Cabin camping options near Friendsville, Maryland span across the Appalachian highlands at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. The region typically experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer nights often dropping into the 50s. Camping cabins near Friendsville provide shelter across all four seasons, with several parks offering winter accommodations when many other regional campgrounds close.
What to do
Hiking with waterfalls: Swallow Falls State Park features Maryland's highest waterfall at 53 feet. A camper noted, "Muddy Creek Falls, 53 feet. Several other falls on the Youghiogheny River. Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs camped on the site in 1918, and 1921."
Mountain biking trails: Big Bear Lake Camplands offers extensive mountain biking networks. As one visitor mentioned, "Fabulous mtb trail network - worth paying for a pass to ride. Beautiful tent camping...mossy but not too buggy."
Star gazing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer clear night skies for astronomy. Benner's Meadow Run has a dedicated platform, though one visitor noted, "The star gazing platform leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Deer are common throughout the camping areas. At Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground, "We saw many deer but not a single bear, keeping our zero bear sightings record intact."
Clean facilities: Most parks maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. One camper at Laurel Hill State Park observed, "The campsite and bathrooms were clean when we arrived and when we left."
Summer water recreation: Lakes and rivers provide cooling options. A visitor to Coopers Rock State Forest mentioned, "The neighboring sister park, Herrington Manor, has full-service deluxe cabins and a nice swimming beach."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across the region. At New Germany State Park Campground, "There is NO cell coverage, so bring your conversation starters or a book."
Seasonal closures: Not all cabin facilities operate year-round. Check operating dates as "New Germany State Park maintains cabin facilities from April 15 to December 15."
Bear awareness: Bears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. At Deep Creek Lake State Park, "Bears are common so they emplaced a big old bear box at every site. It's enough room to hold your food for a month of camping!"
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for holiday weekends and summer months. One Benner's Meadow Run visitor advised simply, "Book early for holidays."
Tips for camping with families
Water park options: For families seeking additional entertainment beyond nature. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run shared, "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids."
Nature programs: Several parks offer educational activities for children. A Swallow Falls State Park visitor mentioned, "For kids they have a small jungle gym and critter center."
Playground access: Most family-friendly cabin locations include play areas. One camper at Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run noted, "The swimming area is lovely as is the playground. This is one place that we would definitely go back to visit the incredible friends that we made."
Firefly viewing: Time summer visits for natural light shows. A Deep Creek Lake State Park visitor observed, "We were lucky enough to witness a spectacular light show put up by thousands of fireflies at night."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Pay attention to site specifications and topography. A Laurel Hill State Park camper warned, "The RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites."
Hookup positions: Check electrical setup before arriving. Another Laurel Hill visitor advised, "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable."
Loop considerations: Different camping areas offer varying experiences. At Deep Creek Lake State Park, "Sites in the Delphia and George Beckman loops are very quiet but some sites in the other two loops are closer to the road so you will hear road noise."
Road conditions: Access roads to some cabin locations can be challenging. A visitor to Tub Run noted, "Tub Run Road is a rough (but pretty) ride to the campground. Once you hit the property, everything is well-maintained."
