Cabins near Snow Shoe, Pennsylvania offer varied experiences for campers in this forested region of central Pennsylvania. The area sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, creating cooler temperatures compared to surrounding valleys. Fall temperatures can drop into the 30s at night even when warmer during the day, making cabin amenities particularly valuable during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Fishing at Raystown Lake: Seven Points campground provides access to the 8,300-acre Raystown Lake where anglers can catch bass, trout, and other species. "The lake is okay but you can't even see it from the campsites. The trails are also pretty boring and nothing more than a stroll," notes one camper at Bald Eagle State Park.
Elk viewing trips: Cabins at Parker Dam State Park serve as excellent base camps for wildlife watching expeditions. "Small campground just inside of the PA Wilds. Scenic Elk drive just north with high probability of spotting the majestic animal," reports a visitor to Parker Dam State Park Campground.
Beach activities: Several cabin locations offer swimming areas for summer enjoyment. At Poe Valley State Park, "The beach was nice, not crowded, soft sand, and warm water. It's a great lake to kayak or paddle board on," according to a recent visitor.
Mountain biking: The Allegrippis Trail system near some cabin locations provides extensive riding options. "Ridge camp is the furthest away from the marina and the public swimming area. However it's the closest to the Allegrippis Trail system and from the entrance of the camp loop there is a trail head!" notes one experienced rider.
What campers like
Private, wooded settings: Many cabin rentals offer secluded locations with natural surroundings. A reviewer at Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground described the experience: "What a forest! Huge pines and hemlock, ferns everywhere.. just stunning. The grounds are extremely well maintained and clean."
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "The night skies were beautiful (starry starry night w/little light pollution) and trails galore leading directly from the campground," reports a visitor to Raymond B. Winter State Park.
Lake access: Many campers appreciate the proximity to water recreation. At Seven Points, "The lake is so clean and refreshing and we have such beautiful views from our camp site. We went down to the swim beach and our kiddo made sand castles and swam in the clear water."
Camp store convenience: Some locations provide on-site stores with essentials. "The concession stand is so cool. They have great food, lots of treats, and beach supplies and toys too, all reasonably priced," noted a Raymond B. Winter visitor.
What you should know
Water pressure variations: Some cabins may have utility limitations. At the Bellefonte-State College KOA, a camper reported: "Saying it trickled out would be generous. Though there was a lot about the campground that I liked, I won't go back again just based on the water pressure alone."
Site selection importance: Research specific cabin locations before booking. "Definitely look at pictures of your site before reserving. The distance between spots was good. Roads were a little narrow but manageable," advises a visitor to Bald Eagle State Park.
Wildlife precautions: Be prepared for local wildlife encounters. "During the eight months the timber rattler is a common site along the roads and in the trails. Keep your eyes open and respect them," cautions a Parker Dam State Park camper.
Limited cell service: Many cabin locations have poor connectivity. "There isn't any cell service as you are way back in the mountain but it's so beautiful and relaxing you won't care!!" reports a camper at Poe Valley State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Splash features: Some locations offer water recreation beyond swimming. At Woodland Campground, "Very nice park in a wooded setting... Nice fishing pond (catch and release)."
Playgrounds availability: Many cabin locations include play structures for children. "Nice play riding areas for kids. Ranger station is under construction. Not sure if it will be ready for 2018 season," notes a Bald Eagle State Park visitor.
Bicycle-friendly areas: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly biking options. "The kids had fun riding the bikes around the loop and taking the short cuts cut in around the loop," reports a visitor to Bald Eagle State Park.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger programs that engage young campers. "Rangers were wonderful to work with in setting up teaching opportunities for the girls," shares a Prince Gallitzin State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some cabin areas have uneven terrain. "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side. The sites are also small and tightly packed," warns a visitor to Bellefonte-State College KOA.
Four-season considerations: Cabins offer advantages during colder months. "We stayed in site 78 on the Sycamore loop at the end of April in a tent, which isn't the best equipment for this campground. Our site had a blacktop driveway, a very small amount of gravel, and a ton of mud," notes a Bald Eagle State Park camper.
Access road challenges: Some cabin locations have difficult approach roads. "Getting into the site was almost impossible. We didn't think we'd be able to do it. And as it was, our slide out was about an inch away from a tree on one side and up against a raised concrete pad on the other," reports a visitor to Bellefonte-State College KOA.
Dump station amenities: Several locations offer convenient waste disposal facilities. "We pulled into Ridge Camp (RCAM on Recreation.gov) and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and (according to our LevelMatePRO app) it was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us," shares a camper at Seven Points.
