Cabin camping near Montoursville, Pennsylvania offers year-round options within the valleys of the Allegheny Mountains, where elevations range from 500 to 2,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F, while winter months can drop below freezing. Local waterways including Loyalsock Creek and the Susquehanna River create opportunities for waterside camping at several locations.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Multiple state parks near Montoursville feature impressive waterfall hikes. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers access to 22 named waterfalls. "The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to make it a seven-mile hike, you could see the additional four," notes one visitor.
Fishing in park waters: At Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground, the small lake provides excellent fishing opportunities. "The lake is small, more like a pond, but super cold and clean water, as it is fed by two mountains streams. The beach is amazing. Tons and tons of clean sand, no rocks, and lots of space to play and swim," reports a camper. Catch rates are highest in early morning and evening hours.
Riverside activities: Many cabins provide direct access to water recreation. At Riverside Campground, visitors enjoy multiple water-based activities. "Kids enjoyed the pool and swam in the river. Big huge park and tons of grassy areas. Really lovely. Nice staff," shares one reviewer who visited while attending the Little League World Series.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA offers numerous activities for children. "Lots to do if you want or it's just as great sitting around the fire relaxing or getting ice cream at the store. There is a petting zoo, jump pillow, and regularly scheduled activities," writes one visitor. The camp store sells ice cream by the scoop and other treats.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution in the region creates excellent stargazing conditions. At Raymond B. Winter State Park, one camper noted the "beautiful starry skies," adding that it's "a great place to enjoy the night sky, see the stars and the Milky Way in the summer months." For optimal viewing, visit during a new moon phase.
Secluded cabin locations: For those seeking privacy, Worlds End State Park Campground provides more isolated options. "Sites 65 and 66 look like the best ones available, as they are up off the road a bit so they have a bit more privacy. The walk in sites (58-61) look nice too," advises a camper. Reservations for these premium sites should be made several months in advance.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Most cabin areas have minimal or no cell service. At Worlds End State Park, one visitor mentioned, "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing." Another camper at Little Pine State Park noted it's "extremely buggy when we went. Our dogs wouldn't come out of the camper because there was no relief."
Seasonal considerations: Weather conditions vary significantly throughout the year. For Pioneer Campground, a visitor highlighted that "When it is brutally hot, this Campground is always cool. Large shaded sites that you don't feel like your right on top of the next camper." Many cabins offer electric heating options for colder months.
Wildlife awareness: The area is home to various wildlife, including snakes. "It was the height of rattlesnake season. A site near ours and very close to the playground had a rattler under their camper. A little too close for comfort," reported one visitor at Little Pine State Park. Hiking boots and vigilance are recommended on trails during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: Several campgrounds host special Halloween activities. Pioneer Campground offers popular seasonal programming. "We started with a trip in the summer because of their candy bar hunt and heated swimming pool... In talking with the extremely friendly owners we found out about their Halloween activities and have been back several times. We love decorating the sites and taking the kids trick or treating," shares a regular visitor.
Kid-friendly park amenities: Some locations have features specifically for younger campers. At Raymond B. Winter, "The concession stand is so cool. They have great food, lots of treats, and beach supplies and toys too, all reasonably priced," according to one family. Most facilities offer playgrounds for children under 12.
Non-electronic entertainment: With limited connectivity, families should plan screen-free activities. At Yogi At Shangri-La On the Creek, one visitor notes it's "the best campground for a family with little kids in north-central PA, hands down!" Bringing board games, cards, and outdoor sports equipment is recommended.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many cabin and RV sites in the region require leveling equipment. At Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA, a visitor advised, "Most sites are wooded. We had a sewer site so I'm not sure how the bathrooms are." Bringing leveling blocks is strongly recommended even for cabin stays.
Dump station availability: Limited dump stations can create wait times during peak periods. "There is only one dump station, but the owner John was going around pumping people out Sunday morning when the line to the dump station was long," reported a visitor at Pioneer Campground. Weekday departures typically have shorter wait times than weekend checkouts.
