Cabin camping near Edgewood, Maryland offers access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed with elevations rarely exceeding 400 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching the 90s and mild winters, making late spring and early fall the most comfortable seasons for cabin stays. Most cabin accommodations in the area are situated within a 30-minute drive radius, providing convenient access to both urban amenities and natural spaces.
What to do
Hiking and nature trails: At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, visitors can access several beautiful trails within walking distance of the cabins. "There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes. You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures," notes a camper.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple cabin locations provide fishing access, with Susquehanna State Park Campground offering some of the best opportunities. "There is a little fishing pond there, which my husband and daughter enjoyed," mentions one visitor. Another adds, "There are plenty of areas to stop along the road in the campground, with access to the creek for wading. The water felt great, but the bottom was rather pebbly."
Birdwatching: Cabin campers interested in wildlife viewing should consider Tuckahoe State Park or Susquehanna State Park. "This is a state operated park with camping and primarily draws Eagle watchers and photographers," reports one visitor. At Elk Neck State Park, one camper mentioned, "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron."
What campers like
Cabin amenities: Cabin options range from basic to well-equipped. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, visitors appreciate the range of facilities: "We stayed in one of the cabins, which had 2 beds and a bunk bed, sink and toilet, refrigerator, microwave, dining table and sofa. There was also a front porch with picnic table and fire pit."
Seasonal programming: Many parks offer special events during different seasons. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park noted, "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family."
Peaceful settings: For those seeking quiet, Tuckahoe State Park Campground receives praise for its tranquil atmosphere. "It's super close to home and I love the small feel to it. People keep to themselves and you feel kinda like your by yourself even though the park is usually full. Which I love," comments one visitor. Another adds, "Small state park with limited cell reception. Truly off the map camping."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many cabins in the area are available only during specific months. At Susquehanna State Park, the season runs "March 31 to October 29," while at Patapsco Valley State Park, cabins are accessible from "April 1 to October 30."
Pet policies: Pet-friendly options are limited but available at select locations. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, pets are allowed in designated cabins. Tuckahoe State Park has specific policies regarding which cabins permit pets: "Mini cabin D is pet friendly but one of the few."
Weather preparedness: The region can experience sudden storms. At Patapsco Valley, a camper warns, "When it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm and it was very wet even after the rain died down. Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive recreation facilities for children. "This campground has so much to offer. Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," notes a satisfied visitor. Similarly, Patapsco Valley State Park features "a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Swimming options: Not all parks permit swimming in natural bodies of water, but many offer pools. At Elk Neck State Park, "In summer there is a beach on the North East River for swimming," while Cherry Hill Park features "pools, splash pad, rv supplies and repair parts, a snack bar and lots more."
Educational opportunities: Several cabin locations near Edgewood offer nature programs for children. At Patapsco Valley, families can take advantage of the "sensory trail, nature play space, and a small nature center." One visitor notes, "It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Codorus State Park Campground, experienced campers recommend choosing sites carefully. "There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult, there are some in wide-open park-like settings, and some that are treed. For the most part we didn't notice any that really seem to be right on top of each other," explains one visitor.
Hookups and services: Many cabin areas also accommodate RVs with varying levels of services. At Elk Neck State Park, one visitor reports, "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water."
Access considerations: Some parks have limitations for larger vehicles. Patapsco Valley State Park doesn't accommodate big rigs, while others like Cherry Hill Park are described as "big-rig friendly" with "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer" available, though one visitor notes these amenities come with a higher price tag, mentioning it's "expensive" but "you get what you pay for."
