Cabin accommodations near Avella sit in western Pennsylvania's rolling hills, approximately 28 miles west of Pittsburgh. The terrain features dense woodland areas with elevation changes that create secluded camping experiences. Winter cabin stays require advance planning as most facilities operate seasonally, with primary cabin rental season running April through October.
What to do
Hiking trails: Beaver Creek State Park has extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. One camper notes, "There is a trail that leads down from the tent loop to the beach which is cool but very very steep (not for too young or old)." The North Country National Scenic Trail passes directly through the park, providing long-distance hiking options.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple cabin locations offer fishing access with different catch possibilities. At Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, campers can fish in the lake. A visitor reports, "It is a great place to take the dog out to swim and chase geese and ducks. A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the sun." The fishing areas typically don't require special permits beyond standard Pennsylvania fishing licenses.
Water recreation: Several cabin rental locations feature swimming areas during summer months. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins provides extensive water activities with one visitor noting, "Tons of stuff to do here... Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trails, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff." Water activities typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Site selection significantly impacts privacy at cabin locations. At Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, "Most of the sites were pretty private and ours was probably the most private and had a lot of space since we were on the very end of the road/cul-de-sac." Privacy varies drastically between parks and specific cabin locations.
Natural surroundings: The wooded setting provides wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper at Raccoon Creek shared, "I had the most wonderful time on my first tent camping at Racoon Creek. We made a fire, hiked by the moonlight and swam at the warm lake at night." Morning wildlife sightings are common in quieter cabin areas.
Winter accessibility: Unlike many regional campgrounds, some cabin locations remain accessible during colder months. One winter visitor to Raccoon Creek State Park noted, "Got out for a couple hours hiking in the snow. It was great. Just what we needed to stretch the legs and enjoy some family time. We did the Palomino Loop." Winter cabin reservations often require 2-night minimum stays.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most camping cabins near Avella require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. A camper at Whispering Pines Family Campground mentioned their experience: "This campground checks all the boxes for me. Pool, brook, trees, space, quiet! Every time we come here it gets better." Reservations for summer weekends should be made 2-3 months in advance.
Cabin amenities vary widely: From basic shelters to fully equipped units. One visitor to Tomlinson Run noted, "Nice simple, small campground sites are for everyone, RV to tent, older bathhouses but clean. Swimming pool and lake for fishing and boating!" Cabin rentals typically include beds, electricity and basic furniture but not linens.
Cell service limitations: Many cabin areas have limited connectivity. At Raccoon Creek, a camper mentioned, "You drive up a long, steep, windy road to the campgrounds, not to mention the drive to get to the town was very out of the way. If you're on Sprint or T-mobile - there is no service." Verizon service tends to be most reliable but still spotty in valley areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature playgrounds near cabin areas for children. A visitor to Beaver Creek State Park commented, "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed. The campground wasn't busy and we had a lot of privacy." Most playground facilities are designed for ages 5-12.
Swimming options: Different cabin locations offer varying swimming facilities. Grand Vue Park provides modern amenities with a visitor noting, "Grand Vue has many things to do including games, climbing, and of course those huge zip lines (the longest over 2000 feet)." Swimming areas typically open from 10am-6pm during summer.
Additional costs: Budget for activity fees beyond basic cabin rental. At Austin Lake, one camper warned, "Austin lake offers plenty of fun with the lake. Kayaking, inflatables, beach, but almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge. Need to use the bathhouse? Better take quarters...bc the showers are coin operated." Daily activity passes range from $5-15 per person.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some cabin areas have difficult approach roads. At Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins, a reviewer advised, "Be advised it will seem a little sketchy getting in. The road dead-ends into the campground and it is all downhill getting there. Take your time and all will be just fine." Larger vehicles should approach from main highway routes only.
Hookup availability: Cabin areas often share facilities with RV sections. At Tomlinson Run, "The campground is nice with clean bathrooms and showers. Nice little store there. Electricity to the campsites.. lots to do there, swimming, fishing." Most cabin areas offer 30-amp service, with select locations providing 50-amp options.
Site levelness: Many cabin areas feature uneven terrain. One RVer at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA observed, "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended even for cabin stays if planning to park nearby.
