Cabin camping facilities near Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania typically open from April through October, with some locations offering year-round accommodations. Situated in the Laurel Highlands region at elevations between 1,200-3,000 feet, the area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Most cabin locations require reservations 2-3 months in advance during peak summer season.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Keystone State Park features a lake where visitors can fish for various species. "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced," notes Joseph S. about Keystone State Park Campground.
Hiking trail options: Numerous hiking trails exist throughout the region with varying difficulty levels. A visitor at Laurel Hill State Park Campground mentions, "Lots to do for kids. Very close to several state parks for great hiking and biking. Check out Moo Echo on rt 31 for awesome food!"
Water recreation: Many parks offer swimming and boating options during summer months. "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town," writes Luke K. about Keystone State Park.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: The cabin accommodations provide convenient access to regional points of interest. "The campground is close to many places in the Laurel Highlands which makes it convenient," explains a visitor at Kooser State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly facilities: Many locations offer playground areas and recreational spaces for families. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run, one guest reported, "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids."
Wooded privacy: Certain cabin areas offer more seclusion than others. "There are some very secluded sites," notes Matt R. about Keystone State Park Campground, adding "The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods."
What you should know
Site selection importance: Choose cabin locations carefully based on your preferences for privacy or activities. At Laurel Hill, a camper advised, "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."
Water limitations: Some rustic cabins have minimal water facilities. One visitor at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing shared, "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."
Reservation timing: Book well in advance, especially for holiday weekends. "We've stayed here multiple times throughout several summers," mentions a Keystone visitor, indicating the popularity of these accommodations.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Look for cabins near swimming areas for family entertainment. At Keystone State Park, a visitor noted, "Park itself is gorgeous with a large lake and designated swimming area. Place attracts a lot of people in the summer as its basically in the Pittsburgh suburbs along a major road artery."
Consider cabin locations: Some campgrounds have cabins in more secluded areas. At Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park, a camper shared, "The campground itself was buggy, not well maintained, and covered in poison ivy. The bathhouses themselves were great."
Pack appropriate supplies: Prepare for limited facilities at more rustic cabins. "The rustic cabins have fire rings for cooking," explains a frequent visitor to the area, while more developed options may have full kitchens.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some cabin and RV sites require significant leveling. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, one visitor warned, "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others."
Proximity to bathhouses: For cabins without private facilities, location matters. "There isn't one [bathhouse] on every loop, but this one does have a restroom. The restroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating," advised a camper at Pioneer Park Campground.
Utility connections: Electric service varies between locations. "The sites are pretty close together and we couldn't use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig," noted a visitor at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, emphasizing the need to check site layouts before booking.
