Best Cabin Camping near Mars, PA

This was a Fall camping experience in a cabin as we knew it would be cold in the evenings.  We also had a non-camper with us so this was a nice compromise.  We had a cozy cabin with 2 bathrooms.  We also had a small kitchen where we could cook when we didn't want to cook over the fire.  This was another way for us to social distance as COVID-19 was still an issue. 

I also took photos of the camping bathrooms as each KOA does it a little differently. You will notice that the bathroom is unisex.  It is a single bathroom (toilet and shower).  This is in the center of the campground.  The bathroom photos below are not of the cabin. 

The cabin you see here is the Deluxe. "Deluxe Cabin(More than two Bathrooms), Patio Deluxe Cabin(w/ Bathroom)- Evergreen KL8-9-10 Perfect for large family or two couples with two queen bedrooms, sleeping loft, 1 1/2 baths, kitchenette, 3 tvs located in quiet corner with shade trees. Sorry, Not Pet Friendly! Linens are included in all seasons except Winter. Please bring pool towels." Taken from Reservation Email. 

For 2 nights it totaled $153.00 which is a good price compared to other cabins we were looking at within the region.  We could have had others camping in the tent section of the campground so it is an easy way to have a mixed crowd for a camping outing. 

I did type in some information into the Special Requests within my reservation booking online, as I had a question about who had to pick up the key as a friend lived closer.  No one responded and I had to call them. 

Cabins Check in is at 3PM and Check out is at 12 PM

We were able to buy firewood from the KOA camp office. They bring it to your campsite and we were able to grill hotdogs and other food items on our camp fire.  Do read the general information closely and look at number 15 for a free scoop of ice cream. 

https://www.whitehousefruitfarm.com/donuts  We did a donut run and explored the farm for our outing for the day. 

We also spent the day checking out a local mill https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/visit/places/mill-creek-park/lantermans-mill/

The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground. The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance. The picnic tables and fire rings are surrounded by hammock poles and there’s lots of space for scattered tents. The bathroom and shower facilities are modern and well maintained. And, of course, they have ice cream and laundry available! They also have cabins if you need to get out of the weather. We didn’t check those out, but saw them on the property. 

If you are an RVer and seeking a place to park and ride along this trail, this is a perfect place to have the best of both worlds. This is a very busy campground, nothing like the serenity of the less easy to access sites along the GAP trail, but offers some nice services for those in need of them.

The closest town is Connellsville where you can get everything you might need.  Great restaurants as well!  Check out the Kickstand Kitchen for an ahhhmazing meal!!  Best restaurant along the trail, by far.

This campground is deceptively big! The nightly RV sites are close to the park entrance and are relatively flat. The campground hosts themed events, game nights and arts& crafts. There is a swimming pool and playground for the kids. It also has a small café that sells baked goods and coffee. On Saturdays they sell amazing Armish Donuts! 

Further into the campground the sites turn to more permanent sites. Further up the hill are more cottages and camping. This campground is steep in parts and too large to walk efficiently. There is a fenced dog run area and a beautiful lake. All sites have fire rings. There is an onsite laundry, WIFI, onsite dump station and propane refill station. 

You can also buy ice and firewood. The campground is gated. Lots to do at the campground and lots to do in the surrounding area. They welcome all furry friends!

General: 50-site (all but six with electric hookups) campground plus two yurts and three cabins. Two sites are handicap accessible. 

Site Quality: The sites have gravel pads (except the handicap-accessible ones which were paved). The sites were completely covered with leaves when we were there which made it challenging to determine where the actual (narrow) pad was. Sites appeared to be level. A fire ring and wooden picnic table complete the site. 

Bathhouse: A little dated but clean. Two of the stall doors did not latch properly. Didn't use the shower so cannot comment but there was a sign indicating it took a while for the water to warm up.

Activities/Amenities: There is a small camper store, laundry, and a playground. In season, there is lake swimming and a boat dock. There is a fishing area, mini-golf and disc golf, and several short hiking trails. Unfortunately, since we arrived late afternoon and had to depart early the following day (and were camping off-season), we could not take advantage of any of these things. What we lose in activities, we gain in a quieter camping experience with fewer crowds, which is generally preferable for us!

This is a large state park offering electric only sites

The sites are set amounts the forest and there are several loops to choose from. Loop F is pet friendly. All sites are within walking distance to amenities 

Amenities are quite run down but functional 

Wildlife is beautiful and its a short ~10min drive to the beach area of Raccoon Creek lake. 

Two (2) dump station spots and fresh water taps location throughout the park 

NOTE: Many sites are not level, you will require blocks/timber to level out campers. Tent campers should choose their site using the photos on the state park site. 

All sites have a paved car space.

Our first visit to this campground and we actually found from using this website! We wanted a secluded site and close to Pittsburgh. 

We arrived around 7pm and there was no check in, we drove around for a while trying to find a spot with a fire ring per some helpful campers. There are two really nice spots by the water which were taken, and we only saw one other in the woods (the other 2 were hidden by a large group of people).

We ended up finding a flat spot with some tree cover what was far enough from our neighbors but about as close as a bigger campground. Would be good for larger groups. Ton of flat land for tents but saw some people with smaller campers. Firewood is $5 a bucket and clean and dry. Bring a table cloth for the tables. 

Portapot close by but full bath rooms and showers by main lodge. Lots of tent platforms that overlooked into the woods which would be fun, for a smaller 4 person tent though. 

As another reviewer stated, there was a super loud group Friday night but Saturday was very peaceful and quiet and we met the owner who checked us in and apologized for the loud group and said he was still getting the campground ready for the season. The price is the same for either spots. 

Short walk down cheeseman road to trail entrances to McConnells Mills State Park. Short drive to hells hallow or the covered bridge. 

Overall we had a great time and will be back!

Electric Site 37 - pad is pretty level, plenty for our small camper and truck, on a slight hill to get to fire ring but lots of space to spread out. You could tent but not really a flat spot. We were near the non-electric cul de sac and a neighbor right across but not on top of each other. Trees are everywhere and wonderful during the fall season. We had a big night of rain and with the wind it dried up pretty quickly.

Camp store - small, not a lot in it but may be end of the season items only. Mostly shirts and mugs and very little snack food. The camp store staff were all very friendly and helpful and the store has limited WiFi if you stood in the right spot. There is a laundry room available there as well.

Dump station- 2 way and potable water on the other side of it. The only place to drop your trash too.

Trails - lots of trails to choose from. Some were pretty easy some were a little hilly. My favorite was the fern trail - lots of ferns and a very pretty stream. Hiking poles are recommended especially if it rains.

Playground - is available for kids and a huge shelter house too.

Firewood is $6 a bundle and burns well, no slab cut.

Water - have to go up to entrance as the water spouts are still shut off.

Showers - in womens the shower on the left never got warm, other two were fine. There are 4 flush toilets.