Area, which offers lake access from multiple points in the campground.
Explore caves and rock formations: Several cabin camping areas provide access to natural geological features. "This was a very fun place! There was easy little rocks to boulder and climb! And even a few smaller caves to explore! It was an adventure paradise with a close location to the seven springs ski resort," writes a camper about Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Visit historical sites: The region contains significant landmarks within driving distance of cabin accommodations. "The campground is about 40 minutes from the Flight 93 National Memorial, about 20 minutes from Fallingwater, and there were a couple of wineries in the area as well," reports a visitor to Roaring Run Resort.
What campers like
Creek access: Many cabins feature proximity to moving water, allowing for natural water activities. "We had a really nice camping experience here. Tent camping at an electrical site. We were on the outside edge of the pet loop so there was some nice shade there... The beaches were great. We went canoeing on the lake," writes a visitor about Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
Clean, maintained facilities: Campers frequently note bathroom quality when reviewing cabin camping experiences. "Great clean park and easy to get to from Pittsburgh. The campsite and bathrooms were clean when we arrived and when we left," notes a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park Campground who stayed in the dog loop.
Playground amenities: Family-friendly cabin options often include play areas for children. "We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc," shares a visitor to Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing who stayed in one of the cabins.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly between cabin locations in the Laurel Highlands. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded. We didn't realize and stayed in the first one. Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy," cautions a camper about Kentuck Campground.
Cell coverage limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. "We were surprised that just a few days before Memorial Day, only a handful of sites were occupied. We've been very impressed by the pristine conditions of many Pennsylvania state parks, but this one had a more rustic feel and had not been modernized. Fleeting cell at best on Verizon," notes a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park.
Elevation challenges: The mountainous terrain creates natural challenges for some campsites. "Roads are small and a mix of asphalt, gravel and dirt. Camp sites are tiny, packed together like sardines and muddy when it rains," reports a visitor to Pioneer Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Several cabin locations feature water-based recreation for children. "My family stayed in one of the cabins while friends were in their campers. The cabin was great, very clean and cozy. The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store," shares a visitor to Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
Safety features: Gated access provides security at some cabin camping locations. "The park is gated, you have to stop at the security booth to check in, enter, or leave the park, so you might have to wait a few minutes, but that is a nice level of added security," notes a camper at Roaring Run Resort.
Kid-friendly programming: Some campgrounds offer organized activities specifically for children. "The park has great amenities just a short walk from all sites. All sites have fire rings, with grills, however note they are double walled so do not expel a lot of heat outward. Great for cooking however," explains a visitor to Kooser State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many cabin and RV sites in the region require adjustment. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for sanitation needs when booking cabin sites. "There are two dump stations, one located on the way out, and the other located in one of the upper loops," reports a visitor to Roaring Run Resort, which provides this service for campers with self-contained facilities.
Power limitations: Consider electrical needs when planning cabin stays. "The whole park is 30 amp. The sites are reasonable level, but the one we had was a little tricky to get into because of it being on a hill, but it was manageable," explains an RVer staying at Roaring Run Resort.
