Cabin accommodations near Shickshinny, Pennsylvania range from basic to modern with varying amenities and surroundings. Located in the northeastern part of the state at approximately 700 feet elevation, this area sits along the Susquehanna River with wooded hillsides creating natural camping boundaries. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at night, making heated cabin options essential for off-season stays when most facilities remain open but with limited services.
What to do
Hiking waterfalls trail: Ricketts Glen State Park offers one of Pennsylvania's most impressive hiking experiences with 22 named waterfalls. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained! and the hike back up was again steep but maintained!" noted Anne P. The falls trail requires proper footwear and moderate fitness levels.
Boulder field exploration: At Hickory Run State Park, the unique boulder field attracts visitors year-round. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," explains Mike M. The boulder field is accessible via a stone road through the woods, providing an unusual geological feature not found elsewhere in the region.
Swimming and recreation: Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen provides summer swimming options, while Red Rock Mountain Campground offers a quieter alternative close to main attractions. "Peaceful little campground five minutes from Ricketts Glen State Park," reports Kait D. Most cabin sites include outdoor gathering spaces for evening relaxation after water activities.
What campers like
Quiet woodland settings: Pioneer Campground receives praise for its secluded atmosphere. "It's back a long lane from the main road so it is quiet and peaceful. Night time is especially beautiful, you can see tons of stars on a clear night," shares Gregory L. The dark skies allow for excellent stargazing opportunities rarely found in more developed areas.
Camp stores with essentials: Campers appreciate well-stocked stores at facilities like Whispering Pines Camping Estates. One visitor noted the campground "has everything you could need! Including pillows!" The store includes "supplies, t shirts, and some RV necessities," eliminating the need for long supply runs once settled in camp.
Shower facilities: Clean bathhouses rate highly among cabin and tent campers alike. At Worlds End State Park, Lee D. observed, "Very clean, heated, and the showers appear to be in good condition... There was also a dishwashing sink with dish detergent INSIDE the bathhouse (women's– not sure about men's!), something I have never seen before but which was appreciated in the colder months."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal or no connectivity. At Worlds End State Park Campground, a camper described it as "No cell service, which is refreshing." Pioneer Campground offers better connection than most, though still limited to "1-2 bars of LTE" in some areas.
Bathroom considerations: Facility types vary widely between campgrounds. Moyers Grove Campground bathhouses are "cleaned frequently" according to Becca U., while some loops at Hickory Run have "only port potties and hand sanitizer." Research bathhouse locations before booking at larger campgrounds if this matters to your group.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be significant, particularly in spring and fall. One Hickory Run visitor advised, "If you come in the fall, make sure you bring a cold weather sleeping bag or heater because the temp does drop." Most cabin rentals include heat sources, but the effectiveness varies by facility and cabin type.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Knoebels Campground connects directly to an amusement park with free admission (pay per ride). "The sites are very close to one another. We lucked out in Bermuda Triangle as there was a little more space and we were further away from some of the noise," reports Derek W. Sites near playgrounds offer convenience but potentially more noise.
Cabin selection strategy: For families with children, cabin positioning matters. At Pioneer Campground, Casey R. notes that "if you're camping in the tent site and it rains heavily a good portion of these sites flood and fill with water. Be sure to place your tent accordingly." Similar concerns affect some cabin sites, particularly those in low-lying areas.
Activity planning: Halloween camping events receive particular praise in this region. Gayle B. shares that Pioneer Campground has become "a new tradition for our family and friends... We love decorating the sites and taking the kids trick or treating. They do a haunted woods that we felt the kids were too young for- maybe next time!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Campground utility connections vary significantly. At Red Rock Mountain, "The sites were alright. There wasn't a great place to put our tent but we managed," mentions Casey L., highlighting the importance of researching site specifications before arrival. Some cabin areas share facilities with RV sections while others maintain separation.
Leveling requirements: When bringing an RV to regional campgrounds, bring leveling equipment. At Pioneer, Gregory L. advises that "The sites themselves are well kept and have a big fire pit and picnic table. I would suggest getting there while it is still light out, there is plenty of room on the roads to get your rig around the campground, but there are lots of trees and it gets a little hard sometimes."
Space considerations: Site size variations exist even within the same campground. At Whispering Pines, Sharon B. reported, "We rented one electric site and one non-electric right next to it for a two tent set up for my family of five adults and two children and one dog. The sites were level, clear, and pristine." This approach works equally well for combining RV and cabin accommodations for larger groups.
