Cabin camping near Keedysville, Maryland offers options across the Catoctin Mountains where elevation ranges from 900 to 1,900 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping experiences throughout the year. Fall temperatures typically drop to the 40s at night while summer camping can see daytime highs in the 90s with moderate humidity. The area's forested landscape provides shelter from winds but can create muddy conditions after the region's average 43 inches of annual rainfall.
What to do
Explore historical battlefields: Visit Antietam National Battlefield, just a short drive from Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA. "Close to Antitiem battlefield, vineyards, antiques or even DC (1 hour)," notes one visitor who made this campground their "home base."
Hike mountain trails: The trails at Gambrill State Park Campground range from easy walks to challenging climbs. A visitor mentioned, "The park itself is well known for hiking trails that take you up and around the mountain. Every hiking trail except for the white trail allows mountain biking and horseback riding."
Water activities: Swimming and fishing opportunities abound at Hunting Creek Lake. One camper at Cunningham Falls State Park shared, "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed. Most of the time we did not spend at the campsite so we ended up having a fantastic weekend."
What campers like
Riverside settings: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "All spots are along the water. We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus." The campground is "right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!"
Proximity to C&O Canal: The historic towpath provides miles of flat trails for hiking and biking. According to a Brunswick Family Campground visitor, "Also situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail."
Wildlife viewing: Spring and early summer offer peak bird watching. "Visit in May and the forest will be filled with songbirds. If you are lucky, you may see foxes and bears along with the standard woodland creatures. If you are extremely lucky, you may see the ever elusive bobcat," reported a camper at Gambrill State Park.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. At Harpers Ferry Campground, a camper noted, "The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It's not bothered me but you should be aware."
Site spacing varies significantly: Some areas offer more privacy than others. A visitor to Little Bennett Campground observed, "Lots of vegetation between sites providing privacy from neighbors," while also mentioning "no lights what so ever in camping loops except for toilet/shower buildings."
Seasonal limitations: Water features aren't always at peak flow. One visitor to Cunningham Falls stated, "We hiked to the falls but with little rain, there was no falls. A very crowded hike with people everywhere."
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations can create temperature drops. A camper at Gambrill State Park reported, "It was so very cold the first night we were there (25!). We took advantage of our electric site and used a small space heater to take the edge off of that night!"
Tips for camping with families
Water parks for kids: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive water features. "Multiple pools and a great little water park. Store was well stocked, they also had a ice-cream / quick food store attached to the pool area and staff super friendly. Lots to do for kids of all ages, gaga pit tournaments at night, movies, hay rides, character events tons of stuff."
Accessible hiking options: Choose trails based on children's abilities. At Cunningham Falls State Park, one parent shared, "The falls and hiking were beautiful and not too intense that my children could complete the hikes along with us. They do have some more difficult hiking that my husband found, which he really enjoyed."
Family programming: Many parks offer structured activities. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," noted a camper about Cunningham Falls State Park's educational opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain. A visitor to Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA warned, "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air."
Electric options: Most cabin rentals include electricity, but tent campers should reserve powered sites when needed. At Little Bennett Campground, "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night" for full hookup sites, and there are "very few electric sites on the three lower loops, the fourth loop is all electric sites."
Camp store provisions: Stock up before arrival as selection varies. At Brunswick Family Campground, "The store is very small and it's in a travel trailer so there's not much selection there is ice and firewood for sale."
