Cabins near Buckeystown, Maryland offer access to the rolling foothills of the Catoctin Mountain range, with elevations ranging from 300 to 1,900 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during peak camping months. Most cabin locations sit within an hour's drive of both Frederick and Harper's Ferry, creating convenient basecamp options for exploring the region's historical sites and natural attractions.
What to do
Riverside activities: At Brunswick Family Campground, campers can enjoy direct access to the Potomac River. "The Shanandoah is just as beautiful. The showers could use a good cleaning but they are typical Campground showers perfect for the campground life," notes one visitor who made multiple trips to the location.
Explore historic towns: Many cabin rentals provide access to nearby historical areas within short driving distances. "Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car (or shuttle from the Visitor Center). Frederick and Antietam are each barely 30-minutes by car," reports a camper who stayed at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA.
Trail hiking: Cabin locations throughout the area connect to extensive trail networks. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," shares one camper about Little Bennett Regional Park, noting the trails were accessible directly from their campsite.
What campers like
Riverside views: Water access stands out as a major appeal for many cabin rentals. "We had a great view of the river which was just a short walk away. You can walk down into the river or go up river some to go tubing!" notes a visitor to Brunswick City Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathroom facilities. "Bathroom and shower facility was very clean" notes a reviewer at Gambrill State Park Campground, adding that the park also offers "a fresh water spout, and even a small book exchange."
Proximity to attractions: The central location allows cabin renters to visit multiple destinations. "Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door," explains one reviewer about their cabin experience.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Several cabin locations have limited operating seasons. "We stayed in the first weekend open of the season," notes a Gambrill State Park visitor who camped in early April, explaining "This is a smaller campground, only 34 sites, but it had all you needed."
Train noise: Several campgrounds with cabins sit near active rail lines. "The CNO railroad runs pretty close it's not super loud just wanted to make you aware," warns a Brunswick Family Campground visitor, while others note the sound of trains at night can be more noticeable.
Reservation timing: For Cunningham Falls State Park, planning ahead is essential. "This is a very busy campground and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise," reports a visitor who stayed at the 149-site camping area.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Many families select cabins with swimming options. "We love going to Cunningham falls annually... There's a lake, boating, playgrounds, hike to the falls. So much scenery and nature," shares a repeat visitor who appreciates the variety of activities available.
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park specializes in family entertainment. "Tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground. Has a great water park, playground and bounce pad feature," explains a reviewer.
Accessibility considerations: When choosing a family cabin, consider location within the campground. At Cunningham Falls State Park William Houck Area, a visitor advised, "Biggest drawback was on arrival to Addison loop... The sites were also very close together and tight. There are paths to the bathroom through many sites so people walk through your site to get to the bathhouse."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many cabin areas have restrictions on RV sizes. At Little Bennett Campground, an RVer noted the layout: "D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only. AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster (1 bar), 8 MB/s with it (2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy."
Utility hookups: Understand what connections are available. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reports a Little Bennett camper, adding that the site had a "gravel parking pad" but required significant adjustment.
Seasonal considerations: For year-round cabin and RV options, Ramblin' Pines remains open all months. "Only an hour from the Baltimore/DC area was convenient when you are short on time and still want to get out there," notes a nearby camper, emphasizing how the location works well for quick weekend getaways.