Cabin accommodations near Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, are situated in the Laurel Highlands region at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet. This higher elevation provides cooler summer temperatures compared to nearby cities, with evening lows often dropping into the 50s even in July. Winter cabin rentals in this area face seasonal road closures, particularly in January and February when snowfall averages 30+ inches.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Yough Lake at Tub Run offers excellent fishing opportunities with boat access. According to one visitor, "The lake is beautiful and they offer access to the lake with their boat ramp. Very peaceful and not far from rafting and other activities."
Hiking the lake trail: At Rocky Gap State Park, the 5-mile loop around Lake Habeeb provides diverse terrain and views. A camper noted, "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park. Across the lake from the campground is a casino and resort."
Winter cross-country skiing: For winter cabin stays, New Germany State Park maintains groomed ski trails. "The park is very popular amongst cross-country skiers in the winter, especially since they have full-service cabins and a warming hut by the lake," reports a visitor.
Mountain biking access: Many cabin rental locations connect to regional trail systems. One visitor to Ohiopyle State Park mentioned, "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground."
What campers like
Spacious cabin sites: At Hickory Hollow Campground, cabin rental areas provide ample space. A camper observed, "Hickory Hollow's campsites were nicely spaced out, perched on a hillside, but with nice flat pads. The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary by location, but several parks receive praise for upkeep. At Rocky Gap State Park, a camper mentioned, "The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked. The camp sites are tucked into the woods with plenty of room for camping."
Unique accommodations: Some properties offer non-traditional cabin options. At Hickory Hollow Campground, "We stayed in the covered wagon, which was pretty cool. The covered wagon sites (there are 2) are isolated in their own clearing within the trees next to the lake."
Lake views: Waterfront rental cabins are popular choices. According to one visitor at Tub Run, "We camped here with our RV and boat. The lake is gorgeous and has a large, sandy beach. Would love to spend more time there to explore the park further."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many cabin facilities close during winter months. At Kooser State Park Campground, "There is a main road nearby and you hear industrial trucks rolling by constantly. There are some great private tent only wooded sites that sit above the main park of the campground so you really feel secluded."
Reservation timing: Peak season requires booking months in advance. For New Germany State Park, a camper advises, "Apparently, the park is very popular amongst cross-country skiers in the winter, especially since they have full-service cabins and a warming hut by the lake."
Cell service limitations: Many cabin locations have limited connectivity. A visitor to New Germany State Park stated, "Note that there is very little to no cell phone reception in the park, so combined with the lack of hookups, this is definitely an unplugged, 'connect with nature' type of camping experience."
Supply planning: Grocery options are limited near most cabin rentals. A visitor to Pioneer Park Campground noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin locations offer dedicated play areas. At Pioneer Park Campground, "Great family friendly campground. Site 202 is right on a pond, a nice shady spot with lots of space."
Swimming beaches: For summer visits, look for cabin rentals near designated swim areas. A Rocky Gap visitor commented, "We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
Kid-friendly cabin layouts: Some properties offer specific family configurations. As one visitor to New Germany State Park observed, "For kids they have a small jungle gym and critter center. Overall a very nice family camping area."
Age-appropriate trails: Look for cabins near beginner-friendly hiking paths. According to an Ohiopyle State Park visitor, "The Ferncliff Trail loops around the inside of the Yough as it does a near 360 in town. Gentle terrain along the falls and then through moss covered forest."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Cabin rental areas often share facilities with RV sites. At Shawnee State Park Campground, "We were assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up. However, as we drove through the rest of the RV park area we noted that many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches."
Accessibility concerns: Some cabin areas require navigating steep terrain. A visitor to Laurel Hill State Park noted, "Our site backed up to the creek but surprisingly, there was not a lot of water flowing in the spring."
Extension cord needs: Power hookups at some locations require additional equipment. At Laurel Hill State Park, "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable."
Site leveling challenges: Many cabin locations feature uneven terrain. As one camper at Shawnee State Park observed, "There are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear."
