Cabin camping near Parkhill, Pennsylvania offers wooded sites in the Laurel Highlands region, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet providing cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Most state park cabins operate seasonally from April to October, though a few locations like Shawnee State Park maintain year-round availability for winter enthusiasts.
What to do
Fishing at Mirror Lake: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides easy lake access with cabin accommodations nearby. "Great place to stay! You will not find better campground owners, they are amazing. After office hours they can be commonly found hanging out with their campers. Pick up cornhole games, bonfires, are the norm at the community building," notes Mathew H.
Hiking diverse terrain: Blue Knob State Park Campground features trails on the second-highest peak in Pennsylvania with significant elevation changes. "Blue Knob State Park might be my favorite place to camp in Western PA. It sits on the flanks of the second highest peak in the state. The hiking here is really spectacular with lots of scenery, overlooks, and side trails that extend many miles out into state forest lands which are adjacent to the park," states Brian S.
Water activities: Swimming, kayaking and boating options abound at Quemahoning Family Recreation Area. "Great place for fishing kayaking. Very family oriented," explains Kyle K. The recreation area offers electric boat rentals for exploring the lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available for $15 per hour at some locations.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Ohiopyle State Park offers roomy cabin and camping areas. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground. We were there in November with plans to visit Fallingwater. This campground was the perfect location for both activities!" reports Bounding Around.
Clean facilities: Prince Gallitzin State Park Crooked Run Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "All sites are paved as are the roads. Bathrooms are fairly modern and clean. We take our dog so there is a restriction on where you can camp. Some sites are larger than others," shares Mark S. The campground features paved parking pads that help keep cabins and campsites cleaner during wet weather.
Seasonal considerations: Fall colors transform the Laurel Highlands from mid-October through early November. "We've stayed here multiple times throughout several summers. The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town," notes Luke K. about Keystone State Park Campground.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many cabins have limited connectivity. "Quiet and somewhat small. Not really any issues, really noisy neighbors on holiday weekend, but you kinda have to expect that. Bring everything you need, it's about 30 minutes to some supplies. Make sure you bring firewood and be prepared for extremely limited cell service (Verizon)," advises Olivia L. about Blue Knob.
Bathroom facility variation: Bathhouse quality differs significantly between locations. "Kooser State Park is a small campground nestled in the Laurel Highlands, close to Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts. The park has great amenities just a short walk from all sites. All sites have fire rings, with grills, however note they are double walled so do not expel a lot of heat outward," explains Britt B.
Site selection matters: Review site maps carefully before booking cabin or tent sites. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded. We didn't realize and stayed in the first one. Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy," warns Casey L. about Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Many state parks offer play areas. "Great for families to get away. Quiet and scenic, great trails. Close to lake and fishing," says Natalie L. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Stream play opportunities: Kids enjoy wading in gentle streams at several sites. "Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place.) Check it out you won't be disappointed!" recommends Mathew H. about Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
Consider lake proximity: Yellow Creek Campground offers cabin options with lake access. "We stayed in 3 of the cabins for 4 days at Yellow Creek State Park (not the campground). It was beautiful. Right on the water, clean, and private access to the lake. Dog friendly cabins were available. We cannot wait to come back," shares Laura.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain challenging for large trailers. "My wife and I stayed for two nights at this campground and enjoyed it greatly. We happened to be assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up. We have a 32 foot trailer. The site we were assigned was easily accessed and had a nice view of the campground," explains Gerard about Shawnee State Park.
Extension cord needs: Power hookups may require extra equipment. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Check road access: Some sites have challenging approaches for larger rigs. "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating!" reports Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
