Cabin camping near Ligonier, Pennsylvania offers access to the scenic Laurel Highlands region at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 feet. The area's mountain terrain creates cooler summer temperatures, typically 5-10 degrees below surrounding lowlands. Most cabin facilities operate from mid-April through late October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Laurel Hill State Park Campground provides access to numerous woodland paths. "Many include fishing, swimming, boating, bicycling, hiking, geocaching, and hunting. The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk," notes Lee D.
Water activities: Keystone State Park offers multiple water-based recreation options. "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced. Bathrooms are typical for a state park," reports Joseph S.
Bouldering and climbing: The terrain around Laurel Hill State Park provides natural climbing opportunities. "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 Jill R.
Winter sports: Many cabin areas maintain proximity to ski facilities. "We met with friends from Pittsburgh here, they visit often and consider this a hidden gem. We enjoyed the waterfront camping and snowshoeing," shares Harry H. from Kooser State Park.
What campers like
Secluded woodland sites: Kooser State Park offers quieter accommodations. "Simple wooded beauty in southern PA, an hour or so from Pittsburgh not far off 76. Pros: nice swimming, short trail, great XC skiing (here and nearby), nice green area with rolling hills, cabin options," reports Justin S.
Spacious campsites: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides generous site dimensions. "Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek. Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place)," explains Mathew H.
Waterfront locations: Quemahoning Family Recreation Area features cabin sites with lake views. "The location on the water adds for a great view. Electric only," notes Theodore C. Another visitor describes it as "Very peaceful and Serene. Beautiful scenery."
Facilities and amenities: Most cabins provide basic accommodations with varying amenities. "We were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip," writes Tara R. about Mirror Lake.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: State park cabins fill quickly during peak months. At Kentuck Campground, "The campground is popular, so you have to book early for Memorial Day or Labor Day," advises Brian S.
Terrain considerations: Sites often require leveling equipment. "Site 166 is not flat what so ever. We recommend checking out cucumber falls, which isn't terribly far away," warns Tanner W. about Kentuck Campground.
Cabin amenities vary: Even within a single location, facilities differ significantly. "There are two campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy," reports Matt R. about Keystone State Park.
Access limitations: Some areas have seasonal road closures. "The main road to the campground from Ohiopyle was also closed due to a separate paving project. This unanticipated road closure with the typically convoluted PA road system detour caused significant delays," notes a Kentuck Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Creek access: Water features provide natural entertainment. At Pioneer Park Campground, "Lots of stuff for the kids to do and all inclusive. Big fishing lakes. Pool could use a heater," mentions Fred R.
Playground amenities: Many cabin areas include recreational facilities. "There is a playground, volleyball, shuffleboard, and a large picnic area at the end of one of the loops," notes a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park.
Structured activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers programmed entertainment. "This Yogi Bear campground offers a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do," explains Terra B.
Cabin selection: Choose accommodations based on noise preferences. "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. Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy," advises Casey L. from Laurel Hill State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research specific cabin locations before booking. "The sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," warns Kathy L. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Extension cords: Pack additional power cables. "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 Erik E.
Supply planning: Stock provisions before arrival. "The closest town is about 20 minutes away, and there are a bunch of restaurants, a Lowes, and auto parts stores should you need supplies or make a repair," notes Gregory L. about Roaring Run Resort.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly. "Fleeting cell at best on Verizon," reports Lee D. about Laurel Hill State Park, while others note stronger signals at Keystone State Park.
