Camping cabins near Knoxville, Maryland sit along the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers at elevations ranging from 250 to 800 feet. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds in this area maintain seasonal operations from April through October, with limited winter availability.
What to do
Riverside activities: tubing and kayaking: At Brunswick Family Campground, the Potomac River provides ample water recreation. "The Shenandoah River is beautifully clean clear and cool. There wasn't much late night going on it seemed all the campers for the most part were turned in by 11," noted a visitor who appreciated the tranquil water access.
Historic site exploration: 1.5 miles to town: The walking trails near Harpers Ferry Campground lead directly to historic areas. "If you're facing the river then the trail is to the right of the campground with a sign reading that you have entered Harper's Ferry National Park. The trail is about 1.5 miles one way," explains a camper who enjoyed the convenience of hiking directly to town.
Mountain biking on watershed trails: Gambrill State Park provides access to extensive mountain biking opportunities. A reviewer mentioned, "Right outside the park is the Frederick watershed where many locals take advantage of the trails for mountain biking. The park itself is well known for hiking trails that take you up and around the mountain."
What campers like
Clean, level sites with privacy: Little Bennett Campground offers spacious camping areas. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," noted one RVer who appreciated the layout and utility connections.
Availability of cabin options: At Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA, camping cabins provide comfort for those without tents or RVs. A visitor mentioned, "We have stayed in the camping cabins here multiple times. We love the animals and activities for the kids."
Waterfront camping views: Campers consistently praise the water views at Brunswick Family Campground. "You can walk down into the river or go up river some to go tubing! Overall we had a great time here and will come back again," wrote one reviewer who enjoyed the direct river access from their site.
What you should know
Train noise levels: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. A camper at Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders warned, "Only had a couple come through the night our 1 yr old slept perfectly through it so it isn't too bothersome," referring to the railway just 12 feet up a hill from their campsite.
Bathroom facility variations: Facility quality varies widely among campgrounds. At Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA, a visitor noted the bathhouse was "clean, did not use the shower" while a Gambrill State Park camper described, "Bathhouse was simple, but effective with steamy, hot water!"
Weekend crowding: Many campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. "This is a very busy campground and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise," mentioned a Cunningham Falls State Park visitor who planned ahead to secure their spot.
Tips for camping with families
Water parks for hot weather relief: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers built-in entertainment for children. "Great water park, playground and bounce pad feature. Definitely recommend for families and/or anyone looking for easy convenience camping," wrote one visitor who found the amenities perfect for keeping kids occupied.
Lake swimming options: Cunningham Falls State Park provides natural water recreation. "The 43 acre Hunting Creek Lake offers great (and busy weekend) fishing. Trolling motors are permitted, but ideal for paddling," noted a camper who enjoyed the water activities available within walking distance of their site.
Evening ranger programs: Some parks offer educational evening activities. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," mentioned a Cunningham Falls visitor who appreciated the structured activities for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA presents challenges for larger vehicles. "Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air," warned one RVer who had to switch sites.
Cellular and internet coverage: Connectivity varies throughout the region. At Little Bennett Campground, a camper reported, "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster (1 bar), 8 MB/s with it (2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna."
Electric hookup availability: Most camping cabins rely on limited electric connections. "The cabins are basic, but just enough that you need. Electricity, water on site (not in cabin), fan, lots of windows for sticky nights, 2 bunk beds (sleeping 4 total), and a table with 4 chairs," explained a visitor describing the typical cabin setup.
