Cabin camping near Highland, Maryland offers options within 30-40 minutes of major attractions like Washington DC and Baltimore. The region's temperate climate means most cabin facilities operate from April through October, with select locations offering year-round availability. Several campgrounds feature unique cabin accommodations not commonly found elsewhere in Maryland.
What to do
Explore water activities: At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, visitors can access the Patapsco River. "There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall," notes one camper. The park connects to several trails leading to river access points.
Disc golf courses: Bull Run Regional Park features a golf frisbee course among its amenities. The course is suitable for both beginners and experienced players, with rental equipment available at some locations. As one camper notes, the park has "golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore."
Family-friendly activities: Structured programming keeps children engaged at many locations. Little Bennett Campground offers a network of nature trails with educational components. One visitor mentioned the variety of "nature trails" that provide both recreation and learning opportunities, while another noted it's a "nice quite and spacious campground" with "lost of nature trails."
What campers like
Modern bathhouse facilities: Clean, updated bathrooms with reliable hot water rank high with campers. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground appreciated that "amenities and such are what you'd expect - clean but not new." Another camper at Bull Run emphasized the excellent shower facilities: "I'll go again just for the showers... Best camping showers I've ever had."
Seasonal water parks: Several campgrounds with cabin accommodations include water recreation areas. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," according to a Pohick Bay visitor. These water features typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with daily hours from 10am to 6pm.
Wildlife viewing: Cabin sites often provide opportunities for nature observation. "Eagles everywhere!" exclaimed one Pohick Bay camper. At Patapsco Valley, another visitor noted seeing "the small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, particularly for weekend stays. Ramblin' Pines has specific check-in requirements that campers should note: "You can only check in between 2 and 4! This might be off season though." Most cabins require 2-3 night minimum stays during peak season.
Site characteristics: Cabin areas vary significantly in terrain and privacy. "Space between sites seems to be standard," noted a visitor at Ramblin' Pines. Some locations feature wooded settings while others have more open layouts with limited privacy barriers.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect cabin comfort and accessibility. Spring visits often encounter muddy conditions after rainfall. "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," reported a Patapsco Valley camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive children's activities. "They have so much going on! Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," according to one visitor. These amenities typically require no additional fees for registered guests.
Educational opportunities: Several cabin locations provide nature programs specifically designed for children. One camper at Patapsco Valley appreciated the "sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," noting it's "perfect for keeping the kids entertained."
Playground access: Cabin location relative to play areas affects family convenience. "The campground had a playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," noted a Pohick Bay visitor, highlighting the importance of requesting sites near these amenities when traveling with children.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Entry routes to cabin areas sometimes present challenges for towing vehicles. At Codorus State Park Campground, a visitor reported, "there are lots of wooded sites, and asked to move. The 'full shade' sites were amazing." Requesting specific cabin locations based on access requirements is recommended.
Utility connections: Electric service varies between cabin types and locations. One Ramblin' Pines camper noted: "Not a lot of privacy, site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods." Bringing leveling equipment is advised even for cabin stays if you plan to park an RV nearby.
