Camping cabins near Paoli, Pennsylvania provide rustic overnight accommodations in the Brandywine Valley region, where elevations range from 200-500 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with moderate precipitation year-round, making spring and fall particularly popular for cabin stays. Most cabins require reservations 2-6 months in advance, especially for summer weekends when temperatures average 80-85°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: French Creek State Park Campground offers two lakes stocked with multiple fish species. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," notes a camper.
Disc golf course: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course popular with enthusiasts. "They do allow golf carts we saw gas and powered. Nice and quite. We had a great time and it's on our list as a successful tent camping location for us. The owners are AWESOME!" writes one reviewer who enjoyed the course.
Explore Amish country: While staying at cabin accommodations, take a day trip to nearby Amish farms. "Great no frills place to relax. No activities and not much open for touristy stuff due to Covid 19. But the daily views of fields, farmers plowing with horses or the buggys going by was great," writes a camper about the Lancaster area experience.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Cabins at French Creek State Park Campground offer good separation from neighboring campers. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," shares one repeat visitor.
River views: Some premium cabin sites at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA include water views. "This was the first KOA we visited and I can't begin to say enough wonderful things about the whole campground. The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views," notes a reviewer.
Accessibility to Philadelphia: Cabins provide a nature retreat while maintaining access to urban attractions. "This is a nice KOA with full hook ups, tent sites, cabins, and even glamping cabins. There is a pool that is open Memorial Day - Labor Day. They also have a catch and release pond and we found a pickleball court at a nearby city park," explains a camper who used their cabin as a base for city excursions.
What you should know
Cabin amenities vary significantly: At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, newer cabins offer more amenities. "Some of the cabins were recently added and are super clean inside. 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 and everything you would need except linens."
Bring your own bedding: Most cabins provide beds but not linens. "The mini is 7.5 inches long. It has been great to travel with for our daughter. She uses it to eat everything from applesauce, hotdogs, mac and cheese, ice cream, Rita's and yogurt," noted a reviewer who mentioned packing essentials for their cabin stay.
Seasonal limitations: Some cabin amenities depend on time of year. "This was a last minute trip to end the season. Only stayed one night and most of the activities were closed due to it being November. Will definitely try this campground again when it's a bit warmer," shared a November visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Evansburg State Park Campground offers family-friendly hiking trails near cabin accommodations. "Since he was 2 years old I've taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for 'adventures'," shares a parent who regularly visits with children.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds with cabins include swimming amenities for kids. "This campground was very nice. They had a live band one evening. Activities though the day were fun. Clean bath houses and staff was friendly. I would go back again to this campground even though it's close to home," reports a family about their experience.
Cabin proximity to bathrooms: When booking with children, consider location within the campground. "We camped here over Memorial Day weekend and it was full. Miniature golf course could use some upkeep as there was trash strewn throughout the course. There was a pond for swimming and there were dead fish. There was a craft show in the barn which was nice."
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives for RV owners: Lancaster-New Holland KOA provides both cabin and RV accommodations. "The campground is very clean, nice spots with gravel and nice views. The store was stocked well with essentials, and the women running the store was very helpful and friendly. The campground is very well lit and can be navigated easily at night."
Site preparation: For those transitioning between RVs and cabins, prepare accordingly. "We were in site 50 for this trip, however if you have a decent sized rig I would steer clear of this row. The road for this row is narrow and there is a fence that makes backing in more difficult, especially for a 30+ ft travel trailer."
Winter accommodations: Some cabin locations remain open year-round while others close seasonally. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby. I'm a women in my thirties traveling alone and I felt very safe here."