Cozy Winter Cabin Getaways in Pennsylvania: Where to Go and What to Pack

Our fall week in a log cabin at Treasure Lake was so relaxing that Katy and I are already talking about going back when there’s snow on the ground. A cabin is even better in winter: a fire going, a blanket, hot coffee and nowhere to be. If you’re thinking about a winter getaway too, here’s what we’ve learned and where we’d look.

Where We’d Go

Treasure Lake and DuBois

This is where we stayed in October, about eight miles north of DuBois in Clearfield County. It’s a quiet, wooded lake community with plenty of cabins for rent, and DuBois is close by for groceries, coffee and a good dinner. See our whole Treasure Lake trip here.

Elk Country Near Benezette

Pennsylvania’s wild elk herd lives in the Benezette area all year, not just during the fall rut. A winter drive through elk country is a great day trip from a cabin near DuBois. Check the Elk Country Visitor Center’s winter hours before you go. Our elk country post

Cook Forest and the PA Wilds

The Cook Forest area is known for its big old trees and the Clarion River. One thing to know: the rustic cabins inside Cook Forest State Park are only rented from mid-April to mid-December, so for a winter trip, look at private cabin rentals in the area instead.

Tips for a Winter Cabin Trip

• Ask about the driveway. Before you book, ask if the road and driveway are plowed. Some cabins sit up steep hills.
• Check the heat. Make sure the cabin has a real heat source, not just a fireplace, and ask if firewood is included.
• Buy firewood near the cabin. Don’t bring firewood from home. Buying it where you burn it helps stop tree pests from spreading.
• Stock up in town. Get groceries before you head up to the cabin, in case the weather turns.
• Watch the weather. Check road conditions for the whole drive, and leave a day early if a storm is coming.
• Keep a winter kit in the car: a blanket, a flashlight, a phone charger, water and snacks.

What to Do on a Snowy Day

• Watch for deer and birds from the window. We saw deer every morning at Treasure Lake.
• Bring board games, a puzzle or a few movies.
• Cook something slow: chili, soup or a pot roast.
• Take a short walk in the snow, then warm up by the fire.
• Find the local coffee shop. You know I always do.

Have you done a winter cabin trip? Tell us your favorite spot in the comments, and save this post to Pinterest for your own winter planning.

– Corey & Katy

#WinterGetaway #CabinGetaway #CozyCabin #PennsylvaniaTravel #PAWilds #TreasureLake #ElkCountry #CabinLife #WinterTravel #TwoRoamWild

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.