Cabin camping near Porters Sideling, Pennsylvania offers sites in both wooded and open settings with varying levels of seclusion. The region sits in the foothills of south central Pennsylvania with elevations around 500-700 feet, creating moderate temperature swings between day and night, even in summer months. Most cabin areas experience a 15-20 degree temperature drop after sunset, making evening campfires comfortable year-round.
What to do
Hiking through battlefields: At Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, visitors can access historic trails that connect directly to the national park. "The nature trail was a surprisingly challenging, rocky trail that leads up through the woods from one end of the CG to the other. It definitely felt like a real, scenic hike for a family with little kids," notes one visitor.
Fishing at stocked ponds: Many campgrounds maintain fishing areas within walking distance of cabin sites. "Cedar Creek was amazing and clean. We fit all 4 tents on the site. The park has trails to the lake that were a nice walk. We drove to the public boat launch and rented a pontoon to take on the water," reports a camper at Codorus State Park.
Farm animal interactions: Family-oriented sites offer unique opportunities to connect with animals. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires. The weather is perfect right now with highs reaching low 80s, so the evenings are super lovely!"
What campers like
Cabin variety: Accommodation styles range from basic structures to fully-equipped units. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, cabins include "2 beds and a bunk bed, sink and toilet, refrigerator, microwave, dining table and sofa. There was also a front porch with picnic table and fire pit."
Proximity to attractions: Many cabin locations offer convenient access to regional points of interest. "We stayed at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high on camper priority lists. "The bathhouses were clean as well, and individual units for privacy. The wifi was spotty, but that is to be expected. The cable was great on the HD channels and crustal clear," reports a visitor to Gettysburg Battlefield KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin sites operate on limited schedules. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground runs "from the 2nd Friday in April to October 31," while others remain open year-round with reduced winter services.
Reservation requirements: Booking well in advance is essential, especially for holiday weekends. "We stayed here for Memorial Day weekend. We usually avoid holidays but gave this campground a try. It was pretty full and everyone seemed to have a golf cart," notes a camper at Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Outdoor pests: Be prepared for local wildlife encounters. "After we pitched in the new spot, all was good. Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites," warns one tent camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Consider dedicated children's activities: Sites with structured programs provide entertainment beyond standard amenities. "This is a typical corporate-owned campground where they don't seem to put a lot of money back into the campground and facilities tend to be rundown. There is a swimming pool, ball courts, fishing pond, mini golf (which was in pretty sad shape), and more."
Look for safe walking paths: Campgrounds with minimal traffic create better environments for younger visitors. At Gettysburg, "The resort ensured safety for the kids during trick or treating and closed all vehicle traffic for 2 hours. The resort also had golf cars to rent to explore the sites."
Pack for temperature changes: Cabin interiors can be significantly cooler or warmer than outside conditions. "We have camped here several times and love the waterfront sites and the yurts," mentions a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park, highlighting the importance of appropriate clothing layers.
Tips from RVers
Cabin site selection: Many campers with RV experience recommend requesting specific cabin locations. "Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites," reports a visitor to Artillery Ridge Campground.
Electrical considerations: While most cabins include power, capacity varies significantly. Campers should check amperage before plugging in multiple devices. "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs," notes a Gifford Pinchot visitor.
Campfire setups: Fire ring configurations differ between locations. "There was no chance of rain at all that weekend so we did not hang tarps. Those trees were bare however until very far up, so they did not afford any privacy, but we definitely were not on top of the people next door anyway so it was just how we like it," shares a Codorus State Park camper.
