Best Cabin Camping near University Park, PA

State parks and private campgrounds around University Park, Pennsylvania provide a range of cabin camping options from rustic to modern accommodations. Black Moshannon State Park features 20 cabins, including 13 rustic and 6 modern units with varying amenities. The modern cabins include bathrooms with hot showers, kitchens with full-sized appliances, and efficient heating systems. Bald Eagle State Park offers cabin rentals with proximity to Penn State University, approximately 30 miles away. Seven Mountains Campground provides cabin rentals with amenities like wall-mounted TVs, mini-refrigerators, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. "The cabin we stayed in was pet friendly and had two rooms, one with a full size bed and a second one with 2 sets of bunk beds. The heat was quite efficient and kept us warm on some cold nights," noted one visitor to a state park cabin.

Rustic cabins typically feature wood stoves for heating and minimal furnishings, while modern cabins include bathrooms, kitchens, and more comfortable living spaces. The Bellefonte-State College KOA offers cabin and lodge accommodations with varying levels of amenities, including some with private patios and fire pits. Most state park cabins operate seasonally from April through December, though specific dates vary by location. Pet policies differ significantly between properties, with designated pet-friendly cabins available at most parks. According to a visitor at Black Moshannon State Park: "We stayed in one of the rustic cabins on a cold October weekend. Very charming small cabins with robust woodstoves." Advance reservations are essential, particularly during summer months and Penn State football weekends when accommodations fill quickly.

Most cabin rentals provide beds and basic furniture but require guests to bring their own linens, towels, and personal items. Kitchen facilities vary widely, from fully equipped kitchens with refrigerators and stoves in modern cabins to simple countertops in rustic units. Visitors should check specific cabin listings for details on what's provided. Firewood is typically available for purchase at campground offices or nearby stores. For groceries and supplies, State College offers comprehensive shopping options approximately 10-30 minutes from most cabin locations. Some campgrounds maintain small camp stores with basic provisions and ice cream. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at certain parks, particularly Black Moshannon, so downloading maps and information before arrival is recommended.

Best Cabin Sites Near University Park, Pennsylvania (48)

    1. Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Port Matilda, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 342-5960

    $20 - $87 / night

    "General: 73-site campground; most have electric hookups, and some are FHU. Pets are only permitted at selected sites. There are also 20 (13 rustic and 6 modern) cabins."

    "Beautiful facility- typical Pa mountains, abundant green trees, water...nice Campground AND cabin rentals are really nicely situated. Water was thick with weeds & lilies but ok nonetheless."

    2. Bellefonte-State College KOA

    11 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 355-7912

    "Our site was the only one available for that weekend and it was a premium with a large paved patio with a nice outdoor patio set with table and chairs, a swing, and a sunken fire pit."

    "We were spaced out well. The pool and splash pad were clean and nice. The Bathrooms were hotel quality and clean. They were combined with a shower. The water pressure was great and very hot."

    3. Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    17 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $22 - $62 / night

    "The park has basic, water & electric as well as a few full hookup up sites."

    "The sites have a decent amount of space between them so you are not on top of each other. Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Not a lot of trees so many sites are in the direct sun."

    4. Seven Mountains Campground

    1 Review
    Milroy, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 364-1910

    "While you won't mistake yourself for a member of the Donner Party, you'll also be comfortable, watching Dish, cooking on a gas stove or microwave inside(fire-ring out), with cold food/drinks and ice from"

    5. Poe Valley State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Coburn, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 349-2460

    $20 - $57 / night

    "Electric hookup but no sewer or water hookups. The bath house is extremely clean and they have warm showers which was nice."

    "Beach had a concession stand and camping was very shaded and secluded! No cell service but you won't even miss it."

    6. Seven Points (PA)

    22 Reviews
    Hesston, PA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $28 - $200 / night

    "This campground is located on the east side of Pennsylvania and offers a beautiful view of Lake Raystown. The campground has over 200 sites to choose from, and many of them are right on the water."

    "The campfire ring was in great shape with a fully functioning adjustable grill plate....we even had a lantern pole."

    7. Waterside Campground and RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Burnham, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 248-3974

    "Great setup location. Easy in and out, full utilities. Separate tenting area near bathrooms Water is easy access, pool is heated."

    8. The Nature Inn At Bald Eagle

    1 Review
    Howard, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2879

    $185 - $275 / night

    "It is isolated with a great view of the lake and mountain side."

    9. Buttonwood Campground

    14 Reviews
    Mifflintown, PA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 436-8334

    $30 - $78 / night

    "We stayed in their rustic cabin. The cabin was nice and clean. Bathrooms were really clean and had really nice showers. Lots for the kids to do. My grandkids had a blast."

    "Clean and well kept campground located 12 mile below Lewistown, Pa. As clean a campground as you will find. Staff is super friendly."

    10. Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park

    26 Reviews
    Fallentimber, PA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 674-1000

    $20 - $57 / night

    "We stayed in one of the pet friendly loops of the park. We had a great time in our PUP....bathhouse was clean and well maintained."

    "This campground is perfect for people who are looking to get away from busy city life or just want to relax next to a lake."

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Cabin Reviews near University Park, PA

286 Reviews of 48 University Park Campgrounds


  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2022

    Canoe Creek State Park Campground

    Nice Cabins

    This park is a little different and has some fairly interesting history. There are some old ruins as well as an old quarry site. The grounds are open to hunting and we were surprised by a bird hunter and his dog who was running around off leash, creating a little havoc for us while walking our two dogs on the trail. If you visit in the fall, be sure to bring some hunter orange if you plan on exploring the trails.

    Now onto the cabins- these are quite nice! They have nice bathrooms with hot showers, a common area with a lot of furniture, a kitchen with large table and full sized appliances. The cabin we stayed in was pet friendly and had two rooms, one with a full size bed and a second one with 2 sets of bunk beds. The heat was quite efficient and kept us warm on some cold nights. 

    These cabins are not equipped with any type of consumables, cookware or linens. You really need to bring everything if you're planning on actually using the bathroom or kitchen. There is toilet paper though :) We chose to stay here due to its proximity to several National Park sites in the area and it was perfect for us! We will be visiting another state park with similar cabins next year, too!

  • Jen R.
    Jun. 4, 2019

    Drooly Bear Cabin

    Extremely peaceful and in the middle of no where

    This is a very nice cabin with three bedrooms, a loft area and 1.5 bathrooms, LR, kitchen and small dining area. There is a large deck with a few chairs and a picnic table. You travel down a non-paved road and into the middle of absolute peacefulness. I sat on the porch for about an hour trying to hear something other than acorns falling, birds chirping and airplanes to no avail. There is a fire pit area however due to the rain we had all of the wood was wet and we were not able to get one started. The sofa in the LR was broken. It almost looked like someone jumped off of the balcony onto it. There was a bachelor party in there just before us so it looks like that had a good time. Also, all of the beds were absolutely not comfortable AT ALL. My back hurt so badly I almost slept on the floor. There is a TV there but no cable however there is internet so they have Hulu, Netflix, ROKU, Amazon Video and a lot of other ways to watch shows if you want. There is a washer and dryer, air conditioning and a wood stove for heat. They also have a crib for infants and a high chair which was very nice as we had a 1 year old at the time. The kitchen was also stocked with appliances, dishes, cups, cooking items, silverware and amenities so we didn't have to drag everything plus the kitchen sink along. Pets are allowed however there is no smoking. You have to be at least 25 years old to rent the cabin. Raystown Lake is very close by and so is Trough Creek State Park. There is a suspension bridge at the park, Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls. We had a fantastic time and look forward to heading back to the area again someday soon. Everything was stocked very well and we definitely enjoyed our stay.

  • Kent L.
    Jun. 21, 2022

    Seven Points (PA)

    Top 5 Campground in PA

    This campground is located on the east side of Pennsylvania and offers a beautiful view of Lake Raystown. The campground has over 200 sites to choose from, and many of them are right on the water. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing and my favorite thing to do Mt Biking. Raystown lake is also a really nice boating lake. The lake is a natural beauty with so many coves and inlets for the biggest of boats to enjoy. They do have a camping resort on the other side of the lake which makes it nice for anyone looking for rustic cabins or cabin rentals. 

     There are 50 miles of single track mountain biking at this campground. They are some of the best flow trails on the East coast and are the# 1 trail system in Pennsylvania. This is a family friendly campground and has so much to offer. There are volleyball nets, playgrounds, kayak and paddleboard rentals. The kids took a kayak over to an island and spent the afternoon cliff jumping with a 10 ft and 25 ft cliff to launch off of. The sites here are some of the nicest we have ever seen. They are all big and private with stunning views of Raystown Lake. There are steps down from your camper to a pad with a fire pit and area for a tent. You are literally 10 feet away from the water as you enjoy a sunset while sitting around the fire. The lake is a great place to kayak, paddleboard, or just relax and enjoy the view. We love coming here and spending our weekends on the lake. All tent sites are equipped with picnic tables and most sites are electric. looking for other epic reviews check out the top ten campgrounds in PA https://www.longdaycampingco.com/post/10-best-campsites-in-pennsylvania-gorgeous-sites-to-enjoy-the-outdoors

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2023

    Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    No cell, no problem!

    General: 73-site campground; most have electric hookups, and some are FHU. Pets are only permitted at selected sites. There are also 20 (13 rustic and 6 modern) cabins. Cell service is extremely limited to non-existent (Verizon). 

    Site Quality: Pads are gravel and most appeared to be level. Site 70 was at the end of the loop which is why we picked it. A picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook complete each site. 

    Bathhouse: As has been our experience in all PA state parks, the bathhouse was pristine, and the shower (for no additional cost) was clean with plentiful hot water and was very much appreciated. 

    Activities/Amenities: Coin-operated laundry. A playground is in the campground and there is an additional one at the swimming beach. The swimming beach is open from mid-May to mid-September, from 8 am– sunset. Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season. Permits are required. 24 miles of hiking trails, including two trails directly from the campground to the lake. In the summer, there is a camper store/concession stand. Hunting is allowed in season. There are 4.3 miles of mountain biking trails. 

    I used to think Oregon State Parks were the best, but Pennsylvania State Parks have them beat by a mile. We have yet to be disappointed by the amenities(especially the clean bathrooms) offered at the half-dozen state parks we have visited so far.

  • Jen R.
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Cabin at Raystown Lake

    Remote cabin in the woods surrounded by nature

    This cabin was absolutely amazing. It is off of a stone road in Rothrock State Forest in a gated community. The instructions for gaining access to the community and to the cabin were provided by the owners. We had two families here which were four adults and three children. There was plenty of room for everyone. There were two full bathrooms a small kitchen, dining area, a living room equipped with movies since there was no cable or internet service, a side room off of the kitchen with an electric stove which heated the property. There was also a side and rear deck equipped with a picnic table, chairs and a gas grill. There were also three fire pits around the property to choose from which was great. The back yard was huge and was great for the kids to run around and play football and tag. There was also a horseshoe pit with shoes provided. All kitchen items for eating and cooking were provided. There was a coffee pot as well along with a toaster. Hiking at nearby Trough Creek State Park was amazing and we went to see the Balanced Rock. We also went to Raystown Lake visitor area and checked out the beach area and got some nice photos of the lake. We then headed to the nearby town of Huntingdon and went to Ferguson's Pub for lunch. The food there was great and the owner and waitress were extremely nice. I highly recommend giving them a visit while in town. I recommend the chicken bacon ranch wrap! There is a nearby antique car museum as well and local shopping. There really is something for everyone to do here. Not to mention boating, hiking, camping at the state park and just enjoying nature at it's finest. We had such a relaxing time here I can't wait to come back!

  • J K.
    Oct. 14, 2019

    Seven Mountains Campground

    Nic cabin camping!

    Nice, clean, friendly/accommodating staff and the prices were reasonable for the accommodations. My Outdoor Adventure Algorithm is:(Drink+Fire+Lean-To)-(Rules+Regulations+Fees)/(Crowd-Privacy)*(Isolation*Acceptability of loud, primal, Forest-Man behavior)=Camping. While you won't mistake yourself for a member of the Donner Party, you'll also be comfortable, watching Dish, cooking on a gas stove or microwave inside(fire-ring out), with cold food/drinks and ice from the'big' mini-fridge. Bunk room had 2 bunk beds, each with a full size mattress AND room to move, plus good natural light. Living/dining area is large with a wall-mounted tv, rustic wood dining set, storage room and hooks/hangers, good natural light, as well as sufficient artificial direct and ambient lighting.Comfortable couch pulls out into a comfortable bed. Large covered front porch with again more lighting and a hanging swing. Parking is driveway-close, and they're pretty mellow about blazing conflagrations(IF it's under control) so you can get a REAL bed of coals to properly cook.They also have used/re-purposed camping/RV/tailgating items for sale( some free). It would even make a good event-specific yard-sale trip. Overall, a damned nice hotel in the woods. Not a survivalist challenge or hXc camping experience; just a clean, safe getaway for a game, Arts Fest, or just a time-out

  • Rebecca E.
    Aug. 17, 2017

    Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    Totally Acceptable

    Beautiful facility- typical Pa mountains, abundant green trees, water...nice Campground AND cabin rentals are really nicely situated. Water was thick with weeds & lilies but ok nonetheless. Great day trip spot.

  • Avery M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Ferryboat Campsites

    Great little site with lots of seasonal residents.

    This is a wonderful little campsite primarily catering the seasonal RVer. With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild. There are also water/electric sites in a loop behind the honeymooner cabins, and they have teh best shade and set up for hammock camping.

    The ferry here is real, and has been in operation for the last 100+ years

    There is a small goat petting zoo, with very friendly pigmy goats and the camp is extremely pet friendly as long as they are on a leash.

    There is the typical camp store, and in addition there is the icecream store next to the river. Across the street is a local winery with the best views of the river around.

    The campsite fills quickly on the weekends, kayakers and fishers, and motorboats use this as the weekend home and mini family vacation spots.

    The showers are located in the RV section of the campground, so you will have to walk a bit if you are tent camping.

    There are horse stable available as well on site.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Lake Raystown Resort

    Great Waterfront Camp Ground

    This campground offers tent sites, RV Sites, cabins and hotel accommodation. The campground is relatively flat and on the shore of Lake Raystown. The amenities are great and located centrally in each section of the park. Lots of trees which adds to the privacy of the sites. 

    Some sites are waterfront, but all are close to the water. All sites have fire rings and picnic tables. WIFI is available. There is a boat hire place located on the grounds that hires pontoon boats and jet skis in season. 

    The lake is beautiful and sunsets from the campground are stunning. There is a sandy beach which is perfect for swimming. Note there are minimum nightly stays over weekends during peak periods. They welcome furry friends!


Guide to University Park

Cabin camping near University Park, Pennsylvania presents diverse accommodation options within state parks and private campgrounds across central Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley region. At 1,200 feet elevation, Black Moshannon State Park features a distinctly dark lake surrounded by forests and wetlands. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs typically in the 70s and 80s.

What to do

Lake activities at Raystown Lake: The 8,300-acre Raystown Lake offers extensive recreation opportunities including swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding," notes a visitor at Black Moshannon State Park. The park's uniquely colored water creates distinctive paddling experiences.

Mountain biking on established trails: Several parks maintain dedicated trail systems for cycling enthusiasts. "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," shares a reviewer at Seven Points Campground, which connects to the Allegrippis Trail system.

Seasonal programs and events: Many parks organize educational activities throughout camping season. According to one camper at Black Moshannon, "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc." These ranger-led programs provide opportunities to learn about local ecology and outdoor skills.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced accommodations with natural screening. A guest at Bald Eagle State Park noted, "The sites are private on the sides with some green space to play on. Lots of extra places to park extra cars or bring a second vehicle with a boat."

Waterfront locations: Riverside or lakeside sites rank among the most popular accommodations. "We had a fantastic site on the hill. #75 it was secluded and had a big lawn," reports a visitor to Bellefonte-State College KOA, which offers sites with varying levels of privacy.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and shower facilities receive consistent praise. A camper at Poe Valley State Park mentioned, "The bath house is extremely clean and they have warm showers which was nice." Many state parks renovate facilities on a rotating schedule, with improvements typically completed before peak season.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Securing cabins requires advance planning, particularly for summer months. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early," advises a visitor to Black Moshannon State Park. Football weekends at Penn State significantly increase demand.

Site characteristics: Terrain varies considerably across campgrounds. A camper at Crooked Run Campground shared, "All sites are paved as are the roads. Bathrooms are fairly modern and clean. We take our dog so there is a restriction on where you can camp. Some sites are larger than others."

Connectivity limitations: Cell service can vary dramatically between campgrounds. "We didn't realize there would be no service so I didn't research hikes before we left," notes a Poe Valley visitor. Seven Mountains Campground offers WiFi, while more remote parks may have limited or no connectivity.

Tips for camping with families

Water activities for children: Swimming beaches provide controlled environments for family water recreation. A visitor to Seven Points notes, "The lake is so clean and refreshing and we have such beautiful views from our camp site. We went down to the swim beach and our kiddo made sand castles and swam in the clear water."

Adventure amenities: Some campgrounds feature specialized activities for children. "There is a stocked pond and a freakin' bouncy pad!!!" exclaims a reviewer at Bellefonte-State College KOA, which also offers laser tag and pedal carts according to other visitors.

Educational opportunities: Several parks provide nature-focused learning experiences. "Rangers were wonderful to work with in setting up teaching opportunities for the girls," shares a Girl Scout leader who visited Crooked Run Campground, highlighting the park's Outdoors for Everyone event.

Tips from RVers

Leveling considerations: Many campsites require equipment for proper setup. "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side," advises an RVer at Buttonwood Campground. State park sites often have specific pad surfaces like gravel or asphalt that affect stabilization.

Water pressure variations: Utility quality differs between campgrounds. "Saying it trickled out would be generous," notes one RVer about water pressure at a particular site at Bellefonte-State College KOA, though experiences vary across different areas of each campground.

Navigating entry roads: Access routes present challenges at some locations. "Almost got killed getting just off the freeway to make the left turn towards the KOA — please be careful. Traffic either side does not stop or slow, and they are going extremely fast," warns a visitor to Bellefonte-State College KOA, emphasizing the importance of researching approach routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near University Park, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near University Park, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near University Park, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 48 cabin camping locations near University Park, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.