Central Pennsylvania is a hub for cabin camping with elevations ranging from 400-1,300 feet above sea level near York. Cabin rentals flourish in this region due to the temperate climate where summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F and winter temperatures often fall between 25-40°F. The hardwood forests surrounding many campgrounds provide natural windbreaks for cabin sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, anglers can access multiple fishing spots around Pinchot Lake. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," notes a visitor who appreciated the well-maintained fishing areas at both day-use sections of the park.
Hiking trails: Many cabins near York provide access to trail systems. The 8.5-mile Lakeside Trail at Gifford Pinchot offers scenic views with varying terrain. A camper described their experience: "I took an early morning hike on the Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles."
Disc golf courses: Codorus State Park Campground maintains well-designed courses for disc golf enthusiasts. The park offers multiple trails suitable for hiking and biking. "There are a lot of trails available for hiking, biking, or riding horses," mentions a reviewer who appreciated the recreational diversity.
Farm animal interactions: Cabin rentals at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm include unique access to farm animals. "The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids," shares a guest who enjoyed the rural experience. Children can feed goats, pigs, chickens, horses, and llamas during designated times.
What campers like
Diverse accommodation options: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA offers cabin rentals with varying amenities. "Our site was very nice! We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," reports a satisfied camper who appreciated the site quality.
Clean facilities: Cabin guests frequently mention bathroom cleanliness as a priority. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, visitors note, "The bathrooms are nice and are designated shelters in case of severe weather." This attention to detail extends to many campgrounds offering cabin rentals near York.
Spacious sites: Many cabins provide ample outdoor space. At Cedar Lake Family Campground, visitors appreciate the roominess. "Lots of activities and the staff was very friendly. When I went to leave on Sunday, as I was driving up an incline my trailer became unhitched from my tow vehicle. The owners husband kindly helped me get it jacked up."
Well-maintained pools: Swimming options enhance the cabin camping experience for families. "The pool through RV sites are in the centerfield and kind of exposed to the elements but you are right across from the pool and right across from an amazing playground," notes an Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin rentals near York operate from April through October. A Codorus State Park camper shares, "The primitive tent loop which is right on the lake... can get a little busy on the weekends since there is a boat launch at the end of the primitive lane."
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, especially for cabins. "We got there later in the evening and it was really difficult to find something in the dark," mentions a Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm visitor regarding their experience with the campground's first-come, first-served policy.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise issues. At Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, a camper warns, "There's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours."
Utility limitations: Basic cabins may have restricted services. "While it irked me a bit that Pinch Pond likes to 'pinch pennies' by offering early arrivals/late departures for $3/hour, in a crunch, providing that accommodations are available, it's not the worst option," notes a visitor who needed flexibility with check-in times.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm offers extensive children's facilities. "The resort is spacious, scattered throughout the woods. The RV sites are comfortable with all the amenities. And the customer service is impeccable," reports a visitor who enjoyed the family-friendly environment.
Educational opportunities: Farm-based campgrounds provide learning experiences. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, families appreciate the interactive animal experiences: "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires."
Affordable activities: Many campgrounds include budget-friendly options for families. "The kids LOVED the animals and we fed them at the allotted time every morning and went to visit at other times," shares a Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm visitor, highlighting the free animal feeding activities.
Safety considerations: Family-focused cabin areas often feature enhanced security measures. A Merry Meadows visitor noted, "The campground is very safe at night, no noise disturbances at night and we had no problems having our kids wander around by themselves."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When choosing cabin locations, consider proximity to amenities. At Thousand Trails Circle M, a camper advises, "While the top part of the campground seemed more communal, we chose the lower, Riverside sites and we're glad we did!"
Parking limitations: Some cabins have restricted vehicle space. "Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck," reports a Hersheypark Camping Resort visitor who found the parking arrangements challenging for larger vehicles.
Seasonal pricing variations: Cabin rental costs fluctuate significantly by season. A Circle M visitor notes, "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!" These special event weekends often command premium rates.
Accessibility factors: Terrain varies between cabin locations. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level," shares a Circle M visitor who appreciated the convenient site conditions for their equipment.
