Cabin camping near Williamsport, Pennsylvania provides access to the state's Endless Mountains region, with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet throughout the surrounding landscape. The area receives approximately 42 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest environments and feeding numerous streams that flow through many campgrounds. Most cabin facilities maintain operational status through mid-December, with select locations offering winter accommodations.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Little Pine State Park Campground offers a lake for swimming during summer months. "We went on a weekday and it wasn't crowded but I've heard on the weekends it gets packed," notes one visitor who appreciated the beach area just a short drive from the campground.
Local festival access: Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse provides proximity to community events. A camper explains, "We all took the kayaks out on the Susquehanna River that runs behind the property for a sunny paddle. Came back and went to a wine fest, in the park that is right next to the campground."
Hiking trail connections: Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground features numerous trails accessible directly from camping areas. "The night skies were beautiful (starry starry night w/little light pollution) and trails galore leading directly from the campground," shares one visitor who appreciated the easy trail access.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds maintain areas for wildlife observation. At Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA, "There is a petting zoo, jump pillow, and regularly scheduled activities," according to a recent visitor who found plenty to do with their family.
What campers like
Swimming options: Little Pine State Park Campground visitors appreciate water recreation. "It's a great stop if you're doing rails to trails or swimming at the beach up the road," notes a camper who found the area ideal for cooling off during summer visits.
Quiet natural settings: Campers frequently mention the peaceful environments. "This state park has yurts you can rent to stay in and also some very good campsites too and good facilities. Hiking trails, a lake, huge picnic area too," according to a visitor at Little Pine State Park.
Riverside locations: Multiple campgrounds feature water access. "Nice spots right next to river where we set up lawn chairs in river and let the kids play," explains a camper at Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse who valued the direct water access.
Cleanliness of facilities: Hidden Valley Camping Resort receives praise for maintenance standards. "I have to say this is one of the cleanest places - bathrooms are top knocked and people there friendly and plenty to do with kids," writes one camper who found the facilities well-maintained.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant weather variations. "We unfortunately got stuck in infamous Northeast PA weather but we made the best of it. There were thunderstorms and campsite was a little flooded but we were still able to camp," reports a visitor to Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse.
Campsite layout variations: Site privacy differs significantly between campgrounds. "Sites aren't too on top of each other. Easily accessible overflow parking. Our site was on a small stream so very buggy, but we also got to hear bullfrogs," notes a camper at Worlds End State Park Campground.
Seasonal infrastructure changes: Water systems may have seasonal limitations. At Ricketts Glen State Park, "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."
Alcohol policies: Rules vary significantly between private and state-operated facilities. "Alcohol is strictly forbidden– we were warned that if a ranger saw any alcohol outside of our vehicle, we would be cited," explains a visitor to Ricketts Glen State Park about state park regulations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA offers extensive children's facilities. "My daughter loves the pools, gem mining, and slushies. The farm animals are adorable. We go every year with friends who use a tent while we use a travel trailer," shares a regular visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA, one visitor noted "Pool, nice playground with neat zipline for kids. Animals to see and feed. Hayride or firetruck ride in evening. Movie at night. Crafts to do with kids too."
Swimming options: Families appreciate water recreation areas. "The playground was fantastic and looked to be new, and there was a jumping pillow and a pool," reports a Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA visitor who found multiple activity options for children.
Educational opportunities: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground provides natural learning environments. "The biggest draw to this state park is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers recommend researching specific sites. At Holiday Pines Campground, "A lot of long term campers on site so it's quiet as far as other campers," notes a visitor who appreciated the peaceful atmosphere despite proximity to transportation routes.
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between locations. "The campground has excellent service, I work online so that was a relief. Full bars on AT&T and Verizon," reports a visitor to Holiday Pines Campground who needed reliable connectivity.
Campground traffic: Some locations have significant internal vehicle use. At Hidden Valley Camping Resort, "Most of the campground was seasonal sites. People ran golf carts all day and evening long. Not just a little bit… a whole lot!" according to a camper who found the traffic disruptive.
Seasonal sites: Many campgrounds maintain year-round residents. "Very clean and well managed campground. Sites are a little close in some areas, but are nice. WSE at each site. There are cute cabins and a tent area," explains a visitor to Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse.
