Cabin camping near Kensington, Maryland offers convenient access to the capital region from wooded sites typically within a 40-minute drive radius. The area sits at the transition between Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions, with elevations ranging from 200-500 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions that attract cabin campers seeking weekend getaways.
What to do
Trail access for hikers: Little Bennett Campground features extensive nature trails directly from camp loops. "This place is quiet, the spaces are big. Lost of nature trails," notes Ron H., highlighting the natural setting just 25 minutes from Kensington.
Water activities nearby: Pohick Bay Campground offers multiple water-based recreation options within walking distance of cabins. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions Anne K., while another visitor points out "a nice network of trails" leading to boat rentals just a short walk from the campsites.
Historic site exploration: Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA provides cabin accommodations with easy access to significant historical locations. "The best part about this site is the location. We could walk or easily drive to Harper's Ferry NP visitor center, from where we could take a bus into downtown," explains Erin S., highlighting the convenience for history enthusiasts.
Family entertainment options: Outdoor activities designed for children are plentiful at most cabin locations. "The campground 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. about Pohick Bay's family programming.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Many cabin campers appreciate well-maintained shower buildings when staying in basic accommodations. "The bathhouse is nothing special, but it's well maintained and clean," notes Sean M. about Patapsco Valley State Park, while Bull Run Regional Park receives high marks for "Locking doors, individual stalls... Best camping showers I've ever had," according to Yvonne B.
Camp store convenience: Cherry Hill Park maintains an extensive on-site store with camping essentials. "On-site camp store with great variety or merchandise and camping essentials," mentions Karen about Washington DC / Capitol KOA, highlighting a common amenity at cabin-focused campgrounds near Kensington.
Spacious, separated sites: Bull Run Regional Park offers cabin sites with good spacing between neighbors. "Sites are nicely spread out. My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," reports Drew M., noting the thoughtful layout that allows for privacy.
Proximity to major attractions: Location relative to DC and Baltimore remains a key factor for cabin campers. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. 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," shares Roberta K.
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Washington DC / Capitol KOA and other popular cabin rentals require advance booking during peak season. "We have found municipal campgrounds in Northern Virginia are a bit spendy for being government sponsored... But Bull Run manages to gouge you even more. There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights. But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week," cautions Stuart O.
Cabin size variations: Cabin dimensions vary significantly between properties. "The campground is on the smaller side. You get a fire pit and cooking crate, and a picnic table. The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads," reports Sean M. about Patapsco Valley State Park's cabins.
Noise considerations: Some cabin locations experience noise from nearby roads or facilities. "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," notes Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park, highlighting potential disruptions.
Site surface conditions: Terrain can present challenges during rain. "The site was part Gravel and mostly mud/grass. There was trash on site. The driveway was dirt/gravel with a lot of holes," reports Cynthia D. about Adventure Bound Washington DC's cabins, indicating weather-related considerations.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-focused amenities: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers exceptional children's facilities. "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park. The nature center was closed when we visited, but the kids still enjoyed the sensory trail and playground," shares Angel G.
Kid-friendly programming: Scheduled activities keep children engaged during cabin stays. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. They gave us a great intro to the park as we were first timers," explains Ben G. about family amenities.
Swimming options: Pool access varies between cabin locations, with specific policies to note. "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 if she was in the pool or not," explains Stephanie H. about Washington DC Capitol KOA's policies.
Weather preparedness: Families should plan for sudden weather changes that can impact cabin camping experiences. "We had a fantastic time our 1st time at Adventure Bound Camping Resort in Lothian, Maryland. That is, until the rain came about 1am Sunday morning! It rained and rained and rained and rained and rained!" reports Kristy R., highlighting the need for wet-weather planning.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Cabin campers who also use RVs note terrain issues at some locations. "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night. No senior or veteran discount. Trees falling on Park power lines caused power outage for hours," shares Napunani about Little Bennett Campground's challenges.
Utility hookup quality: RVers who have stayed in both cabins and their own rigs note infrastructure differences. "Clean and level gravel site with well-maintained utility hook-ups," mentions Matt S. about Harpers Ferry KOA, contrasting with reports of water issues at other properties.
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs significantly between cabin camping locations. "No WIFI. 1 bar Verizon," notes Napunani about Little Bennett Campground, while Cherry Hill Park receives praise for reliable connections essential for those working remotely.
