Cabin camping near Upper Darby, Pennsylvania offers rustic and deluxe options within 30-45 minutes of the city. Located in the Delaware Valley region with elevations ranging from 100-400 feet above sea level, the area experiences hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Winter cabin rentals remain available at several parks, with temperatures often dropping below freezing December through February.
What to Do
Canoeing on the Brandywine River: At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, access the Brandywine directly from riverfront sites. "Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float," notes a camper.
Pine Barrens exploration: The unique ecosystem near Atsion Family Camp offers distinctive flora and fauna. "We tent camped at Bodine campground in 2018. Our site was right on Wading River and we launched our kayaks right at the site! Our tent has a full view of the sky and at night it was like a planetarium as we admired the sky from our cots," writes one visitor.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Cabin accommodations near several fishing spots provide year-round angling. "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," reports a camper at French Creek State Park.
What Campers Like
Natural surroundings: Many cabin campers appreciate the wildlife viewing opportunities. "If you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty," writes one visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Easy city access: Cabins provide a nature experience with urban convenience. "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was quick and responsive," notes a Clarksboro KOA visitor.
Weather-resistant shelter: Cabins let visitors enjoy nature regardless of conditions. "I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself. Maybe that's why it was so peaceful, but every night after my cacophonous conference in Philadelphia, I couldn't wait to turn down Timberlane Road and see that little KOA sign glowing in the darkness."
What You Should Know
Reservation timing: Book cabins well in advance, especially for summer weekends. "We were here about 10-15 yrs ago and swore we'd never go back. I'm glad we did. They've added a pool and are working on a mini golf area," shares a visitor at Old Cedar Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Most cabin sites have shared bathhouse facilities. "The showers were odd - one large stall but no separate dressing area so you have to be very careful so as not to get your stuff wet during the shower," notes a visitor at French Creek State Park.
Water quality concerns: Some locations have water issues to plan for. "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 camper.
Tips for Camping with Families
Entertainment options: Some cabin locations offer extensive children's activities. "This campground was so well maintained. There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more. They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget," shares a visitor at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Site selection: Choose cabin sites carefully based on noise and privacy needs. "We took up two electric sites for the tent campers and two full hook up sites for our friends with RVs. We stayed in Loop C, which is the only dog friendly loop in the campground," explains a French Creek State Park visitor.
Winter cabin options: Several locations offer off-season cabin rentals. "The cabins are more rustic than most, which I enjoyed. While there was a stove the heating, which was necessary in November, was accomplished via a stove," notes a visitor at Parvin State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Some cabin areas have limited vehicle access. "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 a visitor at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.
Seasonal variations: Different cabin sites offer varying experiences throughout the year. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby. The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early," notes a winter visitor to French Creek State Park.
Site sizing: Cabin areas vary significantly in size and layout. "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," advises an Old Cedar Campground visitor.
