Cabins near Sabillasville, Maryland offer camping options at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,600 feet in the Catoctin Mountain range. The area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs typically 5-10 degrees lower than nearby urban areas. Fall foliage season peaks in mid-October, making it a popular time for cabin rentals in the region.
What to do
Hiking the Catoctin Trail: Access this scenic trail system from Gambrill State Park Campground, which connects to numerous hiking paths. "There are lots of trails for hiking, beautiful lake and scenery," notes one visitor at Gambrill, while another mentions "the trails were very enjoyable and we hiked about 15 miles with sections of the Appalachian trail."
Water activities in summer months: The lake at Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park offers swimming and fishing opportunities. "The 43 acre Hunting Creek Lake offers great fishing. Trolling motors are permitted, but ideal for paddling," shares a camper. The beach area receives high marks from families: "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed."
Historical tours and battlefields: Many cabin campers use Sabillasville as a base for exploring Civil War sites. "This campground is about a 5 minute drive to downtown Gettysburg," writes a visitor to Artillery Ridge Campground. Another camper notes their cabin stay was enhanced by "hiking together... we felt like we were away from everyone else."
What campers like
Rustic cabin comfort: The log cabins at Caledonia State Park Campground provide a simple yet comfortable experience. According to one visitor: "sites offer almost no seclusion or oneness with nature," which makes the cabins appealing in colder weather. The park's location on the Appalachian Trail makes it popular year-round.
Wildlife encounters: Evening wildlife viewing from cabin porches is common. "If you are lucky, you may see foxes and bears along with the standard woodland creatures. If you are extremely lucky, you may see the ever elusive bobcat," reports a Gambrill State Park visitor. Another camper noted the natural light shows: "we chose this park for the nice pool but loved the synchronous firefly show we saw in July!"
Clean facilities: Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA receives high marks for cabin cleanliness. "The cabin was clean and well maintained and the cabins are at the top of the hill but that made for a beautiful view," writes one visitor. Another mentions: "The bathroom/showers were very clean as well, and individual units for privacy. The wifi was spotty, but that is to be expected."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Cabin reservations often book months in advance, especially for weekends. A visitor to Gettysburg Campground advises: "This was our third stay here on our somewhat annual family meetup in Gettysburg. I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
Cabin amenities vary widely: Most basic cabins lack indoor plumbing. "The bathhouse was decent. Showers were very nice and looked like they'd been updated recently," notes one camper. Primitive cabins require more preparation: "Rustic cabins at Olive Green provide a genuine primitive experience with no electricity or running water."
Off-season considerations: Many cabins remain open year-round but with limited services. "We visited this park in December so it was pretty closed down. Every turn led to a dead end or closed gate with little to no signage pointing us toward the part of the park that was actually open," reports a Caledonia State Park visitor, emphasizing the importance of checking seasonal availability.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD offers extensive children's programming. "This campground has 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," reports one family. Another visitor notes, "We had a blast and will be returning next season. Multiple pools and a great little water park."
Safe exploration zones: Many cabins near Sabillasville have designated kid-friendly areas. "There are very few electric sites on the three lower loops, the fourth loop is all electric sites," explains a Cunningham Falls visitor, noting proximity to play areas. Another camper mentioned how the campground layout supports family activities: "We were in the 'C' row site. Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging."
Evening activities: Family-oriented cabins often host scheduled events. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," shares a camper. Another visitor explains, "The park is kid and dog friendly. Campsites are a little small and signage could be better, but restrooms are clean and the Rangers are very helpful."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for cabins and RVs: When booking RV sites with cabin-using friends, coordination matters. "We stayed in site #68, to the left when you enter the campground. We were in the water/electric section, and saw mostly other pop-ups, smaller RVs, and a few tents in our area. Our site was very spacious," reports a KOA visitor. The reviewer added practical advice: "Site 74 in the same section caught my eye as being very private, tucked away, and backing up to thick woods."
Utilities and hookups: RV sites near cabins often have different hookup configurations. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," notes a camper at Granite Hill Camping Resort. Another visitor emphasizes the importance of preparation: "Make sure to bring your leveling blocks, some sites do have a slope to them of 3-4"."
