Cabin camping near Thornhurst, Pennsylvania offers diverse lodging options across state parks and private campgrounds in the Pocono Mountains region. Located between 1,400-1,800 feet elevation, this area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs typically 5-10 degrees lower than urban areas. Winter cabin camping provides insulated shelter during cold months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails and waterfalls: Ricketts Glen State Park features 22 named waterfalls along well-marked trails. "We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike. The trails are very well marked," notes one visitor to Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.
Winter activities: Several cabins remain open year-round for cold weather exploration. A Promised Land State Park visitor explains: "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers. The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing."
Fishing access: Many cabin sites offer direct water access for anglers. At Pickerel Point Campground, one guest highlighted: "Certain sites allow pets. My favorite site does, plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" Fishing opportunities range from stocked trout streams to bass-filled lakes throughout the region.
What campers like
Lakefront proximity: Water-adjacent cabins are consistently rated highest. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail. The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," explains a visitor at Pickerel Point Campground.
Wooded seclusion: Many guests appreciate the natural surroundings of cabin sites. At Mount Pocono Campground, a camper notes: "The location is lovely and you are surrounded by the forests of the Poconos. The campground is adjacent to a nature preserve which has beautiful hikes, a river, and lake."
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained cabin amenities receive positive feedback. "The bathhouse was clean but not adequate for 73 sites. The campground was about ¾ full and there was often a wait in the bathroom," shares a visitor to Ricketts Glen, highlighting the importance of timing bathroom visits during peak periods.
What you should know
Site reservation challenges: Prime cabin spots book quickly, especially during summer and fall color seasons. "We picked this site because you can kayak and it's close to the tree top adventures. Typical campground with bathrooms and showers. The best part is the lake for water activities and the surrounding things you can do," notes a visitor at Tobyhanna State Park Campground.
Wildlife considerations: Bears are active throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. "Just stayed 2 nights with my 7 yrs. old daughter we had a blast. Everyone was very nice camp host and DCNR were very helpful. We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area but never really thought that we would see one. As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent," reports a Tobyhanna visitor.
Water quality variations: Some parks experience seasonal water issues. A Ricketts Glen camper explains: "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Campgrounds offer varying schedules of organized events. At Mountain Vista Campground, a repeat visitor shares: "Love it! Our favorite family campground! We've tried to camp at least one weekend a month from spring through fall and try different places, but we always come back to Mountain Vista! The staff is friendly and helpful and they have a ton of great activities from kids carnival, craft beer tastings, farmers market, bingo...the list goes on!"
Playground proximity: Request cabin sites near play areas for easier monitoring. "They have a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," notes a visitor to Hickory Run State Park.
Noise considerations: Campgrounds have varying enforcement of quiet hours. "Quiet hours are 9 pm– 8 am, which is more restrictive than other state parks, however, some did not observe these quiet hours (a guitar-playing singing camper thought he was talented, but I disagree!)," shares a Ricketts Glen visitor, highlighting the potential for evening disruptions.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many cabin areas include RV sites requiring preparation. At Hemlock Campground & Cottages, a visitor notes: "The campground had the standard water, 30 amp, and dump station. unfortunately, it was a giant mud pit when we were there. The spots and road are not paved or have gravel. For the cost, it was pretty basic."
Road access considerations: Some cabin areas have challenging approach roads. A Mountain Vista camper advises: "Set on a hillside, the campground has three levels. The tent sites all have water & electric, and have a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are fully shaded."
Off-season preparation: Year-round cabins offer limited hookups during winter. Visitors should prepare accordingly when temperatures drop, as many facilities reduce services and access points during slower months.
