Cabin rental options near Fairplay, Maryland range from basic structures without plumbing to fully equipped accommodations with modern amenities. Located in Washington County at approximately 500 feet elevation, this area experiences all four seasons with mild springs, humid summers, colorful autumns, and cold winters that can bring snow from December through February.
What to do
Hiking trails access: 1-2 miles from sites. At Cunningham Falls State Park, visitors can explore numerous trails within walking distance of the camping areas. "There are plenty of trails, including the Catoctin Trail, but all the trails I was on do not permit biking," notes one visitor. The park offers both easy and challenging hiking options with varying difficulty levels.
Water activities: Seasonal lake access. Harpers Ferry Campground provides direct river access for cooling off during summer months. "The river views were amazing," reports one camper, though they note the proximity to train tracks means "trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains." Many cabin rentals are within walking distance of water features.
Historic site exploration: 5-15 minute drives. The region contains numerous Civil War battlefields and historic towns within short driving distance. One visitor to the area mentioned, "Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car. Frederick and Antietam are each barely 30-minutes by car. Gettysburg, Baltimore, and DC are about an hour's drive."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Varies by location. Gambrill State Park Campground offers more secluded cabin options. A visitor noted, "Our site was level and well separated from others, though it was small." The park provides a quieter experience compared to more developed campgrounds in the area.
Seasonal perks: Fall foliage viewing. Cabin camping during autumn provides spectacular views throughout the region. As one camper at Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park stated, "Loved this campground for the scenery during leaf peeping season. Our site was level and well separated from others, though it was small." October tends to be the peak period for fall colors.
Budget-friendly options: $29-60 nightly. Brunswick Family Campground provides affordable cabin rentals with river access. One visitor mentioned, "My family stayed here for two nights during the middle of the week, about half the campground was occupied. Our campsite was right along the water. We got a discount for staying 2 nights so it was only $29 a night."
What you should know
Bathhouse conditions: Variable cleanliness. Facility maintenance differs significantly between locations. A camper at Harpers Ferry Campground mentioned, "The bathroom trailer near the campsites was extremely smelly, with many of the 4 toilets clogged. The water from the sink sprayed everywhere, and for the first day and a half of our trip, there was NO SOAP."
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature swings. Spring and fall can bring 30-40°F temperature changes between day and night. One visitor to Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA shared, "It rained most of the weekend, but we still had a blast!" Packing additional blankets and rain gear is recommended year-round.
Accessibility challenges: Steep terrain at some locations. Several campgrounds have significant elevation changes between facilities. A visitor noted, "There is a steep hike back and forth from campsite to beach, we ended up driving to beach area after our first attempt to walk to beach with all our gear."
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Plan for seasonal variations. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD offers extensive family programming that changes throughout the year. "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 visitor.
Cabin selection: Request specific sites. For families needing more space, request end or corner cabins when available. A camper mentioned, "I would recommend this campground for families and/or anyone looking for easy convenience camping."
Noise considerations: Train proximity. Multiple campgrounds near Fairplay have railroad tracks nearby with regular train traffic. According to one review, "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night." Consider noise-sensitive family members when selecting locations.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Measure before booking. Some cabin areas have restricted parking for additional vehicles. A visitor to Caledonia State Park Campground observed, "Not sure about other sites - some sites appeared not to have tent sites and steep parking. All the full hook-up sites appeared very nice."
Off-season considerations: Limited amenities. Several campgrounds reduce services significantly during winter months. One camper noted, "Very nice campground with clean bathrooms and showers. Nice creek for the kids to play on a hot day. Wish the pool was open!"
Supply availability: Stock up before arrival. While some cabin camping areas have stores, selections can be limited. A visitor shared, "There is a small camp store, but the campground is convenient to ample grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants as well as many local historic attractions."
