Cabin camping near Reading, Pennsylvania offers opportunities for overnight accommodations in wooded settings within driving distance of the city. Located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country at elevations ranging from 300-800 feet, the area's humid continental climate creates distinct seasons with warm summers that average 85°F and winter temperatures often dipping below freezing. Most cabin facilities maintain operations from April through November, with limited winter availability.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Near Blue Rocks Family Campground, trail access is remarkably convenient. "Super easy access to Appalachian trail. Trail heads begin inside the campsite," notes Amy C. The campground sits just "one mile off the Appalachian trail" according to Catherine M., making it perfect for day hikes.
Fishing in stocked waters: French Creek State Park offers multiple fishing spots at two lakes. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," reports Jen R. Another visitor mentioned "every cast they caught a fish" at Hickory Run Family Camping Resort's lake.
Boulder field exploration: The unique glacier rock formation at Blue Rocks provides distinctive terrain for exploration. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time," shares Terri S. The natural rock formations create a primitive but engaging environment unlike traditional playgrounds.
Amish country experiences: Lancaster-New Holland KOA provides cultural immersion opportunities with views of working farms. "Daily views of fields, farmers plowing with horses or the buggys going by was great," writes April L., highlighting the authentic agricultural activities visible from many cabin sites.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: French Creek State Park Campground offers secluded camping areas. "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," explains Jen R. The layout provides privacy without isolation.
Clean facilities: Most cabin locations maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Lancaster-New Holland KOA, a visitor praised their "super clean bathrooms and friendly host," while another mentioned the area is a "peaceful, serene, and a little slice of heaven." The cleanliness extends to the overall property maintenance.
Planned activities: Family-oriented campgrounds schedule regular events for visitors. "We loved camping here again and look forward to our next overnight trip. We like it so much here we take day trips here," explains a French Creek visitor. At Appalachian Camping Resort, "There was bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show, hot dog eating contest for adults and kids, candy scramble in the dark for adults and kids, a dj Saturday night and a live band Sunday night."
Specialty camping options: Beyond standard cabins, some locations offer unique accommodations. "Tent site was very spacious and clean. Kids loved fishing in the pond," says one Appalachian Camping Resort visitor. The variety of site options accommodates different camping preferences and group sizes.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Hickory Run Family Camping Resort, "Sites are best in the 140-160 loop" according to Tamara P. Loop selection impacts both privacy and convenience. Buddy sites at some campgrounds can present challenges, as one visitor noted: "The buddy site was very narrow and since our buddy arrived first we had no choice but to park farther down on the site."
Shower facilities vary: Some locations charge for shower usage. "You have to pay $.25 to take a shower" at Hickory Run, which catches some visitors by surprise. Other campgrounds have uneven water temperature, as one visitor noted: "only 1 bout of cold water why showering but a quick on and off of the water did the trick."
Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities close for winter. French Creek State Park remains open year-round, with one winter visitor noting: "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great!" The honor system payment system facilitates off-season stays.
Pet policies differ: Not all cabin locations accept pets. At Blue Rocks, pets are permitted with some restrictions, while French Creek State Park limits pets to specific areas. "Loop C is the only loop that allows pets" at French Creek, as one camper pointed out.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Red Run Campground features centrally located play areas. "Playground is nice and in the middle of the campground so no matter where you are it is not that far," notes Jen R. The central location allows parents to keep track of children while maintaining some distance.
Water activities: Multiple locations offer water-based recreation. "There is a pool, playground, arcade, fishing pond, glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials" at Blue Rocks according to one visitor. The combination of natural and constructed water features provides options regardless of weather conditions.
Age-appropriate activities: Some campgrounds tailor events to different age groups. "I find that a lot of campground activities tend to be centered around small children and with my kids being 13 and 12, they're usually left out of the fun," notes a visitor to Appalachian Camping Resort who was pleased to find activities for older children as well.
Kid-friendly fishing: Stocked ponds make fishing accessible for beginners. "My daughter came up big with her first trout out of the Muddy Creek," reports a happy parent from Red Run Campground. The reliable catch rate keeps children engaged with outdoor activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: At Dutch Cousin Campground, "most sites are very flat and stone covered, so mud is never a worry" according to one visitor. The stable surfaces eliminate common setup challenges, especially after rain.
Hookup locations: Proximity of connections to living spaces matters. At Appalachian Camping Resort, one visitor noted a concern with "fire pit is within feet from poop sewer connection of neighbor." Check site layouts before booking to avoid unpleasant placements.
Reservation timing: Holiday weekends fill quickly across all campgrounds. "It was Labor Day weekend, the campground was completely full and we booked late. The site we got was the only one available for the size of our camper," explains a visitor to Appalachian Camping Resort, highlighting the importance of advance planning for peak times.
Access for larger units: Some campgrounds have size restrictions or difficult access roads. "If you have a decent sized rig I would steer clear of this row," warns one Lancaster-New Holland KOA visitor about a particular section with narrow roads and fencing that complicates backing in procedures for larger trailers.
