Cabin camping near Masontown, Pennsylvania offers access to the Laurel Highlands region situated at elevations ranging from 1,500-2,800 feet. The area receives approximately 45 inches of precipitation annually, creating lush forests and numerous water features. Fall colors typically peak in mid-October, making it an ideal time for cabin stays with temperatures ranging from 40-65°F.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Swallow Falls State Park Campground has a 53-foot waterfall (Muddy Creek Falls) which is the largest in Maryland. "Swallow Falls has a great loop trail where you can see four waterfalls. The trail head is right in the campground so that made it extremely easy," notes a visitor.
Stargazing opportunities: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground features a dedicated platform for night sky viewing. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time," reports a camper.
Fishing access: Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run provides lake and creek fishing options. "There is a beach in campground but found the drive to Yough lake perfect. Site #5 is where we stayed and it was perfect for the small children to play in the creek behind us there was the perfect pathway down to the creek," mentions one visitor.
Water recreation: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive water amenities. "They have upgraded the water slides - 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids & the original 2 big water slides in woods," explains a camper.
What campers like
Private bathrooms: The Blue Canoe RV Resort maintains high standards for facilities. "Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood. Personally takes you to your site and helps you back in/pull in," states a visitor.
Peaceful surroundings: Coopers Rock State Forest offers quieter cabin options. "We went in late October and we arrived fairly late in the day and to our surprise someone was in the store when we got there. Campground was in great shape, the RV lots were well maintained," notes a guest.
Trail connectivity: Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park provides direct access to major trails. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," shares a visitor.
Swimming areas: Several parks maintain dedicated swimming facilities. "The swimming lake was perfect and they had canoes and kayak rentals on site. We are avid tent campers and loved that we had a very private and secluded spot," says a Yough Lake camper.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues. "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable," warns a Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor.
Limited grocery access: Stock up before arrival. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," advises an Ohiopyle visitor.
Seasonal water levels: Lake conditions vary throughout the year. "If the water levels had been higher this year, we would have enjoyed this more given the beach/swimming area and dock," notes a Yough Lake camper about late summer conditions.
Reservation requirements: Chestnut Ridge Regional Park and Campground and similar facilities often fill quickly. "Close to Cheat Lake and restaurants in Morgantown," mentions a visitor, highlighting the popularity of well-located parks.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Jellystone Park Mill Run provides structured programming. "We visited this campground 3 years ago and had an absolute blast!! There were multiple bathhouses in the upper and lower camp. This is a great RESORT type location for families with store, restaurant, pools, slides, mini golf," recounts a visitor.
Playground options: Benner's Meadow Run offers kid-friendly amenities. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do!" shares a camper.
Wildlife education: Several parks feature nature programs. "I gave it a 5 star for many reasons. First the campground is clean and made us feel like we were in a forest not just a campground. Secondly, the tent sites were completely level with no need to worry about rolling down a hill in my sleep," explains a Swallow Falls visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground offers varied site types. "We've been camping here for years. They are family oriented and not looking for large/loud groups. They accommodate tents and RVs, and offer cabins. The staff is helpful and friendly, and so are most of the campers."
Utility connections: Coopers Rock State Forest is expanding options. "The new section is open and ready. Water and Electric Only. Dump station on the way out. 50amp - No issues. We had empty space on either side of us. New section is spaced out with a berm of earth in between a lot of the sites."
Road conditions: Some access roads require caution. "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites. Sites not level and noisy, next to highway," warns a Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor about navigating larger rigs.
