Cabin rentals near Westport, Pennsylvania offer varied camping experiences in mountain terrain at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet. The region features dark skies ideal for stargazing, with several locations situated along waterways including Pine Creek and Kettle Creek. Winter cabin rentals remain accessible when many standard campgrounds close for the season.
What to do
Night sky viewing: At Ole Bull State Park, located just 20 minutes from Cherry Springs Dark Sky preserve, campers can experience exceptional stargazing opportunities. "We decided to go mid October due to a new moon and a trip to Cherry Springs to see the stars! Ole Bull was just a short drive from Cherry Springs and they had everything we needed," notes Kelly C.
Mountain biking: Ole Bull State Park Campground hosts organized cycling events with dedicated trails. "The Park Manager held a 12 hour mountain bike race from the park. The first year we camped in tents and the second year of the race we had the one and only cabin in the park," shares Travis S.
Creek fishing: Streamside cabin sites at Pettecote Junction provide direct access to fishing. "We tent camp and love the sites as they are right on the creek, a few have direct access to the creek if you have kayaks which is awesome! The views to be had are amazing and lots of hiking in the area, well known for trout fishing, and kayaking!" reports Anna L.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Little Pine State Park Campground offers regular wildlife encounters. "My family loves going here and relaxing in the fall. We will even take a day during the winter and just drive up for a visit," writes Danielle W.
Rail trail access: Pettecote Junction Campground sits directly between Pine Creek and the rails-to-trails path. "Absolutely beautiful well kept campground situated between Pine Creek and the rail trail! Great facilities...there's even glamping tents!" explains Lori.
Honor system firewood: Lyman Run State Park Campground provides 24-hour firewood access. "Bathrooms are newer with a nice, new system for 'composting' I guess. No odor at all. And nice and clean. Nice hiking trails, beach area by lake, fishing and then the stars! One of my favs," says Peggy S.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many cabin rental areas have minimal connectivity. At Ole Bull State Park, "The only draw back, at least for me, was I needed to drive about 15-20 minutes from the park to get cell service," mentions Andrew C.
Bathroom facilities: Black Moshannon State Park Campground features well-maintained facilities. "Spaces are clean and spacious, bath house is very well kept. Very peaceful and well maintained, plan to go back again for sure!! The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," explains Lisa L.
Site selection matters: At Bald Eagle State Park, tent sites have different characteristics than RV spots. "Definitely look at pictures of your site before reserving. The distance between spots was good. Roads were a little narrow but manageable," advises Greg J.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly playgrounds: Happy Acres Resort offers extensive play facilities. "Playground was huge with multiple playsets suitable for all ages. Bathrooms/showers we're clean and well kept. There was a basketball court, shuffleboard and carpet pool that you could borrow equipment for," shares Penny C.
Educational programs: Many state parks run family-oriented nature activities. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," notes Lisa L. about Black Moshannon State Park.
Winter cabin stays: Seasonal cabin rentals remain open when tent camping isn't practical. "Our first night we had a couple hundred pound bear climb the tree outside of the cabin. Park personnel came around and monitored the bear until it came down and left. It was spectacular!!!" recalls Travis S. at Ole Bull.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups: Bellefonte-State College KOA offers varied electrical options. "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," says Nancy W.
Water pressure considerations: Some sites have variable water pressure issues. "I honestly struggled with what to rate this campground. I loved the area. Very peaceful and quite, but close to State College. Then there was the water pressure… or lack of water pressure. Saying it trickled out would be generous," cautions Gayle B. about Bellefonte KOA.
Site leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side. The sites are also small and tightly packed," notes Joel A.
