Cabin camping near Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania offers year-round options within a 30-mile radius. The Cumberland Valley region sits at elevations between 400-800 feet, creating moderate temperatures that average 74°F in summer and 34°F in winter. Most cabin rentals require 2-night minimum stays during peak season from April through October.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Pine Grove Furnace State Park serves as the halfway point of the famous Appalachian Trail. "This is one of my favorite places to camp! Make sure you take a hike on the AT and then up to Pole Steeple for a great view! You may even bump into a through hiker excited to chat!" says Amanda H. at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground.
Farm animal interactions: Children can meet goats, pigs, chickens and more at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. "We chose a non-sewage site, the loop is quiet and large... We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," reports Kasey M.
Water activities: Multiple lakes provide swimming and fishing opportunities from May through September. "Park has several swimming lakes and Appalachian trail running through it," notes Timothy M. Campers can rent kayaks, paddleboats, or canoes at most state parks for $15-20 per hour.
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot offers two distinct 18-hole courses for disc golf enthusiasts. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! The course in the Conewago area is relatively flat, whereas the Quaker Race course is built into the side of the hill," warns Danielle V.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between campsites at certain locations. "Our site was level, shaded and quite large. Almost every site in this section was similarly large and wooded, with an impressive amount of space between sites for a KOA," notes Jen V. about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned as positives. "The bathhouses / restrooms are clean (about average for PA state park system) and the campground has a very friendly atmosphere," shares Danielle V. State park facilities typically include hot showers without additional fees.
Lakefront locations: Sites near water are particularly popular for cabin rentals. "Great spot! We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced," writes SkywaystoHighways.com Y. about Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Proximity to attractions: Many cabin options provide easy access to regional attractions. "Nice campground centrally located to activities. Clean bathrooms, small store. Sites are large and well maintained," says Kathie M. Most cabins are within 30-45 minutes of Hershey, Gettysburg or Lancaster County.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance bookings, especially during summer months. "This campground was pretty open because it was a weekday. Spots are kind of close, no trees or anything to separate spots," notes AdventureStang at Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Bedding needs: While cabins include mattresses, travelers must bring their own linens, pillows and sleeping bags. "We stayed in site 29. It was nice and level with a large parking pad that could accommodate a camper or trailer. There's also a level tent pad if you are tenting," explains Carly E. at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground.
Noise considerations: Train tracks near some campgrounds create periodic noise disturbances. "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" advises Kit about Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Weather preparation: Spring season (April-May) often brings rain to the Cumberland Valley. "It rained every day during our 3 night stay but no one can beat the weather our campsite did flood however," shares Chelsea K. Cabins with electric heat are available year-round at Little Buffalo State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools with family-friendly features. "The pool is very nice! They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!" notes Amanda H. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Playground amenities: Many facilities include play areas for children. "This park was definitely on point. Great amenities, incredibly friendly staff and camp host, two lakes to swim/fish/boat in, lots of trails to bike or hike on, nice DRY firewood!" shares Jeffrey H.
Activity planning: Scheduled programming keeps children entertained throughout summer weekends. "We've been here tenting twice, once last year and once this summer. They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric," reports Melissa C.
Creek play opportunities: Some campgrounds feature shallow stream access ideal for younger children. "The kids had a blast, tubing in the creek, swimming pool and an excellent camp store. Sites in some areas are tight, real tight. Over all, a good camping experience," shares Jim C. about Mountain Creek Camp Ground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking cabin or RV sites, request specific areas based on your needs. "Cedar Creek was amazing and clean. Staff was friendly and courteous. Price is affordable. Cabin was clean and perfect. Grounds were very clean. Toilet and showers clean," reports Daniel R. about Cedar Lake Family Campground.
Hook-up locations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility placement. "The sewer is in odd locations all around our campsite I'm excited as well as sharing the water source with up to 5 other RVs," notes Ernest G. Most cabin sites include electric hookups, with some offering full water/sewage connections.
Off-season availability: Several facilities operate year-round with reduced rates. "We camped here over Columbus Day weekend. We wanted a quiet escape. We had one of the few full hook up sites. Very quiet and peaceful. Lots to do at the lake if you want or quiet enough to just kick back," writes Shirley M.
Access considerations: RV owners should verify road conditions before booking. "The access roads are so tight/narrow, that there is multiple areas of damaged trees and corners of structures," cautions Michelle S. Most cabins remain accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads.
