Cabin camping options near Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania cluster primarily along the Susquehanna River corridor and surrounding wooded areas. The region sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet above sea level, with spring and fall temperatures typically ranging from 45-75°F. Most cabin rental facilities operate from April through October with limited winter availability at certain locations.
What to do
Riverside activities at Tucquan Park: Families can fish in the stocked pond or use paddle boats for recreation. "They have a nice little pond you can fish. We had forgotten our fishing gear," notes one visitor at Tucquan Park Family Campground.
Hiking trails near cabins: The Lakeside Trail at Gifford Pinchot offers an 8.5-mile loop around the water. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," shares a camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Disc golf courses: Multiple courses within 30 minutes of Shrewsbury provide recreational options. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Consistently mentioned across locations with newly renovated options. "The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice," notes a visitor to Susquehannock State Park Campground, which offers cabin options with nearby facilities.
Farm animal interactions: Unique to some local properties with working farms. "What's better then hanging out camping on a working farm? If you love farm animals, that is the spot to be. Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas," shares a camper at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
Wooded cabin sites: Many cabins feature forested settings rather than open fields. "We were in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake. It can get a little busy on the weekends since there is a boat lauch at the end of the primitive lane, but some of the sites are secluded/set back enough to be private," mentions a Codorus visitor.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season bookings require significant advance planning for cabins. "We were originally supposed to be in the woods — which FYI is far out of the way of the main activities, and also has a pretty steep incline," shares a camper at Tucquan Park Family Campground.
Cabin amenity variations: Basic cabins typically provide sleeping platforms only while deluxe units include indoor facilities. "Site Details: I forget our site#, but we were in the wooded area farthest from the central "hub"(in the top left corner if you're looking at a campground map). Our site was level, shaded and quite large."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have significant weekend activity levels that affect cabin experiences. "The only downside to this campground is the pick your own spot. We got there later in the evening and it was really difficult to find something in the dark."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Pools and lake access vary significantly across cabin locations. "There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult, there are some in wide-open park-like settings, and some that are treed," notes a visitor to Codorus State Park Campground.
Playground accessibility: When booking cabins with children, consider proximity to play areas. "Our site was very nice! We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table."
Seasonal activities: Many locations offer scheduled family events especially during summer months. "We stayed here for a few days for a quick getaway. Our 3 young kids enjoyed the playground the most — there were lots of fun things for the kids on the playground."
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: Many campers choose cabins as temporary solutions before committing to RV purchases. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach."
Electric availability: Most cabin units include basic 15-amp service for small appliances or charging. "The sites closer to the entrance of the park near all the amenities were definitely packed in tightly. We didn't get a chance to use the pool, rec hall, or any other facility since we camped during the COVID pandemic," shares a guest at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Kitchen considerations: Pack accordingly for outdoor cooking with cabin stays. "This campground was really nice. Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too!"
