Cabin accommodations near Upper Strasburg, Pennsylvania provide rustic overnight options within the South Mountain region at an elevation of 1,600 feet. Winter temperatures in this area regularly drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s. Cabins often book 6-9 months in advance for summer weekends, with greater availability midweek or during spring and fall shoulder seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Seven Points Campground offers direct access to the Allegrippis Trail system, providing excellent mountain biking opportunities. "This upper loop is also the quietest of the loops and although there were still plenty of boaters in the camp there were just as many bikers. Raystown is a huge boating destination," notes a visitor to Seven Points.
Lake activities: Raystown Lake at Seven Points offers swimming, boating and fishing with dedicated areas for each activity. "There's a marina, amphitheater where there are concerts most weekends, planned activities like yoga and scavenger hunts, a bicycle skills park, extensive bike trails called Allegrippis trails, visitor center, beach area with snack bar, and lots of swimming areas all around the lake," explains one camper.
Historical explorations: Use Gettysburg Campground as a base for battlefield visits, with sites approximately 10 minutes from historic downtown Gettysburg. "Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek. Cool laid back staff and clean bathrooms nice playground for kids. Not to mention it's a few minute drive to historic Gettysburg. It's nice and out of the way of the busy parts of town," reports a visitor.
Appalachian Trail hiking: Many cabin locations provide easy access to sections of the Appalachian Trail, particularly Pine Grove Furnace State Park. "This is the half way point on the AT, and we got to meet quite a few hikers and hear some cool stories about their travels on the trail," noted one camper at Pine Grove Furnace.
What campers like
Lake swimming access: Raystown Lake provides swimming opportunities at designated beaches with amenities. "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," shares a visitor at Seven Points.
Fall foliage viewing: Cabin stays during autumn provide excellent leaf-peeping opportunities, especially at Cowans Gap. "Absolutely amazing fall color on the lake and great drives surrounding. Bathrooms are clean and hot showers," notes one camper.
Creek-side sites: Several campgrounds feature stream-adjacent cabin options for water sounds and fishing. At Twin Bridge Campground, one visitor noted, "Our favorite campground. The most relaxing setting. Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it."
Private wooded sites: Many cabins are situated with forest backdrops providing privacy and shade. At Pine Grove Furnace, a camper mentioned, "The campsites are spacious! If you are on a site around the perimeter you can turn your chair and your back to the campground and look out into the forest!"
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many cabin locations have minimal connectivity, which affects planning and communication. At Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground, a visitor noted: "Cell service is pretty much nonexistent in the campground, so keep this in mind if you can't be out of touch (we had Verizon)."
Varying bathroom access: Cabin facilities differ greatly between locations, from primitive to modern. A Cowans Gap visitor reported: "The bathrooms were very clean. However, the closest bathroom didn't have showers. It also only had cold water. The bathhouse with showers was located at the other end of the loop; a little bit of a walk."
Limited supplies nearby: Many cabin areas are remote from grocery and supply options. "There is NO CAMP STORE. No place to buy bags of ice, extra batteries, lighters, or any other supplies that people usually need when camping. And this campground is in the middle of nowhere," cautioned one Cowans Gap camper.
Generator noise concerns: Some areas experience mechanical noise from facilities. At Cowans Gap, a visitor noted: "The major negative was generator noise coming from the facility just beyond the dam. Droning generator noise was on/off at all hours of the day and went on until 10pm in the evening."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select cabin locations with dedicated children's play areas nearby. At Dogwood Acres Campground, visitors appreciate the "Nice playground with a small basketball court."
Swimming beaches: Cabins near designated swimming areas reduce transportation needs with children. At Caledonia State Park, a visitor mentioned they "chose this park for the nice pool (short walk from campsites) but loved the synchronous firefly show we saw in July!"
Biking opportunities: Flat, paved paths provide safe cycling for younger riders. A Seven Points camper shared: "Paved roads for bike rides! Tons of wonderful trails to explore!"
Activity schedules: Some campgrounds offer structured programming for children. At Twin Bridge, a visitor reported: "This is the campground to come to with kids! If you're looking for activities and fun and friendliness this is the spot."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Mountain cabin areas often have uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Ye Olde Mill Campground, visitors appreciate "water and electricity hookups" with more level site preparation than primitive locations.
Delivery services: Some campgrounds offer on-site delivery options for supplies and firewood. A visitor at Twin Bridge noted that "The concierge service here is unreal! You can get just about anything from the store delivered to your site."
Site selection priorities: RVers should consider shade, pad materials, and utility placement. "We pulled into Ridge Camp (RCAM on Recreation.gov) and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and (according to our LevelMatePRO app) it was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us," shared a Seven Points visitor.
Dump station access: Know where and when you can access waste disposal facilities. Seven Points offers "a ultra-cool 4 lane dump station" that makes "the experience an easy and clean one."
