Cabin camping near Murrysville, Pennsylvania offers a range of overnight options along the western edge of the Laurel Highlands region. The area sits between 900-2,500 feet elevation, creating distinct microclimates where summer temperatures often remain 5-10 degrees cooler than downtown Pittsburgh. Winter visitors should note that several campgrounds remain open year-round, though cabins with heating are limited during colder months.
What to do
Water recreation access: Keystone State Park provides multiple water-based activities beyond the swimming beach. "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town," notes Luke K., who has visited multiple times.
Hiking trail connectivity: At Ohiopyle State Park, cabin campers can access the Great Allegheny Passage directly from the campground. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," explains one visitor who combined biking with a cabin stay.
Waterfall exploration: Within driving distance of most Murrysville cabin rentals, several accessible waterfalls provide easy hiking destinations. At Ohiopyle, visitors recommend "checking out cucumber falls, which isn't terribly far away" from the main camping areas, according to Tanner W.
What campers like
Scenic viewpoints: Mountain Top Campground lives up to its name with exceptional valley views from its ridgeline cabin sites. "You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It's cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond," reports Jennifer H.
Clean facilities: Many cabin campers note the cleanliness of the bathroom facilities at Laurel Hill State Park Campground. "The campsite and bathrooms were clean when we arrived and when we left. The site numbering is a bit wonky on the dog loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops," advises Erik E.
Water drainage systems: Mountain Top Campground has engineered an innovative solution for grey water handling at their cabin sites. "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area," explains one camper.
What you should know
Shower system variations: At Kooser State Park Campground, cabin guests should prepare for the water heating system. "If you stay in one of the smaller cabins with a shower, just know there will be a flood and you should wet, turn the water off, lather, then rinse. Also don't think everyone is showering one after the other or you can do dishes and wash hands as much as you want before showering because it's very small water tank."
Site leveling challenges: Cabin sites often have more level terrain than RV sites, but exceptions exist. At Laurel Hill State Park, "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others," notes Lee D., who camped there before Memorial Day.
Off-season preparation: Several Murrysville area cabin rentals operate year-round, but with limited services. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots," explains Zachary H. at Madison-Pittsburgh KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers cabin rentals with extensive planned activities. "There is a snack bar at the pool," notes Amy V., while another visitor explains they have "2 swimming pools, 4 water slides, tractor rides, fire truck rides and a train ride alongside the free activities for the kids."
Campground loop selection: When reserving cabins for families, choosing the right section makes a difference. At Keystone State Park, "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy," advises Matt R., suggesting families seeking quieter cabin settings choose hillside options.
Seasonal rentals: Kayaks and boats become available at several parks during summer months. At Laurel Hill State Park, "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat," explains Erik E.
Tips from RVers
Site selection criteria: Smith Grove provides full-hookup options with more spacious sites than typical campgrounds. "Campground is very nice. A lot of sites with plenty of room at each site. Bathrooms were very clean as well," notes Tyler R., highlighting this lesser-known option for cabin or RV camping near Murrysville.
Electric hookup locations: Laurel Hill State Park presents a unique challenge with their hookup arrangement. "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," advises an experienced camper.
Laundry considerations: Cabins near the Madison-Pittsburgh area provide access to larger laundry facilities than typically found at state parks. "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry," according to Mary Elisabeth D., who found this particularly valuable during an extended cabin stay.
