Cabin camping near Somerset, Pennsylvania offers lodging options across several state parks situated within the Laurel Highlands region at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet. The area features dense forest and rolling hills with numerous lakes and streams. Most cabin campgrounds remain open from mid-April through October, though weather can bring frost even in summer months at higher elevations.
What to do
Lake activities: swimming and boating: Quemahoning Family Recreation Area provides excellent lake access with fishing and water recreation. "Great place for fishing kayaking. Very family oriented," notes one camper. The recreation area includes a beach for swimming during summer months.
Hiking nearby trails: Forest trails around Kooser State Park Campground provide opportunities for nature walks. "There is a nice playground area for kids and some nice overflow tent sites nearby," according to one visitor. The park's single trail offers "sharp elevation gain" and connects to larger trail systems in the surrounding forest.
Exploring historic sites: The Flight 93 Memorial is approximately 22 miles from Pioneer Park Campground. "Good overnight stop to visit Flight 93 Memorial 22 miles from campground," reports a camper who stayed there. Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for visiting this and other historical landmarks in the region.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Hickory Hollow Campground offers well-separated camping areas. "Hickory Hollow's campsites were nicely spaced out, perched on a hillside, but with nice flat pads. The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting," notes one reviewer. Many campers appreciate the privacy compared to more crowded campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and common areas receive regular maintenance at most Somerset-area campgrounds. "The camp site and bathrooms were clean when we arrived and when we left," reports a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park. Shower facilities typically include hot water, though pressure and cleanliness vary seasonally.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to see local wildlife. "We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat," notes a visitor to Laurel Hill, who also mentioned hearing coyotes at night. Early mornings provide the best wildlife viewing at most cabin locations.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significantly varying site quality. At Shawnee State Park Campground, "most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level." Sites near bathhouses may experience more foot traffic but offer convenience.
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies widely between cabin locations. At Kooser State Park, campers report "no phone reception," while other parks have spotty service. Laurel Hill State Park has "fleeting cell at best on Verizon," making it important to download maps or information before arrival.
Reservation requirements: Cabin availability is extremely limited, especially for pet-friendly options. One visitor to Shawnee State Park notes, "Select loops allow pets but not all do," which applies to most cabin facilities in the region. Reservations often open 6-12 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive children's programming. "There is a snack bar at the pool," and activities include "tractor rides, fire truck rides and a train ride alongside the free activities for the kids," according to visitors. The water park features multiple slides and splash areas.
Safety considerations: Rocky terrain and water features require supervision. A Kooser State Park visitor mentions, "the lake swimming area is closed," highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before promising swimming to children. Not all cabin areas provide lifeguarded swimming.
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations mean temperatures can drop significantly at night. Cabins provide better insulation than tents, but as one camper noted about a rustic cabin, "there is a shower house a short walk away," meaning nighttime bathroom trips require preparation for cooler temperatures.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most cabin areas that also accommodate RVs have partial hookups only. At Pioneer Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Sewer connection 'up hill'" creating drainage challenges. Another camper at Laurel Hill noted, "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper."
Road conditions: Access roads to some cabin areas present challenges for larger vehicles. At Ohiopyle State Park, a visitor mentioned that "the roads were torn up due to the paving project," a common seasonal issue at state parks. Forest roads often have tight turns and low-hanging branches that can impact taller RVs.
