Camping cabins near Mertztown, Pennsylvania provide year-round access to the rolling hills and forests of eastern Pennsylvania, where elevations range from 400-1,000 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F, while winter can bring freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall. Most cabin facilities remain open throughout winter months with varying levels of insulation and heating systems.
What to do
Hiking trails and boulder fields: At Hickory Run State Park, visitors access 44 miles of marked trails ranging from easy to difficult. "The boulder field was the highlight of our camping trip. The campground has great playgrounds, several well-marked trails, and functional restrooms and showers," notes one camper. The park's distinctive boulder field allows for unique exploration opportunities with careful footing.
Fishing in multiple lakes: Both Scott's Run Lake and Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park contain northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and panfish. Ice fishing is permitted when conditions allow, with staff monitoring ice thickness. "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," mentions a visitor.
Disc golf adventures: Boulder Woods Campground features a comprehensive disc golf course that attracts tournaments and casual players. "They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," shares one camper. The course winds through wooded terrain and open fields, providing various challenge levels for beginners and experienced players.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: French Creek State Park Campground offers secluded camping areas. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," writes one reviewer. Sites feature paved level areas that simplify setup for tents and RVs.
Glacier rock fields: Unique geological features distinguish Blue Rocks Family Campground, where visitors can explore natural formations. A camper explains, "You can be down near the creek and in the open more, in the wooded areas, or you can be near the corn field and glacier rock field. Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field." These distinctive rock formations provide natural climbing and exploration opportunities.
Seasonal activities: Winter cabin camping options remain available when most campgrounds close. "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," notes a solo traveler about French Creek State Park. Some cabins feature insulation and electric heat for year-round comfort.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and availability of restrooms differ significantly between campgrounds and even between loops at the same location. "The bath house in this loop are non-flush/pit toilets. However, the other camping loops had shower houses and flush toilet restrooms," explains a Hickory Run State Park visitor. Some locations maintain shower facilities year-round while others close them seasonally.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak seasons from May through October. State park cabins often book 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania reservation system, while private campgrounds may have more flexible scheduling options.
Wildlife awareness: Bears inhabit many camping areas, necessitating proper food storage. A Hickory Run visitor advises, "Be aware that this area has a high bear population and all campers are required to keep food items in their vehicles or trailers when not at the site." Most campgrounds provide metal food storage lockers for tent campers without vehicle access.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature children's play areas with varying equipment. At Allentown KOA, "2 different playgrounds and a pool that could use some updating. Staff was very helpful and accommodating." Many facilities position playgrounds centrally for easy supervision from nearby campsites.
Water activities: Families can enjoy lakeside recreation at several locations. "Loved being right next to the stream. No fish in sight though. Sites were huge! Hiking trail was about a mile up and back but cool," shares an Allentown KOA visitor. Rental equipment for kayaking and canoeing is available seasonally at most lake locations.
Multi-generational accommodations: Cabins provide options for family members who prefer not to tent camp. Many facilities feature a range of cabin sizes accommodating 2-8 people with varying amenities. "The cabins were very nice and inexpensive if you want to camp but don't like tents," notes one Nockamixon State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Quakerwoods Campground provides relatively flat sites for easy setup. "Roads and campsites are gravel and very easy for RVs of any size to navigate the roads and sites. The majority of their sites are pull-thrus catering to the many RVs that stop for a night or two," explains a traveler. Most cabin-oriented campgrounds also accommodate RVs with varying hookup options.
Seasonal rental options: Several campgrounds offer extended-stay options with monthly rates. "Spent the month of June 2021 at the campground. Full most of the time but, clean and beautiful. Never any loud noise even on the weekends," reports a Pine Hill RV Park visitor. Winter cabin availability depends on individual campground policies and winterization systems.
Utility access: Water and electric hookups remain available year-round at many facilities, though some water systems shut down during freezing weather. Dump stations close seasonally at most locations, requiring RVers to plan accordingly for waste management during winter stays.
