Camping cabins near Upper Marlboro, Maryland position visitors within Maryland's Coastal Plain region with elevations under 100 feet above sea level. This low-lying area experiences humid summers with average July temperatures reaching 87°F and mild winters where January temperatures typically range from 27-44°F. The proximity to the Chesapeake Bay watershed creates opportunities for water recreation alongside forest camping experiences.
What to do
Explore DC monuments: Washington DC/Capitol KOA in Millersville serves as a convenient base for DC sightseeing. "Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5," notes Jennifer H.
Kayak nearby waterways: Smallwood State Park provides water access for paddlers. "Mattawoman Creek is right there and great for kayaking," shares Lorraine P. The park includes a marina with multiple docks for fishing and boating.
Try disc golf: Pohick Bay Campground offers an 18-hole disc golf course just a few miles outside DC. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests Rachel L. The course is accessible via short trail walks from the campsites.
What campers like
Nature scavenger hunts: Bull Run Regional Park organizes activities for children. "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon... my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," writes Bridget H.
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness ranks high in camper satisfaction at many area campgrounds. "Bathhouse was old, and quite buggy, but reasonably clean," reports one Smallwood camper, while another notes, "Bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit."
Swimming options: Cherry Hill Park offers multiple swimming facilities. "They have so much going on! Pool, playgrounds, game room, camp store, pavilions, everything!" exclaims Jason E. The campground features both a swimming pool and splash pad.
What you should know
Military-base camping: Camp Meade RV Park provides secure accommodations on a military installation. "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post. I forgot all about revielle 🤣. They reminded me," mentions Elvin J. The base location adds security but includes military protocols.
Reservation systems: Most cabin campgrounds require advance booking. At Bull Run, weekend reservations often require a two-night minimum stay even during off-peak seasons. One visitor noted, "There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights."
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Patapsco Valley State Park cabins remain open only from April through October, while others like Pohick Bay and Bull Run maintain year-round cabin availability with seasonal amenity variations.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Scheduled events enhance family stays. "The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shares Ben G. at Pohick Bay.
Playground access: Request cabin sites near play areas for convenience. At Patapsco Valley, "Our site was next to the bath house and across from the dumpsters. Neither was an issue," notes one camper, while another mentions the park has "a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center."
Pool requirements: Verify swimming policies before booking. At Washington DC/Capitol KOA, one visitor mentioned, "I didnt like that non potty trained kids are not allowed to swim in their pool. Luckily we only have a 9 month old currently that isn't potty trained so she didn't care."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Level sites matter for comfortable stays. At Endeavor Point, "The sites were all on the lawn, and the owners were a bit uptight about which site we could choose," while at Smallwood State Park, a visitor reported, "Our site was perfectly level. Most sites appeared fairly level."
Campsite dimensions: At Adventure Bound Washington DC in Lothian, site spacing varies. "Sites were very close. The site was part Gravel and mostly mud/grass," according to Cynthia D., while at Bull Run, "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone."
Transportation connections: Travel times to attractions require planning. From Adventure Bound, one camper noted it's "a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station," providing options for visitors without towing vehicles.
