Cabin camping near Oley, Pennsylvania sits within rolling hills at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet in the Schuylkill River watershed. The area experiences humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, with summer daytime temperatures typically between 75-85°F. Most cabin rentals in this region remain open from April through October, though several campgrounds offer year-round cabin accommodations for winter camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking trails access: French Creek State Park Campground offers multiple hiking trails directly from cabin areas, letting campers explore the 7,526-acre property without driving. "There are many trails for walking, hiking or biking as well! There are a ton of picnic tables too so you can take a lunch and just sit by the lake to relax and have a bite to eat," notes a camper.
Disc golf course: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course popular with both beginners and experienced players. "They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," explains one enthusiast who stayed at the campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and ponds provide fishing across several campgrounds. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," reports a visitor to French Creek State Park.
Boulder field exploration: Blue Rocks Family Campground features a unique glacier rock field that children and adults can explore. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time," says one parent, while another mentions "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabin campers appreciate the natural separation at certain campgrounds. At French Creek State Park, "The sites are not right on top of one another. There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well," according to one reviewer who stays there regularly.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Allentown KOA earns praise for its well-maintained shower facilities. "Bathrooms very clean and stocked with stuff you might need," notes one camper, while another mentioned, "Staff was friendly and helpful. It's very secluded, no highway noise."
Streamside cabins: Several campgrounds offer cabin locations adjacent to running water. "Our spot backed up right to a creek and it was beautiful," shares a camper from Allentown KOA, while another notes, "This campground is cozy, friendly, and has a sweet sounding creek that you camp near."
Spacious cabin interiors: French Creek State Park provides cabins with room to move. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," explains one visitor who stayed in the cabins.
What you should know
Booking windows vary: Reservations typically open 6-12 months in advance for cabin rentals, with summer weekends filling quickly. At Robin Hill Campground, cabin-only accommodations require advance planning. "Many of the people we met during our stay are regulars," notes one visitor, indicating the popularity of these rentals.
Winter availability limited: While Sill's Family Campground stays open year-round for cabin rentals, most facilities close seasonally. French Creek State Park Campground remains open all year but with reduced services in winter. One off-season visitor noted, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great!"
Cabin amenities differ significantly: Some cabins include bathrooms while others require use of central facilities. "The one we stayed in had a set of bunk beds, a queen bed, and a fold out couch. It also had a bathroom with shower/tub," describes a camper at one location, while other cabins offer only basic sleeping accommodations.
Pet policies strictly enforced: Not all cabins welcome pets. "Dogs are allowed in the park but not in campgrounds (yurts and cabins)," explains one camper at French Creek, which is typical at many state parks. Private campgrounds often have designated pet-friendly cabins but may charge additional cleaning fees.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Quakerwoods Campground offers organized events for children throughout the camping season. "Great amenities, private and spaced out primitive sites," shares one visitor, while another notes there's "a pool, playground, arcade, fishing pond, glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials."
Swimming options: Multiple cabin camping locations provide pools for family enjoyment. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake," mentions a camper who visited French Creek State Park with family.
Storage planning: Since cabins have limited space, bring storage containers. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field. Upon arrival we realized that our camper was not going to fit on the site we reserved. The office was very easy to work with and we easily traded sites," explains a visitor to Blue Rocks, highlighting the importance of space management.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule special events for families. "The campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone. I find that a lot of campground activities tend to be centered around small children and with my kids being 13 and 12, they're usually left out of the fun. There was bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show," shares a visitor to Appalachian Camping Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many cabin and RV sites require leveling adjustments. "For $80 bucks I expected more. The place is run down and almost feels abandoned. The H sites are somewhat swampy," reports one camper at Robin Hill Campground, suggesting asking for higher ground sites when possible.
Accessibility considerations: Not all cabin areas accommodate larger vehicles. "Easy check-in. Tent site was very spacious and clean. Kids loved fishing in the pond. Restrooms/Bath House very well maintained," notes a visitor to Appalachian Camping Resort who appreciated the easy access.
Hook-up locations matter: The placement of utilities can impact your cabin camping experience. "Fire pit is within feet from poop sewer connection of neighbor. Thankfully, they didn't use it, but imagine if they had as we were cooking over the open fire," warns one candid camper about site layouts at Quakerwoods Campground.
Off-season advantages: Several campers mention the benefits of shoulder-season cabin stays. "Stopped over for a night on a drive, good cell service and lots of foliage between sites keeps them pretty private. Plenty of space, picnic table, fire ring, basic bathroom facilities," explains a French Creek visitor who appreciated the late-season privacy.
