Cabin accommodations near Palmerton, Pennsylvania span across a 700-foot elevation range within the Lehigh Valley region, offering varied camping experiences from mountain settings to creek-side locations. Winter temperatures in the area typically range from 20°F to 40°F, while summer brings 65°F to 85°F averages with moderate humidity. Most cabin properties maintain 5-10 miles of proximity to major hiking trails including portions of the Appalachian Trail.
What to do
Boulder exploration: Hickory Run State Park features a unique 16-acre boulder field, designated a National Natural Landmark. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes Mike M. The park also contains 44 miles of hiking trails suitable for varied skill levels.
Swimming and boating: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers a beach area ideal for summer visitors. "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming," reports Danielle F. Visitors can rent kayaks and other watercraft on-site, with several lakeside camping spots available for direct water access.
Mountain biking: Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort provides downhill biking experiences. "There were endless activities from hiking to mountain biking. You can also Zip line or swing through the trees if you would rather," writes Lois. The resort offers bike rentals if you don't bring your own equipment.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The cabin properties near Palmerton maintain high cleanliness standards in their facilities. At Hickory Run State Park Campground, "The camp store had good hours and is stocked to high heaven; you could come here with just the clothes on your back and buy everything you need for a very comfortable stay," according to Bridget D. This makes weekend getaways more convenient.
Helpful staff: Campground personnel enhance the cabin camping experience. "Staff was friendly, helpful and accommodating. A lot of paperwork to fill out and go over though," notes Brandon W. about Lizard Creek Campground. Similarly at Hickory Run, "Park Staff were very friendly."
Outdoor recreation access: Direct trail connections from cabin properties rank high in visitor satisfaction. "Great hikes accessible from campground!!" writes Christa I. about Hickory Run. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, "The D&L trail also runs at the back of the campground, giving great bike access to mauch chunk lake," reports Jessica W.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly. "Sites are HUGE and each one has full hook up," says Jackie F. about Pocono Point. However, at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, "Our site was way to small even though we gave the length and width of our rig ahead of time. We were always looking for a place to park our tow because we had no extra space."
Seasonal timing affects experience: Visitation patterns impact cabin availability and atmosphere. "We visited in fall so we had the entire place to ourselves," notes Rosanna C. about Blue Mountain Resort. Similarly, midweek stays often provide a quieter environment, with Lisa S. reporting that at Mauch Chunk Lake, "If you go during the week, it's quite calm."
Wildlife awareness: Hickory Run State Park has active wildlife, requiring appropriate food storage. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," mentions Jennifer D. The park requires campers to secure food items in vehicles when not at their site.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple cabin properties feature play areas for children. At Allentown KOA, "2 different playgrounds and a pool that could use some updating," reports Brandon W. Hickory Run State Park offers "a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children."
Water activities: Summer cabin stays benefit from swimming options. "We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake," describes Emma T. at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. The beach areas typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some extending into September.
Cabin location selection: For optimal family experiences, cabin location within each property matters. "Our site was a little rocky so be prepared with a good mat/mattress if tent camping. Our site was on a little stream which was relaxing," notes Maggie H. about Blue Rocks Family Campground. Request cabins near amenities for easier access with small children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling realities: RV campers report varying experiences with site preparation. "Easy to back in. Didn't need leveling blocks as our site was nice and level," reports Angela about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort. However, at the same facility, Angie G. notes, "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right."
Proximity considerations: RV campers should research specific site locations. "I enjoyed my time there, tho it felt like a parking lot with everything close to each other. Didn't have privacy camping but they have things to offer," explains Tarek S. about Allentown KOA. Request specific site numbers based on your privacy preferences.
Travel logistics: When planning cabin or RV camping trips, road access varies. "It's a little far from I-78, but the roads were easy to navigate and it didn't take long to get there," reports Corby M. about Allentown KOA. Most cabin properties maintain good access roads suitable for larger vehicles.
