Keystone State Park - Family Cabins

For Pennsylvanians seeking an escape into nature without sacrificing comfort, the idea of a cozy cabin nestled within a beautiful state park often comes to mind. While traditional camping with tents or RVs has its charm, sometimes a bit more luxury and convenience can elevate a getaway from good to truly great. This is where the Family Cabins at Keystone State Park shine. Located in the picturesque landscape of Westmoreland County, these modern cabins offer a delightful blend of rustic charm and contemporary amenities, providing a perfect home base for families, couples, or friends looking to explore the abundant outdoor opportunities that Keystone State Park has to offer. It's a chance to immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of the Keystone State, whether you're hiking scenic trails, enjoying the serene lake, or simply relaxing by a crackling fire, all from the comfort of a well-appointed cabin. Many locals have discovered these cabins to be an ideal solution for a rejuvenating retreat, offering ample space and essential facilities that make extended stays enjoyable, regardless of the season.

Keystone State Park - Family Cabins are situated at 106 Stone Lodge Rd, New Alexandria, PA 15670, USA. This location places them within the greater Keystone State Park, a beloved recreational area in Westmoreland County. The cabins are specifically located near the breast of the dam, nestled between the park's two campgrounds (Lakeside and Hillside), offering a pleasant and convenient setting for your stay.

For Pennsylvanians, accessing Keystone State Park is remarkably straightforward. The park is approximately three miles from the intersection of PA 981 and US 22, making it an easy drive from many parts of Western Pennsylvania. If you're coming from the bustling Pittsburgh metropolitan area, the park is typically less than an hour's drive, providing a fantastic local escape without the need for extensive travel. The direct route along well-maintained state and local roads ensures a smooth journey. While the official park office is at 1150 Keystone Park Road, the cabins themselves are accessed via Stone Lodge Road, which can be reached from Slag Road (T 860). This network of roads makes navigation simple, even for those unfamiliar with the immediate area. The benefit of this accessibility for locals is immense; it means less time in the car and more time enjoying the beautiful scenery and activities that await you at Keystone State Park. Even for those with electric vehicles, the park offers a convenient charging station, further enhancing its accessibility for modern travelers.

The Family Cabins at Keystone State Park are designed to provide a comfortable and convenient "home away from home" in a natural setting. The 11 modern cabins are available year-round and come equipped with a range of services and amenities:

• Modern Bathroom with Shower: Each cabin features a private bathroom, complete with a shower, toilet, and sink, offering privacy and comfort.
• Fully Equipped Kitchen: The cabins include a kitchen area with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave oven, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. While major appliances are provided, guests typically need to bring their own kitchenware, dishes, and utensils.
• Two Bedrooms: The cabins are designed to sleep six people comfortably, typically with one bedroom featuring a double bed and another with two sets of bunk beds.
• Living Room Area: A common living space is included, providing an area for relaxation and gathering.
• Outdoor Amenities: Each cabin has an outdoor picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for cooking outdoors and enjoying evenings by the campfire. Some also include a separate charcoal grill.
• Electric Heating and Outlets: All cabins are equipped with electric heat and multiple electrical outlets for your convenience.
• ADA Accessible Cabin: Cabin #11 is specifically designed to be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible, ensuring comfort and convenience for all visitors.
• Pet-Friendly Policy (with restrictions): While general cabin policies are strict, some specific cabins within the Pennsylvania State Parks system may allow pets for an additional fee and with certain restrictions. It is crucial to verify the current pet policy for the specific Family Cabins at Keystone State Park directly with the park office when making reservations.

It is important to note that guests typically need to bring their own bed linens, towels, and general kitchen and bath necessities to the cabins.

Keystone State Park and its Family Cabins offer a variety of features and highlights that enhance any visit:

• Year-Round Availability: Unlike many camping options, the modern cabins are available for rent throughout the entire year, allowing for winter getaways, fall foliage trips, or any season you prefer.
• Proximity to Keystone Lake: The cabins are ideally located within easy walking distance or a short drive to the 78-acre Keystone Lake, offering immediate access to a host of water-based activities.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: The park boasts over 8 miles of trails, catering to all skill levels. The popular 2.2-mile Lakeside Loop Trail is particularly appealing, as it encircles the lake, is ADA accessible, and is great for both hiking and biking. Other trails, like Stone Lodge Trail, offer more challenging terrain and opportunities for birdwatching and exploring diverse ecosystems.
• Excellent Fishing: Keystone Lake is a renowned fishing destination, stocked with a variety of warm and cold-water fish species, including trout, largemouth bass, and black crappie. A fishing pier is also available.
• Boating Opportunities: The lake permits non-powered and electric-powered boats. Visitors can bring their own or rent canoes, kayaks, and rowboats from the park's concessionaire, making it easy to enjoy the water.
• Swimming Beach: During the warmer months (late May to mid-September), a sandy swimming beach on Keystone Lake provides a perfect spot to cool off and relax.
• Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing: The park's diverse habitats make it an excellent location for birdwatching and observing local wildlife, especially along the lake and various trails.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station: A significant modern convenience, the park provides a Level 2 J1772 EV charger at the boat launch parking lot, a valuable feature for environmentally conscious travelers.
• Peaceful and Scenic Environment: Visitors consistently praise the beautiful, quiet, and roomy nature of the cabins and the surrounding park area, making it ideal for a peaceful getaway.
• Educational Programs: The James A. Kell Visitor Center offers environmental education and recreation programs from March to November, providing engaging activities and learning opportunities for all ages.

As part of the Pennsylvania State Parks system, Keystone State Park's Family Cabins adhere to a standardized reservation and pricing structure rather than frequent short-term promotional offers common in private accommodations. However, understanding their booking policies can help you plan and potentially optimize your stay:

• Advance Reservations: Cabins are highly popular, especially during peak seasons, and can be reserved up to 11 months in advance. It is strongly advisable to book well ahead of your desired dates, especially for weekends and holidays.
• Summer Season Rental Period: During the summer (typically from the second Friday in June to the day before the third Friday in August), cabins must generally be rented for a full week, beginning on a Friday.
• Off-Season Rental Periods: Outside of the summer peak, cabins usually have a minimum stay of two days, up to a maximum of 14 consecutive days. This flexibility makes off-peak visits very appealing.
• Online and Phone Reservations: Reservations can be conveniently made online through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system or by calling their toll-free reservation line.
• Payment Policies: Full payment is typically required within ten days of making a reservation to confirm it. Various payment methods, including major credit cards, are accepted.
• Cancellation and Change Policies: Detailed policies regarding cancellations, changes, and associated fees are available on the Pennsylvania DCNR website and should be reviewed carefully when booking.
• Gift Cards: Pennsylvania State Parks gift cards can be used towards cabin rentals, making them a great gift option for outdoor enthusiasts.

While there might not be "flash sales," these structured policies aim to provide fair access to these sought-after accommodations. Planning ahead is key to securing your preferred dates and cabin type.

For reservations, detailed inquiries about the cabins, or general information regarding Keystone State Park, you can utilize the following contact channels:

Address: 106 Stone Lodge Rd, New Alexandria, PA 15670, USA (This is the specific address for the cabin area). The general park office, which oversees the cabins, is at 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA 15627.

Park Office Phone: (724) 668-2939

Toll-Free Reservation Line: +1 888-PA-PARKS (+1 888-727-2757) - available Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Email: keystonesp@pa.gov

Online Reservations: You can make reservations directly through the official Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system website.

It is always recommended to contact the park office directly for the most current information regarding cabin availability, specific amenities, or any operational updates that might affect your stay.

For Pennsylvanians, the Family Cabins at Keystone State Park represent an outstanding local option for a memorable and comfortable getaway. The primary advantage is their accessibility; located in Westmoreland County and less than an hour's drive from Pittsburgh, these cabins offer a convenient escape that minimizes travel time and maximizes relaxation. This ease of access makes them perfect for weekend trips, family vacations, or even a spontaneous mid-week break, allowing locals to effortlessly tap into the natural beauty of their own state.

The cabins themselves provide a unique blend of outdoor immersion and modern comfort. Unlike traditional camping, these fully equipped cabins offer private bathrooms, kitchens, and ample living space, making them suitable for families with young children, those who prefer more creature comforts, or anyone looking for a comfortable base after a day of exploring. This appeals to a broad range of local residents who desire an outdoor experience without the full commitment of tent or RV camping.

Furthermore, the cabins are nestled within Keystone State Park, which itself is a treasure trove of activities. Locals can enjoy the serene Keystone Lake for fishing, boating, or swimming, explore over 8 miles of diverse hiking trails, or simply relax amidst the beautiful, natural surroundings. The presence of amenities like the EV charging station demonstrates the park's commitment to modern convenience for its visitors. Essentially, these family cabins offer Pennsylvanians a hassle-free, comfortable, and activity-rich way to enjoy the great outdoors year-round, making it a perfect, locally accessible destination for creating cherished memories.

Keystone State Park - Family Cabins

106 Stone Lodge Rd, New Alexandria, PA 15670, USA