Cabin camping options around Middletown, Maryland sit within the Catoctin Mountain range at elevations between 800-1,800 feet. The area typically experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs averaging 10-15 degrees lower than nearby Frederick. Most cabin facilities in this region operate from April through October, though select locations like Harpers Ferry KOA maintain year-round availability.
What to do
Creek exploration: Mount Misty Camp offers easy access to small streams perfect for children to wade in. A visitor noted that "there's a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground."
Hiking the Catoctin Trail: At Gambrill State Park Campground, trails provide varying difficulties for all skill levels. One camper shared that "there are plenty of trails in the area, though we didn't explore too many on this trip." Another mentioned the trails "take you up and around the mountain. Every hiking trail except for the white trail allows mountain biking and horseback riding."
Potomac River activities: At Brunswick Family Campground, visitors enjoy direct river access. A camper reported, "The Shenandoah is beautifully clean, clear and cool," while another appreciated "great Potomac river views" and that the "C and O Canal towpath cuts right through to allow for some great walks."
Battlefields exploration: Located near historic Civil War sites, many campgrounds serve as bases for history buffs. A visitor at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA praised its "close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door."
What campers like
Direct water access: Campers consistently rate riverside cabins highest. At Brunswick Family Campground, guests noted the "spot was on the river with a short walk to the boat ramp and access" and that it was "very quiet, serene, & clean."
Convenience to attractions: The central location provides easy access to multiple historic sites. A Harpers Ferry KOA camper mentioned, "Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car. Frederick and Antietam are each barely 30-minutes by car. Gettysburg, Baltimore, and DC are about an hour's drive."
Secluded forest settings: Cunningham Falls State Park offers wooded seclusion despite its popularity. A visitor reported, "The campsites have trees and some privacy," while another praised "Great campsites—whether you have a tent or a big Class A, lots of well-maintained hiking trails of varying difficulty."
Cabin construction styles: Cabins range from rustic log structures to modern facilities. At Gambrill State Park, a camper appreciated that "may splurge on a cabin when it's colder," while another at Brunswick noted their cabin provided "weather-proof cabin with comfy bunks."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several riverfront locations have nearby tracks. A Brunswick camper mentioned the "campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard," while another noted, "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night."
Seasonal availability limitations: Most cabin facilities operate April through October. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD, visitors should verify amenities before arrival as one camper warned, "We were looking for a place to take the family for a few days... I called their customer service number and asked if the water park would be open. I was told yes... Next day and sure enough, closed for the season."
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. A Jellystone visitor reported, "Bathhouse had no hot water and was filthy," while a camper at Gambrill State Park found "Bathroom and shower facilities were mediocre large cracks in the fiberglass leaking water but they did provide an area to wash dishes."
Firewood availability: Most locations sell wood on-site, though quality varies. A Gambrill visitor noted "Firewood bundles are available on the honor system," while another added that it was "$5 cash near the bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Little Bennett Campground offers activities specifically for younger children. A visitor recalled, "Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes. She was 3 or 4 at the time."
Interactive animal experiences: Jellystone Park provides animal encounters children enjoy. A camper mentioned "my kids were obsessed with the goats and the little mining table" while another appreciated "activities for the kids, diner with a great breakfast selection and subs and pizza for dinner."
Evening entertainment options: Many locations offer structured programs after dark. A Cunningham Falls visitor shared, "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," while another mentioned "volunteer staff were awesome and extremely helpful."
Child-friendly cabin layouts: Some cabins specifically accommodate families with young children. A visitor at Harpers Ferry KOA found "Great amenities for kids were incredible, with arts/crafts, a movie theatre, an arcade, nice playground, and jumping pillow."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. A Harpers Ferry KOA visitor warned, "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."
Electric service varies: Amperage differs between locations. At Little Bennett, a camper noted sites feature "50A service, water and sewer hookup" and "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."
Connectivity considerations: Cell reception and internet access vary significantly. At Cunningham Falls, a visitor reported "Cell service doesn't work, electric hook ups only. This state park is beautiful and off the grid!"
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with cabins offer full RV services. At Gambrill State Park, visitors noted the campground has a sanitary dump but limited hookups for larger rigs, with one mentioning sites were "very open field, with some smaller trees."
