Cabin camping near Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania sits within the gently rolling hills of York County where elevations range from 400-600 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with moderate humidity and average summer temperatures in the mid-80s. Many cabins in this area offer year-round availability with peak rental periods from May through October when overnight temperatures rarely drop below 50°F during camping season.
What to do
Hiking nearby lakes: At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple trail systems surrounding a scenic lake. As one camper notes, "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles." The park offers additional shorter trails for families with young children.
Animal encounters: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm provides unique opportunities for visitors to interact with farm animals. "We came amidst COVID-19, so the many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," mentions one visitor who stayed at the campground.
Lake activities: Codorus State Park Campground offers diverse water recreation options on its 1,275-acre lake. "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground," explains a reviewer who appreciates the variety of activities.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: The cabins at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA receive consistent praise for their maintenance standards. "Our site was very nice! We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table. The bath house was extremely clean and very nice," states one satisfied guest who appreciated the amenities.
Spacious sites: Many cabin campers value privacy and space between accommodations. At Thousand Trails Circle M, guests find comfortable spacing. "I got an amazingly large site with a nice fire pit and picnic table. The site was very level so that was great!" reports a camper who enjoyed the layout of the grounds.
Kid-friendly amenities: Families with children particularly appreciate the recreational options at Cedar Lake Family Campground. "This campground has it all, friendly staff, activities galore, cleanliness, & fun, fun, fun," writes one enthusiastic visitor. The family-oriented programming makes it popular for weekend getaways with children.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many cabin accommodations have limited availability during winter months. Most parks like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground operate seasonally. "We stay here for my first camp out with my new camper. No water but the bath house was close and very clean," explains one visitor noting the seasonal limitations on some utilities.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, train noise can be significant. "Nice campground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" warns one visitor who recommends requesting cabins away from railroad tracks.
Reservation requirements: Peak season cabin rentals require advance planning. Most campgrounds book up quickly, particularly for holiday weekends. Artillery Ridge Campground often fills months in advance for their cabin offerings during summer. Multiple campers mention making reservations at least 3-4 months ahead for weekend cabin stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access timing: When planning cabin stays with children, check pool operating schedules. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm receives positive reviews for their water facilities. "They have an indoor and outdoor pool. The pool area seemed like the place to be," notes one camper, though operating hours vary seasonally with more limited hours in spring and fall.
Educational opportunities: Cabin camping near Seven Valleys provides easy access to historical sites. "We camped 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," shares a visitor who combined camping with educational activities.
Pack specialty items: Cabin amenities vary widely between locations. A recent visitor to Artillery Ridge Campground advises: "The batthouse was very clean. A little older and could probably use a little updating." Most cabins require guests to bring their own bedding, towels and cooking equipment beyond basic pots and pans.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend requesting specific cabin locations based on your priorities. At Gettysburg Campground, location matters: "The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning. One of the drawbacks of this campground is that a lot of the trees are black walnut trees and the squirrels do not shy away from dropping the walnuts like bombs on your head, car, or table."
Utility considerations: Even when staying in cabins, water and electric access vary significantly. "We camped right up against the lazy River, the campground was pretty open because it was a weekday. Spots are kind of close, no trees or anything to separate spots," explains a visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort, noting the importance of understanding utility placement when selecting accommodations.
Seasonal pricing fluctuations: Cabin rental rates can vary by up to 40% between peak and off-peak periods. Most campgrounds increase rates significantly during summer months and for holiday weekends, with the most affordable cabin options available midweek during April-May and September-October.
