Cabin rentals near Mifflintown, Pennsylvania provide accommodations within central Pennsylvania's Juniata County, situated at approximately 600 feet elevation along the Juniata River. The region experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Most cabin camping options operate April through October, though some facilities remain open year-round during winter months when temperatures typically range from 20-40°F.
What to do
River activities: Buttonwood Campground offers river-based recreation including tubing. "Tubing down the river is so fun and the highlight of a stay here. Campground does have a wristband system for most activities and amenities, with the exception of pool and playgrounds," notes Heather G. Access to river activities typically requires a $20 activity wristband per person.
Swimming: Poe Valley State Park Campground provides a beach area adjacent to camping facilities. "They have a swimming area, concession stand, showers, bathrooms and changing area. You can camp, fish, boat, kayak, hike and swim! There isn't any cell service as you are way back in the mountain but it's so beautiful and relaxing you won't care!!" writes Rebecca G. Beach access is included with camping fees.
Boating: Lake Heron Retreat offers lake access on a 10-acre private lake. "This lake was beautiful! A short walk from the campsite. We had the lake to ourself both evening and morning," reports Camille W. Boat and canoe rentals available daily during operating hours.
Disc golf: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground features two 18-hole courses. "Both areas also have their own 18 hole disc golf course," explains Danielle V., who warns: "BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course."
What campers like
Privacy options: Paradise Stream Family Campground offers woodland sites near activities. "So many great site options depending on your needs/preferences. We had site 20 which we liked! Tucked in the woods but near activities," shares Melissa. Site selection ranges from open areas to wooded spaces.
Riverside views: Ferryboat Campsites provides camping along the Susquehanna River. "Lots to do very close to water and many things to do in and around camp ground," notes Elaine R. River view sites include full hookups but fill quickly on weekends.
Clean facilities: Waterside Campground maintains well-kept grounds with river access. "Absolutely beautiful if you are riverside. Staff was friendly and helpful. Typical overall, but clean and pretty. Stay on the waterside! Sites 48-53. Stayed at 49, it was absolutely perfection!" advises Matthew S.
Amenities beyond basics: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers standard and electric sites plus recreational facilities. "Little buffalo has a lot to offer! The campsites are spacious. There are standard tent sites available and there are water/electric site available. There is a dump station available for the end," explains Amanda H.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most cabin rental facilities close during winter months. Paradise Stream operates April to late October; Buttonwood runs April 15 to October 31; while Little Buffalo State Park remains open year-round.
Site spacing: Site proximity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Dogwood Acres, "Our site was a premium site that included a gas grill. Luckily, no one booked the cabins behind us that weekend or it would have been rather loud as the sites were close together even for a premium site," reports Jen R.
Activity passes: Some campgrounds charge extra for recreational facilities. At Buttonwood Campground, "Plan on spending $20 per person for an activity wristband that includes all the extras including mini golf and tubing shuttle," notes Bryan S.
Service connectivity: Poe Valley State Park Campground has limited cellular reception. "There isn't any cell service as you are way back in the mountain but it's so beautiful and relaxing you won't care!!" explains Rebecca G. Most campgrounds offer minimal WiFi access limited to store areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Paradise Stream features playgrounds and child-friendly amenities. "My kids enjoyed the beautiful Mini golf course, splashing in the creek, the pool and the pedal carts," writes Melissa.
Water play options: Gifford Pinchot offers multiple water recreation sites. "It has a small beach area within the campground loop that we camped in, but the main beach is on the other side of the large Pinchot Lake," explains Danielle V., adding that the main beach area is "one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park."
Off-season timing: Little Buffalo State Park may provide better experiences outside peak summer. "This campground is one you go to to just relax," suggests Dawn T., noting "They do have a pool but not included in the camping price and it gets very crowded."
Distance considerations: Some campgrounds have significant distances between facilities. "Nice for a smaller campground. Only downfall is we have smaller children and we could not bike from the campground to the pool, it was too far and the hill to get back was too big for them to ride up," reports Paula R. about Little Buffalo.
Tips from RVers
Escort service: Buttonwood offers arrival assistance. "When you arrive you are met by a staff member on a golf cart that takes you to your campsite. He helped us back in and get level and offered to bring us ice or wood if we needed it," explains Bryan S.
Seasonal considerations: Lake Heron Retreat provides quiet sites with less crowding. "You can swim in the lake if you wish or rent boats/canoes for the day. Our water pressure wasn't great, however not sure if it's the campground or us," shares Sharon L. Most cabins in the region require guests bring their own linens and pillows.
Campground layout: Buttonwood features distinct camping areas. "The campground is divided by a local road and has 2 different feels. The lower section is right by the river with several riverfront sites and many river view sites. The upper side has the playground and kids activities and feels more set out in the country," explains Bryan S.
