Cabin camping near Lyndell, Pennsylvania offers options in a region with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet and numerous waterways including the Brandywine Creek and French Creek. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically between 75-85°F, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Winter cabin rentals provide heated accommodations when temperatures drop to the 20-30°F range from December through February.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Scotts Run Lake at French Creek State Park Campground contains northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several panfish species. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," notes Jen R.
**Amish countryside exploration: Visit local shops within walking distance from Beacon Hill Camping where guided tours into Amish farmland are available. "Within walking distance are Amish shops, and guided tours into the Amish countryside. Restaurants are nearby. Clean and quiet area," explains Mike H.
**Water recreation: Canoe on the Brandywine River directly from your campsite. "This was the first KOA we visited and I can't begin to say enough wonderful things about the whole campground. The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views," shares Phinon W.
What campers like
**Private camping spaces: Sites with natural separation provide privacy at several locations. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports Jen R. from French Creek State Park. Another camper at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA noted, "The sites in the center are like a parking lot. Small, no shade and wide open. We prefer the creek side sites."
**Clean facilities: Bathhouses and showers receive positive reviews. "The bathhouse had individual bathrooms and showers. Each was pretty clean and spacious," reports a visitor at Spring Gulch Resort Campground. Another camper stated, "Clean bathroom, laundry room, pool area for the kids, and a well stocked store."
**Countryside views: Many sites offer views of Amish farms and rural landscapes. "Great KOA in all aspects: location, views, friendly, cleanliness," says Lindsay H. about Lancaster-New Holland KOA. Another camper mentioned "daily views of fields, farmers plowing with horses or the buggys going by was great."
What you should know
**Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate with limited winter schedules. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early, make sure you have cash on you," advises Galit P. from French Creek State Park.
**Site selection matters: Choose locations based on your specific needs. "Look at the map when selecting a site. The sites in the center are like a parking lot. Small, no shade and wide open. We prefer the creek side sites," recommends a camper at Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort.
**Weather preparedness: The region experiences varied conditions throughout the year. "We had a nice site that backed up to a small creek. Very scenic and laid back campground," notes Stacy D. about Mill Bridge Village, adding that sites in the center offer no shade protection.
Tips for camping with families
**Activity options: Some locations specialize in family entertainment. "This is a 5-star campground EXCEPT that there was no wi-fi or cable. It's 2023 and internet connectivity is important. Also, we had rain one evening and it would have been nice to watch tv or stream a movie," notes Matt S. about his stay at Lancaster-New Holland KOA.
**Playground access: Several campgrounds feature outdoor play areas. "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground (September 2020). There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages," reports Phinon W. about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.
**Swimming options: Pools are available at multiple locations during summer. "The pool is nice, they have a store and a playground," explains Jim N. Some campgrounds offer additional water features - "There was a pond for swimming and there were dead fish," notes a less enthusiastic review.
Tips from RVers
**Site dimensions: Check measurements before booking. "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road," warns Matt S. about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.
**Hookup availability: Many locations offer full services. "The sites were clean and lovely places to stay while we enjoyed the Amish sites in the area," writes Amy V. about Country Acres Campground. Another camper noted "Newer electric connections. EWS all at great locations to hook up."
**Off-season considerations: Verify amenities during shoulder seasons. "We went during Corona so no amenities were open. If you just need a place for a quiet weekend, this is it," explains Stacy D. about Mill Bridge Village.