Pennsylvania state parks are some of the best places to visit with kids. Pennsylvania has 125 state parks, which is more than any other state except Alaska. These parks vary in size and scenery, so there’s sure to be one that appeals to almost everyone. We’ve compiled a list of Pennsylvania’s State Parks with cabins that will accommodate big families of six or more.
Some parks offer rustic cabins while others have full modern houses. When making plans to book facilities at these state parks, check to see if you need to bring your own linens, sleeping bags, cooking gear, water containers, and eating utensils.
BALD EAGLE STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Bald Eagle State Park, a 5,900-acre preserve in northcentral Pennsylvania, is home to Bald Eagle Mountain and the Bald Eagle Valley. The 1,730-acre Bald Eagle Lake is nestled among forests, fields, and wetlands. There are two campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming, and the Nature Inn, as well as an excellent wildlife habitat.
- Two yurts are available that sleep 6 with a double bed and 2 sets of bunk beds. Yurts include a kitchen with a fridge and stove but no running water.
- The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle lodge offers 16 overnight guest room. One room sleeps families of six with two queens and a sofa sleeper.
BLACK MOSHANNON STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Black Moshannon State Park protects 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands in Centre County, Pennsylvania, that provide recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors. It protects unique, natural environments and is nine miles east of Philipsburg on PA 504. More than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest surround the park, creating a wilderness setting. According to local folklore, American Indians named this watershed Moss-Hanne, meaning moose stream, hence the name Black Moshannon State Park.
- The park offers six modern cabins that sleep six, two are ADA accessible. Amenities include electricity, a full-size refrigerator, a microwave, a stove, and a coffee maker. Beds include a double and two sets of bunk beds.
- Seven rustic cabins are available to sleep six with single/single bunk beds and double/double bunk beds.
- Families of eight can rent the Ski Lodge/Unique House. Beds include 3 sets of bunk beds and a double bed.
BLUE KNOB STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Blue Knob State Park is a stunning 6,128 acres of woodland in northwestern Bedford County, west of I-99. Altoona, Johnstown, and Bedford are within 25 miles of this scenic park.
- Check out the Directors Cabin to sleep six with a double bed and two sets of bunk beds. Amenities include a microwave, a full-sized refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a bathroom.
- Twin Fawn House sleeps eight. Amenities include a full kitchen and bathroom.
CALEDONIA STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Between Chambersburg and Gettysburg on the Lincoln Highway, midway between Adams and Franklin counties, lies the 1,125-acre Caledonia State Park. It is nestled within South Mountain, the northern terminus of the well-known Blue Ridge Mountain of Maryland and Virginia. Have fun at the park’s 18-hole golf course or at the swimming pool with a waterslide.
- Families of up to 10 can rent House #2. Beds include 3 double beds and two sets of bunk beds. Amenities include a full kitchen and bathroom.
CANOE CREEK STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Canoe Creek State Park features a 155-acre lake, wetlands, old fields, and mature forests, which provide critical habitats for migrating birds and other wildlife. Enjoy fishing and hiking year-round.
- Eight modern cabins accommodate families of six. Two cabins are ADA Accessible. Beds include a double and two sets of bunk beds. Amenities include a full kitchen and bathroom.
CHAPMAN STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
The 68-acre Chapman Lake is part of the 862-acre Chapman State Park on the West Branch of Tionesta Creek in Pennsylvania. Adjacent to State Game Lands #29 and the Allegheny National Forest, Chapman has plenty of outdoor activities for your family to enjoy.
- Two yurt structures accommodate families of six with a double bed and two sets of bunk beds. Amenities include electricity, a microwave, a stovetop, and a refrigerator.
CLEAR CREEK STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Located in the Clear Creek Valley, Clear Creek State Park has 1,444 acres to explore from PA 949 to the Clarion River.
- Eight rustic cabins can sleep families of six and one can accommodate eight. Amenities include a microwave, a stove, and a refrigerator.
CODORUS STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
The Codorus State Park is situated in the hilly areas of southern York County. The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg has 26 miles of shoreline and is a resting place for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Sail boating, motorboating, and fishing are all popular. A swimming pool is available.
- Families of up to 12 can reserve Black Rock Lodge. Beds include 3 doubles and 3 sets of bunk beds.
COOK FOREST STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
The Cook Forest State Park is located in northwestern Pennsylvania and is home to 8,500 acres of forested land. Cook Forest State Park’s Forest Cathedral is a National Natural Landmark and is home to a large population of old-growth pines and hemlocks. There are several stretches of river that travel between Clear Creek State Park and Cook Forest State Park, especially popular for canoeing and rafting.
- Seven River Cabins can sleep families of 8 and one can sleep up to 10. These rustic cabins offer kitchens but do not offer running water or bathrooms.
FRENCH CREEK STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
French Creek State Park is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington DC and New York City with 7.730 acres. The forest, lakes, wetlands, and fields are great destinations for families to hike, fish, camp, and bike.
- Families of six can book one of 10 Modern Cabins. Two cabins are ADA accessible. Amenities include electric heat, a kitchen, and a private restroom with shower.
GIFFORD PINCHOT STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Gifford Pinchot State Park, a 2,338-acre full-service park located in northern York County along PA 177 between the towns of Rossville and Lewisberry, consists of reverting farmland and wooded hillsides. Pinchot Lake, which is 340 acres in size, is a popular attraction.
- Eight modern cabins sleep families of six and two will sleep families of eight. One cabin for six is ADA accessible. Cabins have full kitchens and bathrooms.
HILLS CREEK STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Hills Creek State Park is a 20-minute drive from the PA Grand Canyon in scenic Tioga County. Hills Creek Lake is home to wildlife like Osprey, Bald Eagles, waterfowl, and plenty of fish. Enjoy the outdoors with five miles of trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.
- Families of six can book one of 10 Modern Cabins. Two cabins are ADA accessible. Cabins include a kitchen and a bathroom with shower.
HYNER RUN STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Surrounded by Sproul State Forest, Hyner Run State Park is a great place to enjoy the mountains. Located 6 miles east of Renovo, this 180-acre park is a great destination for a fun outdoor weekend.
- Hyner Run has one modern cabin that sleeps eight and is ADA accessible. Cabin has a full kitchen and two bathrooms.
KEYSTONE STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Keystone State Park is an excellent choice for weekend excursions or family vacations all year round. Daytrips and wildlife spotting are easy in this 1,200-acre park, which is close to Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands, and other attractions. Modern cabins and campgrounds are also close by, providing an ideal setting for outdoor activities.
- Eleven modern cabins are available for families of six. One is ADA accessible. Beds include a double bed and two sets of bunk beds. Amenities include a kitchen and a modern bathroom with a shower.
KOOSER STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
At an elevation of 2,600 feet, Kooser State Park draws visitors year-round to its 250 acres of forest and the beautiful trout stream that flows the full length of the park. Fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, picnicking, and family cabins are among the park’s popular activities.
- Of the park’s 8 rustic cabins, 3 sleep six, 1 sleeps seven, and 1 sleeps families of up to 8. Cabins have a refrigerator, microwave, a stove, and sink with hot water but do not have bathrooms.
LAUREL HILL STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
The Laurel Hill State Park, which is found in Somerset County, consists of 4,062 acres of rugged terrain. The 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake is the highlight of the park. It is surrounded by thousands of acres of untamed state park and state forest land. The Jones Mill Run Dam and the Hemlock Trail Natural Area are two must-see destinations on your trip to the park. The trail system invites visitors to explore the park and witness the diversity of vegetation and wildlife.
- Two-story Hufman Lodge has five bedrooms, which sleep 14 guests in three double beds, a set of single bunk beds, and two sets of single/double bunk beds. The lodge has 2.75 bathrooms, 1.5 kitchens, a recreation room, a laundry, and is ADA accessible.
- Copper Kettle Lodge sleeps 8 with three bedrooms. Amenities include a bathroom, full kitchen, and a large great room.
LINN RUN STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Linn Run State Park’s varied topography and mixed hardwood and evergreen forest create a scenic place for picnicking, hiking, and cabin rentals. Grove and Rock Runs join to form Linn Run, a desirable trout stream that includes the beautiful Adams Falls. Forbes State Forest borders Linn Run State Park and provides 50,000 acres of land for outdoor activities.
- Two rustic cabins sleep 6, one cabin sleeps 8. Rustic cabins are served by outside water spigots, rustic toilets, and a modern washhouse with showers and flush toilet.
- One modern cabin sleeps 6 and is ADA accessible.
LITTLE BUFFALO STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
The inviting water of Little Buffalo Creek has drawn people for centuries. Farmers and merchants used to grind grain at Shoaff’s Mill nearby. Merchants, locals, and travellers used to meet at the local Blue Ball Tavern. Today, thousands of people come to Little Buffalo State Park to picnic, swim, fish, hike, and enjoy nature and history.
- Little Buffalo Lodges has room for 14 and is ADA accessible. Amenities include a kitchen, heat and air conditioning, and washer and dryer.
MORAINE STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
The picturesque scenery and sparkling waters of Moraine State Park disguise the fact that the region has been shaped by continental glaciers and massive mineral extraction. Each year over one million boaters, hikers, bikers, and swimmers visit the 16,725-acre park, but they never know that many people joined forces to restore it from prior coal mining and oil and gas drilling. The park is an outstanding example of environmental engineering achievement today.
- Eleven modern cabins sleep families of 6, two of which are ADA accessible. Cabins include a kitchen, a bathroom with shower, and electric heat.
NOCKAMIXON STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Nockamixon State Park is close to Philadelphia, but far enough away for a vacation. The 5,286-acre park is in the rolling hills of scenic Bucks County. Three Mile Run and Haycock Run provide water for Tohickon Creek, a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and a destination for boaters and anglers. Visitors to the park enjoy picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
- The park offers 10 modern cabins, seven sleep 6 and 3 sleep 8. The two and three-bedroom cabins have kitchens and bathrooms with shower.
OLE BULL STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
The Ole Bull State Park in Potter County comprises 132 acres in the Kettle Creek Valley. This forested wilderness is described as the Black Forest because of its steep mountain and dense tree cover. The park is named after Ole Bornemann Bull, a famous Norwegian violinist who tried to develop a Norwegian settlement in the 1850s.
- Ole Bull Cabin sleeps 12 in three bedrooms. The 1.5 story log cabin has a full kitchen and is ADA accessible.
PARKER DAM STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Parker Dam State Park is surrounded by Moshannon State Forest and offers 968 acres to explore. A rustic cabin, quaint campground, and unbounded forest make Parker Dam an ideal location for a relaxing getaway. Check their calendar for seasonal events including Woodsy Owl Weekend, Woodhick Weekend, and the Fall Festival.
- Ten rustic cabins sleep 6. One is ADA accessible. Two cabins sleep 8. Each cabin has a nearby bathroom with sink, shower, and flush toilet.
- Tyler Cabin can sleep 12 in bunk beds. Non-flush restrooms are nearby.
PINE GROVE FURNACE STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
In the northern reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 696-acre Pine Grove Furnace State Park is steeped in natural and historical qualities. Numerous recreational possibilities are available to visitors, including hiking the Appalachian Trail, biking the rail trail, visiting the Appalachian Trail Museum, and imagining when the park was a charcoal-fired iron furnace community. Michaux State Forest surrounds the park, allowing for an adventurous exploration of extensive public lands nearby.
- The historic Paymaster’s Cabin offers modern conveniences of electric heat, air conditioning, full kitchen, and bathroom. Families of up to six can book the cabin that once served as the paymaster’s office during the Pine Grove Furnace’s iron making days.
PRINCE GALLITZIN STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Prince Gallitzin State Park lies on forested Allegheny Plateau hills in Glendale Lake’s domain, where you can take in scenic vistas of the 1,635-acre body of water with its 26-mile coastline. Anglers and boaters alike enjoy the park’s diverse natural habitats, which are home to a variety of wildlife. Spring and autumn migration stopovers are also popular with campers. The varied habitats of the park make it home to a variety of wildlife.
- Seven modern cabins sleeps 6 and three sleep 8. Two are ADA accessible. Amenities include a kitchen and a bathroom with a shower.
PROMISED LAND STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Promised Land State Park, which is 3,000 acres in size and is on the Pocono Plateau. At 1,800 feet above sea level, the park is surrounded by Delaware State Forest, which consists of 12,464 acres of Pennsylvania’s natural areas. Two lakes and several small streams contribute to the park’s remarkable scenic beauty.
- Whittaker Rustic Cabin sleeps up to 8. Amenities include a refrigerator, stove, and adjacent private bathroom.
PYMATUNING STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Pymatuning State Park is huge, with 16,892 acres. It is one of the largest state parks in Pennsylvania, at least in terms of land area. Pymatuning Reservoir, which is 17,088 acres in size, is the largest lake in the Commonwealth. Pymatuning State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most popular state parks. You’ll also enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and other recreational activities there.
- Twenty-two modern cabins sleep 6, six of which are ADA accessible. Three modern cabins sleep 8. Amenities include a kitchen and a bathroom with shower.
RACCOON CREEK STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Raccoon Creek State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s largest and most beautiful state parks with 7,572 acres, has grown from a recreational demonstration area operated by the National Park Service in the 1930s to one of the state’s most scenic spots. Raccoon Lake, a stunning 101-acre body of water, is one of the park’s highlights.
- Ten modern cabins with two or three bedrooms that sleep 6 or 8 people. Amenities include a kitchen and a full bathroom.
- Three-bedroom Lakeside Lodge sleeps 10. Amenities include a full kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, laundry facilities, and central heat and air conditioning.
RICKETTS GLEN STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
The Ricketts Glen Glens Natural Area is a National Natural Landmark. The Glens, a collection of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, is home to a variety of wildlife, including old-growth timber, as well as a variety of cascading waterfalls. Ganoga Falls, the highest of 22 named waterfalls, falls 94 feet down a rock-strewn cleft in an ancient hillside. The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of Ricketts Glen State Park, one of the most beautiful areas in Pennsylvania. This large park consists of 13,050 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties.
- Two and three-bedroom modern cabins sleep families of 6 or 8. Two cabins are ADA accessible. Amenities include a kitchen and bathroom with shower.
SHAWNEE STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
At 3,983 acres, Pennsylvania’s Shawnee State Park is part of the Ridge and Valley Province’s scenic landscape. Ten miles west of historic Bedford along US 30, Shawnee’s modern recreation facilities blend seamlessly with its natural environment. The 451-acre Shawnee Lake is the park’s main feature.
- Two-story Shawnee Lodge sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. The lodge has a kitchen, one full bathroom, air conditioning, and heat.
SIMON B ELLIOTT STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Moshannon State Forest’s 318-acre Simon B. Elliott State Park is in the centre of the forest. This wooded park contains swamp meadows and a mix of timber trees commonly found in second-growth forests. The park’s signature style, created by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is created by some of the most distinctive CCC construction in the state.
- Three rustic cabins accommodate families of 6, of which, one cabin is ADA accessible. Families of up to 10 can book rustic cabin #3. Cabins have refrigerator and stove but no indoor running water.
SINNEMAHONING STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
The 1,910-acre Sinnemahoning State Park in central Pennsylvania’s picturesque steep-valley region is home to outstanding wildlife habitat and gorgeous scenery. Located in Cameron and Potter counties, the park is between the green-shouldered ridges of Pennsylvania’s Elk and Susquehannock State Forests. At the southern end of the park, the George B. Stevenson dam creates a 145-acre reservoir that offers excellent fishing and water recreation opportunities. Don’t miss out on the cutting-edge educational experiences and observation locations at The Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park.
- Four-bedroom Brooks Run Cabin sleep up to 12. Amenities include a full kitchen and 1.5 bathrooms,
TROUGH CREEK STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Trough Creek State Park is a picturesque gorge that was created by Great Trough Creek as it cut through Terrace Mountain and poured into Raystown Lake. Rugged hiking trails lead to sights like Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls. Rothrock State Forest and Raystown Lake Recreation Area border the park.
- Originally constructed in the mid-1800s as an ironmaster’s home, the two-story Trough Creek Cabin sleep families of up to 10. The four-bedroom two-bathroom house has an eat-in kitchen and central heat.
WORLDS END STATE PARK, Pennsylvania
Worlds End State Park is located in a narrow S-shaped valley of Loyalsock Creek just south of Forksville, Sullivan County. The 780-acre park provides visitors with a variety of recreational activities in a pristine environment surrounded by the Loyalsock State Forest.
- Eleven of the rustic cabins sleep families of up to 8. Cabins include a refrigerator, range, and fireplace insert. Three shower houses are nearby.
Check out more big family friendly state park cabins by state.
