Cabin camping near West Finley, Pennsylvania offers options across the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border, with elevations ranging from 1,050 to 1,300 feet providing comfortable summer temperatures typically 5-8 degrees cooler than nearby Pittsburgh. The region's mixed hardwood forests create vibrant fall colors from late September through mid-October, making it a popular season for cabin rentals. Winter cabin availability is limited but provides opportunities for quiet retreats when temperatures average 25-35°F.
What to Do
Stargazing access: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground has a dedicated star viewing platform, though one camper notes it "leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair." The campground's wooded setting still offers excellent night sky viewing away from urban light pollution.
Mushroom hunting opportunities: At Ryerson Station State Park, visitors report abundant foraging. "Went down to pick some Morrell and shantrels mushrooms, they were everywhere, many of the mushrooms didn't even require us to leave the path!" notes one visitor. Spring is prime mushroom hunting season.
Lake activities: Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins offers water-based recreation with kayaks, paddleboards, and inflatable water features. "Tons of stuff to do here... Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff," shares one reviewer. Day passes for the lake cost extra beyond overnight stays.
Ziplining adventures: Grand Vue Park features extensive zipline courses with the longest spanning over 2,000 feet. According to a visitor: "GrandVue has many things to do including games, climbing, and of course those huge zip lines (the longest over 2000 feet)." The zipline course requires advance reservations during peak summer months.
What Campers Like
Private tent sites: Tomlinson Run State Park offers secluded tent camping options. "Most of the sites were pretty private and ours was probably the most private and had a lot of space since we were on the very end of the road / cul-de-sac," reports one camper. Site 40 is recommended for maximum privacy.
Year-round cabin options: Ryerson Station State Park maintains winter cabin availability when most parks close. "The PADCNR works hard to make this park into an attraction despite the fact that it no longer has its lake as a focal point... they keep the campground open year-round, which makes it a rarity. If you want to go camping in January, this might be the only conventional campground in PA where you can do that."
Brand-new facilities: Coopers Rock State Forest has recently upgraded campground amenities. "The new bath house is excellent... New section is spaced out with a berm of earth in between alot of the sites," notes a camper. The campground's new section includes water and electric hookups.
Family-friendly entertainment: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground schedules regular activities for all ages. "Saturday night was a fun DJ... They offer a game room, pool, mini golf, a full camp store, firewood, etc." This campground requires early booking for holiday weekends due to popularity.
What You Should Know
Cell service limitations: Many area campgrounds have spotty or nonexistent cell coverage. At Raccoon Creek State Park, "There is NO Verizon service at the campground. We walked up to the amphitheater and were able to get out a few texts but no looking at the radar."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins has a particularly steep entrance: "Be advised it will seem a little sketchy getting in. The road dead-ends into the campground and it is all downhill getting there. Take your time and all will be just fine."
Pet-friendly options: Specific loops at Raccoon Creek State Park welcome pets. "While most of the campgrounds in the park are no pets, there are 2 loops that allow your furry companions!"
Individual bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds now offer private bathroom units instead of traditional communal facilities. Benner's Meadow Run has "a new bath house which is personal bathroom style and very nice."
Tips for Camping with Families
Pool alternatives: When seeking water activities beyond cabin camping, Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA has a swimming pool but consider Benner's Meadow Run's pool which one visitor describes as "very clean." The campground also offers mini-golf and is "Great place for kids! Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground."
Nature programs: Tomlinson Run State Park offers family activities like movie nights. "Its a quiet little campground. Very pretty area. The hiking trails are very well kept... there's swimming, fishing, movie nites, gamerooms…fun for the whole family."
Playground access: Grand Vue Park provides play facilities near cabin sites. "The shuttle bus would come around the park and was offering to take you to any where in or outside of the park!" mentions one family. "There is a playground for the kids and plenty of room for them to play."
Biking limitations: Note that some campgrounds have terrain or surface restrictions for bikes. At Benner's Meadow Run, "Roads are all gravel so no bikes or scooters for kids."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable." Bring extra leveling blocks or request specific sites when booking.
Full hookup availability: Grand Vue Park has recently added comprehensive RV facilities. "Grand Vue has a brand new rv camping park. 40 spots with full hookups. A gated campground with a paved main road running through. The lots are gravel and somewhat level." The campground offers both 30-amp and 50-amp connections.
Late-season options: Many area campgrounds close by late October, but Whispering Pines Family Campground remains open through October 31st. Sites include full hookups with water, electric and sewer connections, though availability diminishes in late fall.
