Cabin camping near Penn Run, Pennsylvania provides visitors access to the Laurel Highlands region with elevations ranging from 1,700-2,800 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing and summer highs in the mid-80s. Most cabins in this region remain open from April through October, though select locations offer year-round accommodations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Blue Knob State Park offers extensive trail networks for all skill levels. "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 scenery, overlooks, and side trails that extend many miles out into state forest lands which are adjacent to the park," notes Brian S.
Lake activities: Yellow Creek State Park provides water recreation opportunities on its 720-acre lake. "We rented a pontoon boat for one afternoon and explored the lake, which was awesome," shares Alyssa H. The park maintains rental facilities for canoes, kayaks, and pontoon boats between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Creek exploration: Silver Canoe Campground features a small fishing lake with paddle boat rentals. "It's very clean and well maintained. All campers have been respectful each time. It's not loud and crazy once 10pm hits. Family friendly and there's a little fishing lake. You can rent paddle boats or canoes to paddle around the lake," reports Indy A.
Winter sports: Keystone State Park maintains snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing areas during winter months. The park transitions to warm-weather activities during summer. "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," explains Luke K.
What campers like
Private sites: Blue Knob State Park Campground offers secluded camping areas. "Been coming for years. There are some great, quiet and wide sites! Bathrooms could use some updating but still very usable! Beautiful area to explore," writes Mark G. The campground contains fewer than 50 sites, providing more separation between campers than typically found at larger facilities.
Clean facilities: Crooked Run Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "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," notes Mark S. The campground offers designated pet-friendly loops.
Campground hosts: Quemahoning Family Recreation Area receives positive feedback for staff interactions. "We have camped at the que family rec for several years. We always loved and enjoyed our stay there. Ken and his staff do a wonderful job with the park and great customer service also. Whenever we had any requests or any complaints Ken and his crew always took care of it," shares Diana M.
Winter camping options: Keystone State Park provides winter accessibility. "Great place to spend the weekend," states Luke K. The park maintains year-round access, though winter camping requires additional preparation for potentially freezing conditions.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Laurel Hill State Park Campground operates from mid-April through the third Sunday in October. "Large campground in four loops with a variety of sites ranging from tent-only, 30-amp electric, 50-amp electric, and 30/50-amp electric, along with eight camper cabins," reports Lee D. Most area campgrounds close between late October and early April.
Site selection importance: When choosing cabin sites, examine the specific location details. "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.
Weather preparation: Mountain locations experience rapid weather changes. "Clouds blowing east from the Midwest tend to break on the mountains here at Blue Knob, so short little bursts of rainfall are frequent, and they don't always show up on weather apps. Come prepared for short rain showers, chilly air even in the summer, and great views," suggests Brian S.
Limited shopping access: Most campgrounds sit 20-30 minutes from major shopping areas. "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)," warns Olivia L.
Tips for camping with families
Look for beach access: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides water recreation suitable for children. "The cabin was great, very clean and cozy. The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc.," explains Austin B.
Check for playground facilities: Many area campgrounds maintain playground equipment. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids," notes Jackie W. at Prince Gallitzin State Park.
Consider group sites: Some locations accommodate larger family gatherings. "We used the group tent sites for our Girl Scout weekend. It was a fun weekend. We participated in the Outdoors for Everyone event. The site was clean, decently level area for tents, accessible to potable water and bathrooms with showers," shares Nicole F. about Prince Gallitzin State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Milton Loop Campground provides relatively flat parking areas. "There are a number of regular campers that stay here, we found them all very friendly. There are some lots with power and water, some with just water and some without either. Shady spots are somewhat difficult to find, we used a pop up to create our own," suggests Karen K.
Check hook-up locations: Site layouts vary significantly between parks. "Very quiet clean facilities quiet hours are from 9pm-8am our tent site was more like an RV site as we had a hill side but each site has a 30ft concrete pad to park on," reports Daniel F. about Keystone State Park.
Be aware of pet restrictions: Camping areas have different pet policies. "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," notes Steve A. from Prince Gallitzin State Park.
