Best Cabin Camping near Dowell, MD
Looking for a place to cabin camp near Dowell? Find the best cabin camping near Dowell. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Maryland cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
Looking for a place to cabin camp near Dowell? Find the best cabin camping near Dowell. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Maryland cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
The campground will be closed for the 2023 season due to water and sewer replacement.
This park's peaceful surroundings on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County belie its history as the location of a camp which imprisoned as many as 52,264 Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. A museum on site recounts this vivid history. A park map is available at park headquarters, the camp office, camp store and the Civil War Museum/Marshland Nature Center. The Point Lookout Lighthouse is currently closed for renovations.
$21 - $50 / night
Choose your next adventure at Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton, Virginia. Bring the kids for a day of splashing and sliding at Pirate’s Cove Waterpark, spend a day on the bay with our canoe, paddleboard, stand up paddleboard and kayak rentals; or bring your own boat to our public boat launch ramp. Make a day of it by renting a picnic shelter or stay a little longer and reserve one of our cabins or campsites.
$30 - $60 / night
The mainland portion of the park offers over 100 campsites, 49 of which are equipped with electrical hook-ups to accommodate tent or vehicle campers.
Each site is equipped with a camping pad, picnic table, fire ring and lantern post.
Three centrally located bath houses have hot water showers and flush toilets.
Campers must arrive and check-in before quiet hours start at 10:00 PM. Campers who arrive after 10:00 PM will not be allowed into the park and will have to find other accommodations for the night.
Backcountry Campsites and Permits The primitive backcountry campsites are equipped with tent platforms and boat landings. Campers at these environmentally sensitive sites must obtain a permit from the park and strictly follow Leave No Trace principles. Call the park at 410-968-1565 for more information about backcountry permits.
Youth Group Camping The park offers a 30 person youth group site, featuring a shaded but open area with a stone fire pit, group grill and picnic tables.
Full Service Cabins Four rustic waterfront cabins are available for rent year round. Each sleeps six persons and is equipped with three bedrooms, a common area, kitchen, bathroom, a screened porch with picnic table, air conditioning, heat, gas log fireplaces (available seasonally), an outdoor fire ring with a grill, a picnic table and ample parking. Cabin kitchens are equipped with an oven, stove, refrigerator, coffee pot, microwave, basic cooking utensils and service for six. Renters must provide their own towels and bedding (linens, pillows and blankets).
Camper Cabins Four waterfront camper cabins that sleep four are available during the camping season. Each has a capacity of four persons and is equipped with air conditioning and heat, electric, a table and chairs, either two sets of bunk beds or a double bed and a set of bunk beds, ceiling fan, a picnic table and fire ring. Occupants must use the campground bathhouses.
Located just outside of Crisfield on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Janes Island State Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. Within the mainland portion of the park are the campground, with 103 campsites, rental cabins, a lodge, picnic areas, pavilions, and the boat ramp and marina.
The island portion of the park – Janes Island – includes over 2,900 acres of saltmarsh, over 30 miles of water trails and miles of isolated pristine beaches. Although people have harvested the resources of the island for thousands of years, today the island is wild and seemingly untouched. A haven for birds, fish, crabs and other saltmarsh dwellers, Janes Island provides visitors a tranquil setting to explore the wildlife of the bay while enjoying the expansive vistas and stunningly beautiful sunsets. Whether fishing or crabbing, motor boating, paddling or simply relaxing, visitors to Janes Island will experience a world still ruled by the weather, the tides and the wildlife that first drew people to this very special place.
The park offers ADA accessible restrooms and four accessible campsites. The park store, nature center, picnic pavilions, recreation area, fish cleaning station and dock area are also ADA accessible.
There is no fee to enter the park for day-use, but there is a fee to use the park's boat ramp. ($7.00 for Maryland residents. $9.00 for out of state residents.)
$21 - $87 / night
Matoaka is a privately owned and operated bay-front getaway in Calvert County, Maryland. The facility is nestled quietly on the west shore of the Chesapeake Bay with hundreds of feet of bay views and a one third of a mile private sandy beach for visitor access.
The property's many acres are primarily wooded with fields and a winding dirt lane which brings visitors to the main grounds. The main grounds boast beautiful views of the bay, sunrises, and easy access to the beach. The cabins back up to a bamboo forest and overlook the bay.
Cabin Rentals: April 15 to November 1
Check in between 3-8pm - Check out by 11 am
Dogs are not permitted
All cabins have their own kitchen with fridge, propane stove, microwave & basket style coffeemaker.
Bathrooms have stall showers, flush toilets and sink.
Grills are for charcoal cooking only, no wood fires please.
Cabins are not furnished with bedding, towels nor kitchen utencils, etc.
Please remember to bring: Bedding, towels, kitchen items, paper products, soap and charcoal for the grill.
Area Info:
Grocery stores are located about 10 minute drive away in both Prince Frederick (north) and Lusby (south).
Nearby Restaurants -
Gateway Seafood Restaurant & Lounge, Port Republic, MD (Take out & Dine-in)
Fredy's Woodfire Pizza, Prince Frederick, MD (Delivery Available)
Happy Buddha, Saint Leonard, MD (Take out)
NOTE: THERE IS A 2 NIGHT MINIMUM FOR HOLIDAY WEEKENDS.
Great place for fishing, camping, kayaking, lazy days on the beach grilling and hanging out with family and friends. Book family events on the beach. Come and explore the historic Benedict village. Join us at our Endeavor Point to enjoy simplicity and remarkable views of the Patuxent river. The Endeavor Point is located at the end of Mill Creek Road, offering breathtaking views of the Patuxent river, overlooking Golden Beach and St. Mary's County shoreline. Far enough for a serene retreat and yet just a few minutes drive to shops and restaurants in Prince Frederick or Charlotte Hall. Endeavor Point is a diamond in the rough. Come play, fish, relax, and have fun! Whether you’re in Maryland for a day, weekend stop or a week of touring, Endeavor Point is the perfect spot for bird watching, fishing, kayaking, camping, stargazing, or just enjoying a serene evening by the fire. Enjoy breathtaking views from each one of our 3 comfortable accommodations or from any of the campsites. Spacious outdoor area, rustic beach, long pier. Explore the Patuxent river or Mill Creek with our kayaks or paddle board, available for rent on site.
$55 - $95 / night
$18 - $77 / night
Unfortunately, there was a fire ban and extremely windy conditions, which is out of the parks control so I didn't get to enjoy it as much. From what I have experienced, it was amazing! The hike trails are so beautiful and being by the water was a complete experience! I got to see the sunset for the first time in a long time. Park was clean and well maintained. Bathroom was clean and WARM! they also have showers. They sale firewood at the cabin store but the store is only opened Thursday- Sunday
Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers. Don’t forget to register dito sim to stay connected during your visit!
I love this campground very much. I called the office book my reservation, the representative put me in Acorn loop.
When I arrived by the late evening, there are only two camper in a huge site. Then I drove to Butterfly loop, this site have much more peoples, some camper tell me, the Ranger will coming soon; finally the ranger help me move my site into the Butterfly loop. From my experience, better book campsite by yourself online, then you have an idea this site how many occupancy.
We loved staying at Pohick. We were here to visit DC and it was an excellent spot to stay. It was extremely hot as it was July but the sites had a lot of shade. Site 46 where we stayed was close to the bathrooms and nice and flat. The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in and they have laundry and a nice stainless sink and counter for washing dishes if needed. About a 40 minute drive into DC and definitely worth it. Also, campers get a discount at the water park which was a very reasonable 5 dollars per person. The weekend tends to be a bit louder but during the week was very quiet.
Cottage 4 stars- clean but floors needed some attention, a bit cramped, somewhat outdated, large porch Campground 5 stars- bustling on weekends, quiet throughout weekdays, clean and well maintained Amenities 5 stars- great weekly activity schedule, great pool, putt putt etc. Staff 5 stars- Very friendly
Stayed one night in our camper van, walked down to fossil beach which was the perfect amount of hiking for a two year old, great playground with plenty of other kids, camp store is well stocked and had decent hours. Our site was right next to bathrooms which was also great with the kids but we didnt hear or smell them. Cleanest campground bathrooms we've ever seen. Gravel parking and pebbles in the picnic table area, which my 2 year old enjoyed and my 9 month old tried his hardest to ingest. Loved it, would def go back.
We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids. The waterpark is new and loud so we avoid but nice if you have young kids. Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95. Go around to next exit. The check in at the cap store is crowded and narrow even with renovations but our 34 ft makes it okay. Bring bikes. Long bike trail along road. Farmers markets in Lorton and things to do in DC. Park at Huntington or Springfield metro. Short boat ride straight across from Ft Belvoir new family campground. Ice cream shop in season by water docks. Bathrooms clean always hot water three stalls each. Sink outside for dishes. Playground buts up against inner circle which are the only sewer sites. Others are electric water. Careful some near steep drop off. Stick to main road or inner circle or first circle if in big unit. Must go round circle to get to those spots which can be annoying. Two speed bumps. Camp store sells smores ingredients, limited candy, no eggs or bacon get those off Rte 1. Past entrance on Rte 1 is a Food Lion, McDonalds. Gas stations along Rte one are tight so fill up before exiting to campground. If you are desperate there is gas 7/11 at corner of Pohick and Rte 1 but its sketchy. Up the road off Rte 1 is Fort Belvoir Access w a drivers license however cant shop without military sponsored ID. Great bbq at Telegraph Rd and greek at Olympians family restaurant. Movie theater on Telegraph is nice. Springfield Mall close. Take Onville Rd which is a backroad by Pohick Church to shortcut to Rte 1. Pohick Rd past camping turn deadends into private neighborhood. Do not pass camp entrance. Hard to turn around if you do. Near End of Pohick is a small walk with overlook. See birds at point. Drive a car not RV. Park at lot on right before road split deadend. Gunston Hall on left can see from campground and water. Tours are nice.
While we only camped here for one night, we enjoyed the park from check in to checkout!
Since we tent camp our site was dry and had no amenities but there were full hook up sites available. Our site was nestled in with the full hook up sites so it was as far away from the bathrooms as possible, not a big deal just something to note.
Since we visited in March, the trees did not have much foliage so the sites were more exposed than I tend to prefer and lots of the campers around left their outside RV lights on all night.
Being in campground A, we were only a short walk to the trail leading to fossil beach which was beautiful!
Did a fourth of July visit and it was such a blast! We stayed in camp loop C and we had plenty of space for our 10-person tent and we stayed up pretty late enjoying the weather, laughing, and eating lots of fun camp snacks. The Canoe trails are absolutely beautiful and the horizon seems to go on endlessly. When we were there the day's canoe outings were cancelled due to weather and storm forecasts. We were able to enjoy the state parks edu series on how to catch soft crabs and ofc went out and got soft crabs and ate them at a local restaurant before we left. There are also some modest walking trails - but the main attraction are the canoe trails of course that go all the way out to the ocean for those with that level of expertise.
We go here when we want to just chill. It's a good place to do that. Site are nice and large and it's an enjoyable place to just go, burn wood and listen to nature. Fairly quiet when we were there!
We spent part of Labor Day weekend here, and there was almost nobody else there. The second night, one other pair of campers showed up. I found it super strange that more people didn’t take advantage of a campground on the river with availability. That said, there were a bunch of people who came in and used the cabins and invited large extended families during the day. They played loud music and had kids running all over the place, very festive atmosphere. It kind of felt like it was more appropriate for that kind of use. The camping areas were all on the lawn, and the owners were a bit uptight about which site we could choose (despite there being ample availability, and the person on the phone telling me that all sites were first come first serve). Just felt strange. We did enjoy taking evening walks through the town to the restaurant/bar on the water, but that was literally the only thing to do unless you have a fishing/crabbing license.
State in a cabin with the family for New Year's Eve had a great time
This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7. Another absolutely insane noisy campground run by nova. Absolutely a rip off because of the noise just like all nova parks seem to be. Insane
Lo primero es lo primero: soy unávido pescador y cangrejero. Tengo licencias para DC, Md y Va. Llevo más de 4 años viniendo a Tide Mill Resort, ahora llamado Endeavor Point. Aquí no ha cambiado mucho, excepto el propietario. El muelle todavía necesita reparación o está en necesidad, muchos pierden tablas, grandes pilones están dañados y todavía no hay barandillas de seguridad, por mencionar algunos. Conocía al dueño anterior y ahora a los dueños actuales.¡Que diferencia! El propietario anterior también era unávido deportista acuático que sabía todo sobre pesca, pesca de cangrejos y cualquier deporte acuático relacionado. Los actuales propietarios son 100% lo contrario. No saben nada sobre pesca o pesca de cangrejos y esperan que"no quieran que pesques demasiados". El propietario anterior permitió a sus clientes/invitados que pagaban pescar y hacer cangrejos a voluntad(por supuesto, todo dentro de los límites legales). Los actuales propietarios intentan restringir e intimidar a sus clientes. Durante los años que llevo viniendo aquí, nunca me han dicho cuántos cangrejos o peces puedo conservar. Ahora, los propietarios actuales tienen un límite de dos docenas de cangrejos, independientemente de tener una licencia en Maryland que diga que se pueden pescar hasta un bushel. Para empeorar las cosas, se apresuran a llamar a la policía del parque o a los guardas de juegos de sus clientes si creen que usted ha excedido sus límites personales. Esto es una locura. Debido a que los propietarios ignoran las leyes que rigen la pesca y la pesca de cangrejos, se indignan cuando aquellos de nosotros que las conocemos intentamos educarlos. Para mí, este asunto se volvió personal. Uno de los dueños mintió y dijo que estaba pescando tantos cangrejos porque los estaba“vendiendo”. Esa fue una mentira descarada. Escuche, si pudiera comer cangrejos todos los días, lo haría. Los amo mucho y mi esposo también. Por cierto, la mayoría de la gente que viene aquí son españoles, asiáticos y negros. Seamos realistas, llaman a la policía del parque con tanta frecuencia que es sólo cuestión de tiempo antes de que estos“nuevos propietarios” comiencen a llamar también a la policía de inmigración.
Don't Come Here: Park Police today, Immigration Police tomorrow
First things first, I am an avid fisherman and crabber. I have licenses for DC, Md and Va. I’ve been coming to Tide Mill Resort, now called Endeavor Point for more than 4 years. Much hasn't changed here, except the owner. The pier is still in need or repair, many lose boards, massive damaged pylons and still no security rails, to state a few. I knew the previous owner and now the present owners. What a difference! The past owner was also an avid watersport man who knew all about fishing, crabbing and any related water sport. The present owners are 100% the opposite. They know nothing about fishing or crabbing expect they“ don’t want you to catch too many.” The past owner allowed his paying customers/guest(s) to fish and crab at will,(of course all within legal limits). The present owners try to restrict and intimated their customers. Over the years of coming here, I’ve never been told how many crabs or fish I can keep. Now, the present owners have a 2-dozen limit on crabs regardless of having a license in Maryland that says you can catch up to a bushel. To make matters worse, they are quick to call the park police/games wardens on its customers if they believe you have exceeded their personal limits. This is insane. Because the owners are ignorant about the laws governing fishing and crabbing, they get incensed when those of us in the know, try to educate them. For me, this matter turned personal. One of the owners lied and said I was catching so many crabs because I was “selling” them. That was a blatant lie. Listen, If I could eat crabs everyday, I would. I love them that much and so does my husband. By the way, the majority of the people coming here are Spanish, Asian and Black. Let’s face it, they call the park police so frequently that it’s only a matter of time before these “new owners” start calling the immigration police as well.
We chose Janes Island for our first camping trip as a couple and we had such a beautiful weekend!
The camp store employee was incredibly sweet and helpful. It was well stocked and even had a little wildlife museum.
Our tent site was away the main loops, which was great for privacy and quiet, close to the bath house, and faced the canal. Made for a gorgeous sunset!!
The bugs, mostly flies, were a bit much and I would expect that to be worse as the temperatures increases. I think that this is the experience of waterfront camping.
Overall, the park is beautiful, peaceful and clean. We really enjoyed our time here and will come back!
This was our first visit to this park and we really loved it. We stayed in a tent site which included a fire ring and picnic table, and we had two tents and plenty of space for everything. While we were there, I believe all of the cabins were full and some other tent sites reserved, but the grounds were still very quiet and peaceful. The bathrooms and showers were modern and very clean and looked to be only a brief, flat walk from most of the sites/cabins in the loop. The loops were smaller than I expected, but that wasn't a bad thing. There is also a large sink on one side of the bathhouse which was nice for cleaning up after cooking. AT&T phone service was slow but available. While in the area, we also visited WorkHorse Farm for a tour, First Fruits Orchard for PYO blueberries, and Denton Station antique mall.
This is a stunning state park with a gorgeous campground. The whole place seems very well taken care of, with a camp store, visitor center, and discovery/education center for kids.
We are on our way up from South Carolina, so we only stayed a night, but it was wonderful nonetheless. Everything was closed when we arrived, so it was a welcome surprise to have firewood available for sale on an honor system. The roads to the campsites were paved, and we had an easy time finding ours thanks to a prominent sign.
We booked a pull through site with full hook ups, a faux wood picnic table (no splinters,) and fire pit. The site was pretty big, laid with gravel and pebbles, and edged with wooden curbs. We didn’t have any trouble leveling out and hooking up, the connections were in a great spot for our trailer and others on the grounds. The site is in a thicker forest, so bring bug spray, and I found setting out a couple Thermacell mosquito repellants was effective (very little wind that day.) The site had a lot of privacy and the ones around us were spread out nicely as well, some even had two levels with stairs put in. Easily one of the nicest sites we have ever stayed in. The campground has a ravine behind it, something to be cautious about with pets/kids.
The park is on a cliff overlooking the Potomac River, and the Big Meadow trail brings you too Fossil Beach. It’s a sandy beach with lots of rocks and clay, I’m sure I would have found more fossils had I brought a little sifter with me.
We loved it here, it was a beautiful and private campsite with a great park to explore.
Lots of long term residents in dirty rundown campers. Trash dumpsters are always full.
Bathrooms and showers are always clean. Full hookups at most sites. Staff very friendly.
Laundry on site as well. Do not try and come in after dark. Very tight and very dark.
Lots of long term residents and rundown rigs. Seperate area for short term visitors. They are clearly making improvements and moving up
We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful Peaceful camping trip! Out spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves. We will definitely be back for another visit. The owners are very nice.
Quiet & relaxing weekend. The park is small and beautiful and clean. Sites are of decent size and the fire ring had a cooking grate. Very little traffic.
We were traveling with our daughter and have had a long day. Pohick bay was on our list and Owen at the camping office did such a great job making sure that everything goes well for us. The bathrooms are clean and very well kept. We will definitely stay here again!
Workers are nice, campground is decent. After hours ranger was really helpful and sweet helping spot me backing in. The trails to the bay are fun. Whoever designed the comfort station in the front needs to refund the park. You have to be on the toilet to close the door, there isn't an inch of extra space in the stalls. The laundry machines are positioned as inefficiently as possible. The second comfort station smells badly of sewage and the grate in the showers is painful on my feet, and I'm a barefoot gravel walker. Try to get a spot with full hookups to avoid the bathrooms.Other than the bathrooms, it's okay.
My partner and I camped here in the middle of February '23. Great campground, clean comfort stations. Comfort station 1 is newer and more renovated that comfort station 2 but both were clean and well kept! it was very warm in the comfort station ( a plus in the winter) with hot water. There are a few trails here, a marina, waterpark & mini golf when in season. great for families. The staff at the camp store were nice and very accommodating. This was our first trip so when we booked our site we had no idea how close the RV sites were. I mean, zero privacy, barely any trees in between. So the camp store clerk allowed us to change our site to a more private one. Site 11 seemed very private for anyone looking to book.
also, just to mention, all sites that back up to the playground have no buffer or trees. You will be exposed to the playground but that may be what you're looking for.
All in all, a great stay!
Although we only stayed one night, it was a nice stay. Nice pull through space…had to angle in quite a bit to level out. Overlooking the trees instead of another camper. Water, electric and picnic bench at the site. Campground was fairly busy; but I guess that’s Veteran’s Day weekend for you! It was drizzling when we got up, so we quickly headed out to Fossil Beach to take the autumnal trail down to the beach for fossil hunting. I found the tiniest shark tooth…or maybe it was a ray’s tooth. All in all it was great place to stay amongst the trees. We’ll be back!
First time camping and visiting this park. Campsite was just right for our needs. We were within walking distance of a few trail heads and a short drive to the main office and play ground. Checked out fossil beach and the boat launch at the opposite end. Lovely stay all around.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Dowell, MD is Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.
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