Cabin camping near Summit Station, Pennsylvania offers year-round lodging options within the Appalachian Mountain range at elevations between 400-1,900 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months from May through September. Winter cabin rentals remain available at several locations when temperatures drop to 20-30°F, making this region suitable for both warm-weather excursions and cold-weather retreats.
What to do
**Hiking trails: At Blue Rocks Family Campground, trails connect directly to the Appalachian Trail for day hiking or multi-day adventures. "It's right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trail, The Pinnacle. It's nestled in the woods and is very rustic. Really gives you that camping feel," notes Darrien K. The campground provides trail maps at their office.
**Boulder field exploration: Blue Rocks features a natural glacier rock field that campers can climb and explore. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time. primitive but fun!" shares Terri S. The boulder field is accessible directly from the campground with no additional fees.
**Fishing: Multiple lakes and ponds offer fishing opportunities throughout the Summit Station area. At Mountain Springs Camping Resort, "There are 2 ponds for fishing," according to Mike J. French Creek State Park provides more extensive fishing options with "northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish" in their lakes.
What campers like
**Private, spacious sites: French Creek State Park Campground offers well-separated cabin sites. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," reports Jen R. The park maintains buffer zones between cabin areas for added privacy.
**Family activities: Jonestown/Hershey KOA provides programmed entertainment beyond standard amenities. "Staff is helpful and friendly. They nice level sites with great atmosphere. Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking. The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc," says Bobby S.
**Cabin amenities: Twin Grove RV Resort cabins come with modern conveniences. "We loved it here. It accommodates a large family reunion with plenty of space. The campground was well populated but we didn't feel cramped at all. Super dog friendly. Many little dog parks throughout. Great pool," shares Chris G. Their deluxe cabins include kitchenettes and private bathrooms.
What you should know
**Reservation timing: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, particularly during summer months. At Appalachian Camping Resort, "Check in is as 3pm, we showed up at 2:45 after a 7 hr drive and they made us pay $15 extra. Sites were average," warns Michael K. Booking 3-6 months ahead is recommended for weekend stays.
**Quiet hours: Campgrounds enforce noise restrictions, typically from 10pm to 7am. "We were happy we made friends with our neighbors, but I'd check that first. The spaces on the creek are nice and shady. We will stay there next time," suggests Angie G. about Jonestown/Hershey KOA's buddy sites.
**Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds close during winter months. Blue Rocks Family Campground operates from April 1 to November 1, while Mountain Springs Camping Resort runs April 1 to October 31. Some facilities like Jonestown/Hershey KOA remain open year-round with reduced services during off-peak seasons.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Evaluate proximity to play areas when booking cabins. At Camp Swatara, families appreciate the "mini golf, splash pad, ball fields, and creeks to play in, and more. I have many happy memories here," says Christopher E. Most family-oriented campgrounds position cabins within walking distance of playgrounds.
**Swimming options: Facilities range from natural water features to developed pools. "They have a pool and fun activities though the day. At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride," Dawn T. shares about Twin Grove RV Resort, which maintains heated pools with lifeguards during summer months.
**Cabin layouts: Consider sleeping arrangements when selecting accommodations. At Tuscarora State Park Campground, "Yurts have 2 sets of bunk beds with one set having full size mattress on bottom. Yurts have heat and fans. Full size refrigerator, stove and microwave." The park offers four yurts total, requiring advance reservation.
Tips from RVers
**Utility hookups: Cabin rentals often include the same hookup options as RV sites. At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, "We stopped here just for the night. Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn't eat there but they had a restaurant! Lots of activities for the kids," notes Bob W. Most cabins include at minimum electric service with heating and cooling.
**Site leveling: Check whether cabin sites feature level pads or require adjustment. French Creek State Park Campground provides "a paved level area which made set up a breeze," according to reviews. This eliminates common challenges faced at less developed facilities.
**Accessibility considerations: Cabin locations vary in distance from amenities and difficulty of access. "We were in the D loop which is rustic with no hookups. Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites," reports Cheryl K. about French Creek State Park Campground, highlighting the trade-off between seclusion and convenience.
