Camping cabins near Orbisonia are the charming alternative to a tent or a yurt. Finding a place to cabin camp in Pennsylvania is easier than ever. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Pennsylvania cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
Cowans Gap State Park is a diverse landscape nestled within the scenic Allens Valley of Fulton County. Campers come to enjoy the park’s 1,085 acres which offer a large lake, a full-size campground, provincial lodges, and many climbing trails throughout. Aside from the attractions, Buchanan State Forest encompasses the park, offering up fun and beauty regardless of the season. Open every day of the year, the park is a great place to visit for day-trip recreation. That said, if planning to camp here you’ll want to prepare in advance as campsite availability changes by the season.
One of the unique offerings that Cowans Gap features is a number of environmental educational programs for the local public. These programs serve to help the pubic, especially the youth, foster a sense of responsibility for the nature that surrounds them every day. There are guided walks, hands-on activities, and even evening programs for those up to it.
Aside from the educational opportunities, Cowans Gap is also right in the center of over 71,000+ acres of protected land thanks to Buchanan State Forest. There are 19 tracts of forest which occupy the acreage, showcasing numerous ravines, gulches, and brooks as well as groves of pine, hemlock, and maple.
Subsequently, this wild and rugged backdrop attracts hikers, campers, fishers, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over. A number of state game lands located nearby are also popular visiting places for season hunters looking to bag an elk or other large game.
Within the campground itself, there’s a variety of fun activities to get in on. During the winter, the park lake freezes making it perfect for ice-fishing and other winter fun. There’s also a maintained skating rink, so you can even come and ice-skate or play a quick game of hockey.
It’s during the warmer months however that Cowans Gap state park really starts to shine. Once the lake unfreezes, campers flock for kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating. The campground itself starts to bustle as children and families visit the local volleyball courts, and check out the nearby trails on Horseback. The lake offers a sandy beach area to recreate, as well as a pier for fishers to get easier access to deep water.
Campsites are fully serviced here, and spacious enough to accommodate most families. There are restrooms available throughout the park, and a full-service concession stand for firewood and other conveniences. There are also cabins available for rental, but like most parks be sure to plan ahead as they tend to fill up quick.
$29 / night
Seven Points Recreation area, located in the central region of Raystown Lake, is perfectly situated for outdoor recreation. Within a short walk from every campsite, visitors can find everything from interpretive trails to a visitor center. Plus there's easy access to swimming, boating, fishing hiking, and biking. For more detailed maps and information on the Seven Points Recreation area visit our website.
Boating is always popular at Raystown, but there's more than just boating. Fishing for muskies, small and large mouth bass, brown trout, and many other Pennsylvania species is excellent. Every summer weekend there are education and entertainment programs at the amphitheater. The Greenside Pathway, a recycled rubber tire hiking trail, provides a safe walking route that connects the campgrounds to all of the recreational facilities within Seven Points; and world class mountain biking is available on the Allegrippis Trails and mountain biking skills park near the Visitors Center. Other nearby trails include the Lower Trail (Rails to Trails), the Terrace Mountain Trail, the Old Loggers Trail, and the Mid State Trail.
Raystown Lake is located within the ridge and valley province of Pennsylvania. The lakeshore is lined with an old oak-hickory forest giving way to mountain ridges and cliffs. The man-made lake is fed by the Raystown Branch tributary of the Juniata River and is the largest lake completely in the state of Pennsylvania. Recreation season temperatures range from the 60s to 90s, with three to four inches of rain per month. The nights are cool and the days are pleasant through spring and fall.
Campers can take day trips to the Lincoln Caverns, Altoona Railroaders Museum, Swigart Antique Car Museum, or other nearby attractions. Visit www.raystown.org for local attractions and activities. The nearby city of Huntingdon, 11 miles north, is a good place for restaurants, shopping, and theaters.
$30 - $200 / night
The 1,125-acre Caledonia State Park is in Adams and Franklin counties, midway between Chambersburg and Gettysburg along the Lincoln Highway, US 30.
The park is nestled within South Mountain, the northern terminus of the well-known Blue Ridge Mountain of Maryland and Virginia. Within South Mountain there are four state parks and 84,000 acres of state forest land waiting to be explored and enjoyed. The soils on either side of South Mountain are ideal for fruit production, proven by the abundance of orchards in the surrounding area.
This recreation area is part of Raystown Lake
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
$10 / night
Flush toilets, warm showers, some electric hook-ups
This activity or structure is ADA accessible.
Seventy tent and trailer sites are available from late March to mid-December.
Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. A sanitary dump station is near the campground entrance.
A seasonal camp store is one quarter-mile from the campground.
Pets are permitted on designated campsites for a fee.
30/50 amp full hookups; complimentary wifi; General Store; K9; swimming pool, outdoor games, play structure with Pirate ship, The Jump Pad, dry boat parking ($), extra vehicles/guests ($); all located under a canopy of trees on Terrace Mountain.
Located 5 miles from the Southern end of Raystown Lake. Scenic 45 minute ride from the PA Turnpike. Camp here for PSU events! Drive 1.25 hours to get to State College. Owned and operated by PSU alumni. Trough Creek State Park, water park, boat ramps and beach are all easy access. Concierge service for any guest who needs assistance. Curbside Check-in and camp store deliveries are available.
$100 / night
If you are looking for a fun way to spend time with your family and friends outdoors, you will love everything the Gettysburg/Battlefield KOA has to offer. When you choose to go camping in Gettysburg, you get to enjoy a tranquil nature retreat while learning about one of the most important historical events of the nation's Civil War era. Gettysburg/Battlefield KOA is a campground near downtown Gettysburg that is built for campers of all types and experience levels. Situated just five miles from downtown Gettysburg, Gettysburg/Battlefield KOA gives you access to all the local attractions while ensuring you have a peaceful camping experience.
You can secure a site for rugged tent camping, luxurious RV glamping or even cabin camping, depending on your party's preferences. Regardless of what type of camping experience you choose, you will have access to many modern amenities and conveniences, including essentials such as Wi-Fi and a laundry room. You can even participate in planned activities at our campground or rent bicycles for a unique way to tour the Gettysburg area.
Buttonwood Campground in the Juniata River Valley of Central Pennsylvania! In an atmosphere of mountains, rolling farmlands and fresh country air, we offer everything you'll need to make your camping vacation complete with all the family fun in the world. Amenities include a camp store, golf cart rentals, a winery, rec hall, and a laundromat.
$30 - $78 / night
Traveler
Perfect rustic cabin in the woods. It gives the illusion of being secluded even though the road is just on the other side of some trees. You'll get some car sounds for sure, but mostly quiet after dark.
The loft really only slept 2 unless you are ok sleeping on the floor. No running water or electricity. You'll need to bring plenty of flashlights and lanterns as well as water. Everything was clean and nice, including the outhouse.
The porch of the cabin was our main hangout and cooking station as it does get very dark inside. There were still a few nice, late-season pears left under the tree that we very much enjoyed.
Guide
I’ve camped here twice, two years ago in a Kodiak tent and this year in my Airstream GT24. Such a lovely spot! It’s spotless, and Raystown Lake is gorgeous.
Scout
The resort had great amenities for all ages. We stayed in October so there was plenty of activities for kids from crafts, games, dancing, to trick or treating. The resort ensured safety for the kids during trick or treating and closed all vehicle traffic for 2 hours. The location also had golf cars to rent to explore the sites. All employees were easy to talk to, always had a smile and personable.
Traveler
This was a great park! Very clean and quiet. The facilities were clean and felt safe. Some of the sites were a little close together but very large and well maintained
Guide
Arrived, quickly showed how to get to our site. We setup without issue and spent 3 nights without anyone bothering us on our tent site. The place was quiet by about 11:10, not sure if it was enforced or happened naturally. The out houses could have been cleaned a bit more regularly as it was a busy long weekend. Overall it was a great experience.
Guide
In the middle of the woods vibe. The sites had good privacy and it was just a pretty area. Neighbors were respectful and relatively quiet.. There was zero cell service at this campground. Bathrooms were clean.
Scout
Nice family campground that offers alot. Its very big, only 1 central bathhouse for very large area. Female restrooms has 6 toilets and 6 showers (push button, luke warm water). COME PREPARED WITH LEVELING BLOCKS!!!! Our site was very slanting!!
Scout
We've stayed here at least a half-dozen times with a popup. The smaller B loop is nicer, but no electricity. Pets allowed only on a certain portion of the A loop. The bathrooms are clean, the lake is small but pretty, and the hikes around the lake, and up the mountain on the ridge, are as easy or as challenging as you want. Cell service is pretty much nonexistent so you definitely get unplugged.
RangerWe stayed in the smaller camping area B, which we enjoyed. Even on Labor Day weekend, it didn’t feel busy because of how few sites are in this section. Our site was level and sizable. The bathroom was clean and there was access to the very pleasant hiking trail going around the lake. We had no cell service with Cricket or Verizon.
Traveler
We stayed during Bigfoot weekend. It was super fun as our family likes bigfoot fun. We started out Friday night getting the offered $12 bbq plate that included pork burnt ends, beans and potato salad that were "oh it's so good". On Saturday was rock painting and then bingo and ended the night with a DJ dance party. The pavilion where all those activities happened were right next to our site (22 with the doggie den). Then Sunday we had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things. This is primarily for kids, but we sat and listened too and our 17 year old helped out with the craft.
After the weekend though, all the activity slows down. There are seasonal campers that stay around, and they're constantly working on improving and fixing up sites during the week. Expect lots of quiet time just relaxing during the week. There's the pool, dog park, bounce pillow, playground, but not tons to do which if you're looking for is great. Raystown Lake has multiple access areas that are probably 15-20 minutes away - we fished at Tautman Run and Aitch - both were accessible and had lots of bluegill to steal our worms.
Now to the site description: Site 22 is a deluxe patio back in site with a patio, 4 nice Adirondack chairs, a double glider, a weber propane grill and built in fire pit AND a dog fence just for that site that was maybe 6 ft x 6ft. it was big enough for our 2 labs to fit into when we fed them. The site wasn't hard to level our RV but overall the sites are hilly and in fact the whole park is on a hill.
The owners and workers were friendly and great hosts! We love what they're doing there.
One last tip: if traveling from the Altoona area, go out through Martinsburg over Cove Mountain Rd - it saves you 30 minutes to an hour.
TravelerNice creek running through. Pool. Appalachian trail runs right by it. About 20 minute drive to Gettysburg
Scout
We really enjoyed our stay here. Sites, amenities, and bathrooms/ showers were all clean and well kept. Staff was always friendly and accommodating (we even extended our stay and while our first site was booked they found us a near by site that was open). No problems with hook ups or dump station.
Scout
non - refundable deposit Beware do not stay here read the reviews
Guide
Spent a weekend at Gettysburg. We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts. So close to history. We have been to Gettysburg before, but going with the kids again being older, we all had a greater appreciation of the sacrifice of this 3-day battle. We did Park Ranger tours to learn about the 1st shot and how the war started to stand in the footsteps of General Buford at Senitary Ridge in the cupola overseeing the battlefield. Later in the day we took a horse carriage ride through the battlefields, Picketts Charge and the peach orchard with a private guide to learn every ounce of the battlefield and the major players to learn about the 3 days of fighting that took place to how the civilians of Gettysburg were impacted. The three day battle claimed over 50,000 lives and we toured the town of Gettysburg to learn how the community had to deal with the aftermath of the masses who perished, the smell which went on for over 30 miles and limited resources such as clean water. It's amazing to see how history was so preserved but right across the street from battlefields where so many died stands fast food restaurants, and hotels. A little surreal. Would definitely recommend a ride out to Gettysburg and this campground, which is right next to the battlefields. Clean facilities. If you are into horses, this is the place for you! Though sites are not very private, everyone is very respectful, and you are not on top of each other. Quiet hours are observed, which is nice too. Store has a great variety of souviners, treats, and emergency camping items. You can't get any closer to history than here. Would definitely recommend if you are looking to visit Gettysburg.
TravelerOur first time at Cowans Gap and we loved it. 5 nights, 6 days with no cell or wifi to stress us out. Biking, Hiking, sitting around a campfire, very nice. Site 14 was ok, small. Weekend kids were noisy. Bathrooms and showers very clean. Firewood always available. Easy access to dump station. Coming back in July to a site we scout out. Looking forward to our next visit.
GuideNice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level. Pool , mini golf and live music were great. Also amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions. My family and I will be coming back again for another stay.
GuideThe drive in was exciting. Lots of sheepish hills and turns. As long as you go slow, you'll be fine. Leaving on the other hand was terrifying. Being the down hill version of the drive in.
A note on cell service. There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no TMoblie. They campground doesn't have WiFi either.
If you were planning on going out to do stuff off the state park, there's nothing nearby.
We brought our kayaks and had a nice day paddling around the lake.
TravelerThis place is as advertised. Very well maintained and friendly staff. I would give my site an 8. It would be a 10 if the utilities were closer to the back of the site. We had to move the coach forward 5 feet to make our 50-foot power cord reach.
Guide
As a rule we always try to stay in parks if possible. Really like the layout here, and the k9s love it. We couldn’t see the lake from the camper, but in the woods we could see the lake and the camper from the same spot.
Scout
We loved the swimming and fishing in this park. Awesome Sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam. We had site 59 and are tent campers. This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on. This spot was in its own little wooded cubby hole so it gave us a little more privacy but we thought that a lot of these sites were much too close together. We plan to scope out other sites to find a more level and more private option. Overall we really loved the park itself and will be back!
Guide
I have been here twice, the hiking is great and there is a National Park right next door, the location of Camp David. Great weekend.
TravelerStayed here for Labor Day weekend and had a great time. Clean, well-maintained camp sites, well-stocked and friendly service at the camp store. My kids also LOVED the swimming lake -- especially great for small kids, because the roped-in part of the swimming lake only gets a few feet deep so you don't have to worry too much about them getting in over their heads. Bathroom and shower facilities were fine, and had a big sink you could use for cleaning/dishwashing.
The only downsides for us were that the campsites were relatively small, and close together. A couple campsites down from us was a big group that stayed up late socializing one night and we could hear them very clearly from our tent. And, while the swimming lake is great, it is crowded and you have to drive from the campsite to it (note that you do not need to wait in the long line of cars in the general public trying to get in, we just drove past them and showed the guard our camping receipt confirmation and got waved right through), and the parking fills up pretty early in the morning so you could end up without a spot. Similarly, the hike to the falls was a little crowded and underwhelming -- you also have to drive to that and park, and parking at the trailhead is very limited.
The bottom line for us was that it's crowded enough that you do not really feel like you are out "in nature," but, especially with small kids, all the amenities and recreation make up for it.
Ranger
This was a cool campground.....if you are planning to use your cellphone at this one, probably not going to happen. It's definitely off grid! It's located at the halfway point on the AT. You can get net at the camp store, but that will be it. If you own a camper or larger, the sites are a bit challenging to park to say the very least, however they were a nice size! The store is really just a small carry out with a few things, so bring everything you are planning to have in with you. It's a pretty decent piece out to civilization. Also, bring stuff for bugs, such as citronella or PIC's. We found it buggy where we were. Nice shaded sites, it was just a chill weekend for us. We would like to try this one again in time to do some of the hikes and swim. Toilets were clean and so was the bathhouse.
RangerThis was a great trip for the most part. Lots of neat things around. We went to a winery and an ice cream place as well as did some other fun things. There is a pool there and the area is fantastic. As for the site, I took one of the last ones that was available in the full hookups. Wouldn't book that site again for our unit. It was on a slope and our sewage wouldn't drain correctly as it was uphill from the campsite. That also caused issues when we went to clean our tank out upon leaving as we couldn't get it all out. We then stopped at the dump station and that ended up being an issue too. Not enough to keep us from not going back. We will be there over the Fourth of July weekend. Sites are not huge, however the bathhouse is new and nice and overall it was a great weekend!
Traveler
review 3 days ago NEW Vacation| Family In October 2023 we rented a site by the pond… all was good for the 4 days that we were there! So the day before we had to leave my brother and I went to the store to see if we could stay for a week… as the lady checked the site and replied…we would have to move because it is rented.(that was understandable…we could do that) and she would look for another. Proceeds to say I’m sorry we don’t have anything open… so my brother looks at me and says what do you want to do? when I said I guess we’ll call another campground. She then looks again, and finds another site for us… so we booked it for 7 more days. I think it was in a seasonal site… as we were told by others. We pack everything up and get to the spot unpack everything and was good for the first 2 days. A camper came in with nice people… then a Father and son in-law came to seasonal spot nice people my brother shared his home made chili with them. The next day the seasonal people came in next to us around 10AM So around 11:30AM/12:30PM my brother was listening to music and a couple beers, the guy next to us came over and ask him to turn it down so his son and wife could take a nap. My brother responded no problem! and they talked for a little bit about the man being in the Marines and my brothers son, being in the Marines, and even thanked him for his service! So later on when that man and his family left, My brother turn the music up, as it’s still early in the day! So I guess they told office lies when they got back, It was nowhere around 11 PM.(Quiet time.) No One came to our campsite from the office and said anything to us!!!! No warnings!!!! nothing!!! The only reason we found out that that man did what he did is a couple days ago Nov.11 2023 we called to get a campsite for Thanksgiving and the lady put a man on as she was having a problem looking us up…I guess the manager on the phone, and told us that we were not welcome back because he had gotten complaint that we had our music up till 4 AM in the morning… which is ridiculous!!! there’s no way that we were up till 4 AM especially when we get up early in the morning and with no naps during the day! We would probably be in around 10ish pm! At night. And some days we would go out and visit friends. So I guess when you pay for a site you can’t have a couple beers and enjoy music and a nice fire? That man was a Liar!!!!! I just don’t understand why no one came to our campsite and said anything to us from the store!!!!! We’ve been coming there for over 20 years!!!!! No phone call??? No letter????? They have phone number and address! They wait to you call to book a site again… for thanksgiving!…and then tell you all this!!!! We were shocked!!!! We’re 58 and almost 61 years old we can do a face to face civilized conversation!! So you do it on the phone.?? A Month later?????!!! This situation should have been taken care of when we where their!!!! This is so sad…. that this is handled like this!!! Hope you All have a Great and Happy Thanksgiving!!! Even the Liars!!! We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving too!!!! Our‘s is ruined!!!! But in another review, when a lady was talking about a seasonal person running their blower all day long. I think she said like seven hours. She couldn’t sit around her fire. Enjoy it with quietness, and nothing was done to that person! As you told her that they are doing that to keep upkeep on their site, but that’s OK that they can run that for seven hours straight! I know we were NOT out there at 4 AM in the morning no way!!!!!!!! Someone should have came to us and let us know what was going on.. we would have complied with everyone’s wishes! We are not that complicated!!!!!
ScoutRV spaces were a little tight for a campfire but staff were great, bathrooms clean and nice food amenities
GuidePerfectly located for a 100% relaxing experience. Great infrastructure and great sites. Will definitely be back
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Orbisonia, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Orbisonia, PA is Cowans Gap State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 54 cabin camping locations near Orbisonia, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
