Cabin rentals near Swarthmore, Pennsylvania offer convenient camping options within a 30-mile radius of the city. Most locations sit at elevations between 100-500 feet, creating moderate terrain with typical regional seasonal temperatures. Fall cabin rentals often require booking 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend stays from September through November when temperatures range from 45-75°F.
What to do
Explore waterfront activities: French Creek State Park Campground provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. "We loved our stay at this park, and plan to return... There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful... We did take our inflatable kayak out on the water, and it was lovely!" notes one visitor who enjoyed the water activities with their family.
Visit historical sites: Within 15 miles of many cabins near Swarthmore, you'll find Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. "Close by there is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," mentions a French Creek camper who appreciated the historical attractions adjacent to the park.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Old Cedar Campground offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. "This was our first stay at this campground— and we're glad we went. The most unique aspect we found was the cow pasture. It was a lot of fun watching the cows eating and interacting," shares a visitor who intentionally booked a site near the pasture viewing area.
Hiking trail networks: Most cabin areas connect to trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "There are so many wonderful activities. We LOVE camping here as the campsites are not right on top of one another. There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well," reports a French Creek visitor who appreciated the natural setting and trail access.
What campers like
Riverside cabin views: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA features cabins with scenic water views. "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. They are close enough for you to camp with a group, but most also have a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites," notes a visitor who enjoyed the river setting.
Clean facilities: Most cabin locations maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. "The showers were nice with some nice hot water. The campground is quiet, well-kept, and relatively clean," reports a visitor to Old Cedar Campground who appreciated the maintenance standards.
Spacious sites: Parvin State Park Campground offers roomier cabin areas. "I stayed at Site #8 in a travel trailer. Site was level and easy in and out. Large site off the main road to other sites. Nice hiking trails. Staff very nice," shares a camper who found the accommodations comfortable.
Camp store convenience: Many cabin locations maintain on-site stores with necessities. "The camp store is well stocked and has delicious ice cream," mentions a Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor who appreciated having supplies available during their cabin stay.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Elk Neck State Park Campground cabins book quickly during peak seasons. "For this trip, my husband and I camped alongside our friends, which included three other couples and their children, so we took up two electric sites for the tent campers and two full hook up sites for our friends with RVs," notes a visitor who recommended securing spots well in advance for group trips.
Water quality varies: Some cabin locations have water issues to consider. "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water," reports a Parvin State Park visitor.
Site selection matters: For cabin campers, researching specific site characteristics before booking proves important. "Regardless of the distance we create, they shut us down every year. But we are a resilient group and it sometimes takes until the wee hours until we truly shut down," shares a camper about noise enforcement at certain locations.
Weather preparation: Most cabin rentals require planning for temperature variations. "The pool was closed while we were there, but it looked nice. We did take our inflatable kayak out on the water, and it was lovely," mentions a visitor who adapted activities to weather conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several cabin options near Swarthmore provide dedicated children's facilities. "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground. There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool," shares a Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor.
Educational opportunities: Evansburg State Park Campground offers learning experiences for children. "Since he was 2 years old I've taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for 'adventures'," reports a parent who regularly visits the park with their child.
Safety considerations: Cabins provide safer options for younger campers. "I shower with my infant daughter and had no issues with trying to maneuver around while holding her," notes a parent at French Creek State Park who found the facilities accommodating for families with small children.
Entertainment planning: Most cabin locations offer organized activities for children. "They have recreational activities for kids and families from ice-cream parties to bingo to hayrides to movies on a giant screen in the rally field. There is something for almost everyone," shares a visitor who enjoyed the structured entertainment options.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: When booking cabins near Swarthmore, consider access challenges. "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road," warns an RVer who experienced difficulty at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.
Utility planning: Even when staying in cabins, understanding utility setups helps. "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," advises an Old Cedar Campground visitor who learned from experience.
Off-season benefits: Cabin availability increases during shoulder seasons. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," reports an Elk Neck visitor who enjoyed late-season camping with fewer crowds.
