Cabin camping near Lebanon, Pennsylvania offers accommodations across several different terrains, from wooded settings to lakeside views. The region sits within Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley province with elevations ranging from 400 to 600 feet, creating varied landscapes for campers to explore. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing between December and February, making seasonal availability important when planning cabin stays.
What to do
Outdoor water activities: French Creek State Park Campground offers two lakes for fishing and boating. "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," notes one visitor who enjoyed the park's aquatic options.
Local historical exploration: Within 15-20 minutes of Shady Oak Campground, visitors can explore unique Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. "It takes 15-20 minutes to get anywhere though. That can be a pro or con depending on your preference. Lots of picturesque farmland around. Kids will love to see the cows and some horses near roadside as you drive," explains a camper.
Seasonal recreation options: When visiting Twin Grove RV Resort, campers find various activities regardless of season. "At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride. The bathrooms are always clean and staff is friendly. They also have a restaurant if you want a break from cooking," shares a summer visitor.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many cabins are situated on lots that provide adequate space. "Sites are very spacious and clean. Great staff, overall great campground!! Nothing bad to say. Also has best pool I've seen at a campground," reports a visitor to Twin Grove RV Resort.
Privacy between accommodations: Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country offers cabins with natural screening between sites. "This campground is huge but you're not stacked on top of your neighbor like the others. They have 4 different sections to stay in, we were in D. We were also able to pick which site we wanted," explains a guest who appreciated the layout.
Clean facilities: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA maintains high standards for their shower and bathroom facilities. "They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric. Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites," notes a recurring visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Cabin availability varies significantly throughout the year. "We only went once, and not much was open. Nice cute country store on site. Ground was not level where we were. I hear now they assign sites. When we went it was first come first serve," explains a camper who visited Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country during off-season.
Site positioning matters: When booking cabins at Jonestown/Hershey KOA, consider location carefully. "It rained the whole weekend but we made the most of it. The pull through sites are nice and long, but we were put in a buddy spot and didn't know. We were happy we made friends with our neighbors, but I'd check that first. The spaces on the creek are nice and shady," advises a visitor.
Environmental considerations: Some cabin areas have particular challenges. "This campground has nice large sites, shade and sunny, full hookups, clean pool, playground, super clean laundry room and bathrooms. The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner," shares a guest at Pinch Pond Family Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: Look for designated pet-friendly cabins and loops. "We have camped there multiple times and recommend it to my neighbors who also loved this campground. We were in Loop C which is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved," notes a visitor to French Creek State Park.
Kid-centered amenities: Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park offers specific activities for children. "My family recently spent a long weekend at Pinch Pond. Our campsite was very spacious and the ENTIRE campground was extremely clean and tidy. Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT!"
Budget-friendly entertainment: Many campgrounds include activities with your stay. "Campground hosts were nice and helpful. The pool was nice, they had bingo and a band palying both nights, horseback riding and the fishing lake was great. We will definitely be going back again. I heard Halloween weekend is great," shares a visitor about seasonal events.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many cabin and RV sites require adjustments. "Sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers. Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same," warns a Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country visitor.
Utility connections: Cabin and RV hookup quality varies between campgrounds. "Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," notes a camper who stayed at a site in Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, suggesting adaptations might be needed.
