The Mill Creek area connects to Raystown Lake via several access points with multiple seasonal campgrounds located within a 25-mile radius. Nestled in Huntingdon County at approximately 760 feet elevation, the region's cabin accommodations typically remain open from mid-April through mid-October. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making most cabin rental options unavailable during winter months.
What to do
Fishing access points: Riverbank Campground provides easy river access for anglers. "This campground is right off the river - perfect for river tubing and fishing. We float into camp from Corbin's Island when the river is the right height for tubing. The campsite is 100 yards upstream from a state-managed boat launch."
Mountain biking trails: Seven Points offers direct trail access to the Allegrippis Trail system. "The Allegrippis trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack. The mtb trails are open year round and in any weather."
Swimming beaches: Lake Raystown Resort maintains a swimming area for cabin guests. "The lake is beautiful and sunsets from the campground are stunning. There is a sandy beach which is perfect for swimming. Note there are minimum nightly stays over weekends during peak periods."
Winter activities: Unlike most seasonal cabin options, Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA remains open year-round. "Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA provides cabins year-round with amenities like electric hookups and shower access. The campground is in the middle of nowhere but if you like the outdoors, I recommend it."
What campers like
Quiet cabin locations: Cabin at Raystown Lake offers secluded accommodations away from crowds. "We had such a relaxing time here I can't wait to come back! The back yard was huge and was great for the kids to run around and play football and tag. There was also a horseshoe pit with shoes provided."
Natural features: Trough Creek State Park Campground contains unique geological formations near its cabins. "It has a nice hike up above a creek with a huge rock that appears ready to fall over the cliff with a simple touch. Very neat."
Level campsites: Some cabins at Seven Points are positioned on level limestone pads. "We pulled into Ridge Camp and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and it was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us. Our pad was limestone and very flat and level."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at campgrounds throughout the region. "The bathrooms were very clean. However, the closest bathroom didn't have showers. It also only had cold water. The bathhouse with showers was located at the other end of the loop; a little bit of a walk."
What you should know
Variable site conditions: Seven Points has different loop configurations for cabins and campsites. "Looking at some of our neighbor's sites, depending on where the camper site was located, some had their picnic table and fire ring either above or below them. Definitely worth looking at the pictures."
Kitchen supplies needed: Cabin kitchens vary widely in what's provided. "These cabins are not equipped with any type of consumables, cookware or linens. You really need to bring everything if you're planning on actually using the bathroom or kitchen."
Water availability: Pleasant Hills Campground has water access points rather than direct hookups at some sites. "Beautiful campground. All wooded sites with shade all day long. Quite/peaceful setting. Great for sitting and listening to nature. Good hookups."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin locations require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays. "There is a large deck with a few chairs and a picnic table. You travel down a non-paved road and into the middle of absolute peacefulness."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Cowans Gap State Park Campground provides multiple family recreation options. "One of our favorites! campground sits right on a gorgeous lake. Lots of fishing options including boats you can rent. A walking trail wraps around the whole lake. There's lots of hiking trails, a real sand beach and swimming area, pedal boat and canoe rentals."
Age considerations: Some cabin areas have better setup for younger children. "Once you go up the hill to sites above #231, it gets very steep and far away from the water. Probably not too safe for kids on bikes, although the only playground appeared to be at the top of the hill."
Entertainment options: Some cabins provide entertainment alternatives for rainy days. "There were two full bathrooms, a small kitchen, dining area, a living room equipped with movies since there was no cable or internet service."
Connectivity limits: Most cabin locations have limited or no internet access. "5 nights, 6 days with no cell or wifi to stress us out. Biking, Hiking, sitting around a campfire, very nice."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Honey Bear Campground provides RV services near their cabin area. "Clean and amazing fishing. Highly recommend. Note; the sites our family were at did NOT have sewage hook ups. I do not know if this applies to all sites."
Road conditions: Access to some cabins requires navigation of unpaved roads. "Very rough road to get to campground. 15 minutes from 8000acre Raystown lake. Good for canoes/kayaks from Aitch boat ramp."
Spacing between sites: Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds. "The campground is fine. Basic amenities and pretty small. But it has everything you need. The area is gorgeous and there are a ton of trails to check out."
Generator policies: Some campgrounds restrict generator use, which affects RVers. "The major negative was generator noise coming from the facility just beyond the dam. Droning generator noise was on/off at all hours of the day and went on until 10pm in the evening."
