Cabin camping near Wilkes-Barre is situated in Pennsylvania's northeastern region where elevations range between 500-2,000 feet, creating varied topography for outdoor adventures. The Pocono Mountains to the east and Wyoming Valley to the west provide distinct ecosystems for cabin accommodations. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing between November and March, making heated cabins particularly valuable during colder months.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 5.5-mile trails lead to 22 waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park. "Great hiking! There are various trails for all skill levels, and pets are welcome!" notes one visitor. The Falls Trail requires proper footwear and moderate fitness level.
Boulder Field discoveries: The unusual 16.5-acre rock formation at Hickory Run State Park provides a distinctive geological experience. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," explains one camper. The field is accessible via a 3.5-mile hiking trail or shorter drive on a maintained gravel road.
Winter recreation: Tobyhanna State Park offers maintained ice skating areas during frozen months. "I have been going to this campground since I could walk and it's never gotten old... the lake and nearby hikes are perfect for everyone in the family," reports a regular visitor. The park maintains a warming hut near the skating area from December through February when conditions permit.
What campers like
Direct water access: Sites at Pickerel Point Campground offer waterfront cabin locations. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," shares one visitor. Many sites include private paths to the shoreline for swimming or fishing.
Clean, modern facilities: Lackawanna State Park maintains recently renovated bathhouses near cabin areas. "We camp here several times a year and have never had a bad experience. Camp host is always most helpful and the park is always clean and well maintained," notes a frequent guest. Shower facilities remain open year-round for cabin users even when tent camping areas close.
Quiet woodland settings: Cabins at Moyers Grove Campground provide natural surroundings with wildlife viewing opportunities. "We enjoyed our weekend stay at Moyer's Grove. The sites were a nice size and were well shaded. The campground was quiet and peaceful. We saw deer daily," reports one visitor. Most cabins sit back from the main road, reducing traffic noise.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many Wilkes-Barre area cabins have restricted connectivity. At Moyers Grove, "Be advised that there was no cell service or internet for AT&T users. Verizon did have some service," warns a camper. Pickerel Point similarly reports "almost no cell reception with Verizon."
Variable water availability: Some parks restrict water during certain seasons. At Ricketts Glen, "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth," reports one visitor.
Bear activity precautions: Tobyhanna State Park enforces strict food storage rules. "We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area... As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent. Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car," cautions a camper with direct experience.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational programs: Lackawanna State Park offers structured activities. "There is an environmental education center with programs... for every camping style," notes a visitor. Programs typically run weekend mornings during summer months.
Consider alternative accommodation types: Highland Campgrounds provides diverse options beyond standard cabins. "Whether it's nature and back roads, or wanting to have a dip in the pool and lay in the sun, this campground is the best of both worlds. Great prices and deals," explains a family who stayed there.
Seek accessible bathroom facilities: Tobyhanna maintains family bathrooms. "Bathrooms were immaculate even had a family bathroom," notes a parent who camped with a 7-year-old. This amenity provides privacy for families with small children during morning routines.
Tips from RVers
Pack leveling equipment: Jim Thorpe Camping Resort requires preparation. "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right," explains one RVer. Bringing extra leveling blocks saves considerable setup time.
Choose full hookup areas carefully: Cozy Creek Family Campground has varying site quality. "The pull through sites worked well for us, however next time we'd ask for one with a concrete patio," advises an experienced visitor. Requesting specific cabin or RV sites based on ground material improves comfort during wet weather.
Verify water hose length requirements: When booking cabin sites with water hookups, pack extra-length hoses. At Moyers Grove, one camper noted they "actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot." Standard 25-foot hoses often fall short at many area campgrounds.
