Cabin accommodations near Clarksville, Maryland range from rustic to well-appointed options within 15-30 minutes of town. Located in Maryland's rolling Piedmont region at approximately 450 feet elevation, the area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 90s and generally mild winters. Cabins typically require advance booking, with wait times extending to several months during peak summer and fall foliage periods.
What to do
Hiking trails: Patapsco Valley State Park offers scenic hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. "There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes. You get a fire pit and cooking crate, and a picnic table. The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads," notes Sean M.
Water activities: Near Pohick Bay Campground, visitors find boating options just a short walk from campsites. "There is boat rental a short walk down the trail from the campgrounds and the pool and disc golf course are another short trail walk away," mentions Ben G. The park maintains water access points for kayaking and fishing.
Disc golf: Bull Run Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course suitable for beginners and experienced players. "BR park is absolutely beautiful. So much to do and centered around many historical sites," notes one camper. The course winds through wooded areas and open fields, providing varied play conditions.
What campers like
Mini cabins: At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, campers appreciate the small heated cabins. "The best part of this campground are the neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it,'" shares a visitor.
Camp stores: Ramblin' Pines provides on-site supplies for forgotten items. "There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs," explains Michelle L. The store stocks camping essentials, basic groceries, and firewood.
Quiet settings: Little Bennett Campground provides peaceful wooded sites. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," reports Ray & Terri F. Sites feature substantial tree coverage offering natural privacy between campsites.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: At Cherry Hill Park, planning ahead is essential. "The price is a little steep, but with all the amenities you get, it is well worth it. We had a premium site for seven nights," explains Jonathan B. Most cabin sites require booking 3-6 months in advance during peak seasons.
Weather considerations: Bull Run Regional Park cabins remain available year-round but require preparation during rainy periods. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," says Drew M. Drainage issues can affect some sites after heavy rain.
Outside firewood restrictions: Patapsco Valley State Park maintains strict rules about firewood. "Firewood can only be purchased on site due to harmful insects. But the money goes toward the parks volunteer program," explains a reviewer. This policy helps prevent the spread of invasive species.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Bull Run Regional Park offers multiple recreational areas for children. "This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my grandkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt," explains Bridget H.
Activities schedule: Washington DC/Capitol KOA maintains organized events for children. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded," mentions Elise M. The activity calendar typically includes regular movie nights and hayrides.
Nature programs: Little Bennett Campground provides educational opportunities. "This place is quiet the spaces are big. Lots of nature trails," notes Ron H. Rangers offer scheduled programs focusing on local wildlife and ecosystems throughout the camping season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Washington DC/Capitol KOA, choosing the right site matters. "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," advises one camper. Corner sites typically provide the most space and privacy.
Leveling requirements: Codorus State Park Campground sites require attention to positioning. "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms," reports Mike C. Many sites feature slight grades requiring leveling blocks.
Utility connections: Cherry Hill Park provides full hookups at cabin and RV sites. "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride, gated, on-site camp store," lists Beth R. Water connections may require freeze protection during winter months.
