Cabin rentals near Millersville, Maryland provide easy access to the Chesapeake Bay area's coastal plains and waterways. Most cabin options sit at elevations below 300 feet in Maryland's humid subtropical climate zone. Fall cabins typically book 2-3 months in advance, with summer reservations filling 4-5 months ahead in this popular region within 30 miles of both Baltimore and Washington DC.
What to do
Visit Washington DC attractions: From Cherry Hill Park, campers can access DC landmarks via public transit. "The best park in the DC area! Plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park," notes Jason E. Visitors appreciate the transportation options: "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments."
Explore Chesapeake Bay: The region offers numerous water activities within a short drive. "We took the 20 minute drive to the city. They have a nice looking pool area, but it was too cold," shares Joe R. from Cherry Hill Park. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, "There's a camp store, boat ramp, swimming, fishing and lots of great hiking. Definitely drive to, and then hike to the lighthouse (open most weekends) the lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it."
Play disc golf: Regional parks offer outdoor recreation beyond standard camping. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," writes Rachel L. about Pohick Bay Campground. The area features "a nice network of trails. There is plenty of things to do here to keep a family occupied."
What campers like
Comprehensive amenities: Many cabins include unexpected conveniences. "We loved the brick patio with patio furniture. Close to plenty of attractions," says John A. about his Cherry Hill Park experience. The park provides "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride, gated, on-site camp store, on-site bus shuttle."
Private facilities: Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club offers a unique cabin experience. "Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers," writes Brian R. Another visitor found it "a wonderfully freeing experience. The location was private, beautiful, well maintained, and we met the most welcoming group of people."
Natural surroundings: Despite suburban locations, many cabins maintain natural settings. "This is a small gem of a state park campground, one of only two in the massive Patapsco Valley State Park. It's a bit odd getting here through a suburban neighborhood, but the Hilton area is great," notes Sean M. The state park offers "a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many cabin sites operate year-round but with varying amenities. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," reports Laure D. from Elk Neck State Park.
Reservation timing: Advance planning proves essential, particularly for cabins. "This campground is very family friendly. We saw so many children running around having a great time! We still could see the water but not right water front," explains Jalissa Y. about not reserving early enough at Elk Neck.
Variable site quality: Terrain and privacy differ significantly between locations and specific sites. At Washington DC / Capitol KOA, "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," advises Elise M. Another camper notes "Sites are close and need service. Sandy dirt covered. They could add gravel or grass and a plant or two near the sewer pipes to help."
Tips for camping with families
Activity access: Sites with multiple recreation options reduce transportation needs. "This campground has so much to offer. Mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride," shares Beth R. about Cherry Hill Park. Another visitor notes, "For the rest of us glampers there are hookups and lots to do. The park is close to Washington DC and offers a concierge service for tours and things to do."
Playground proximity: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers family-friendly design. "It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center." Angel G. confirms, "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Cabin layout consideration: Mini-cabins provide different space configurations than standard cabins. "Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it,'" explains Sean M. The cabins at KOA received similar feedback: "We slept well in the clean and comfortable cabin. The campground is a safe place for families."
Tips from RVers
Terrain challenges: Level sites vary widely by campground and specific site number. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, sites present inconsistent quality. "This was a last minute reservation since what we originally had reserved didn't work out. We were expecting something nicer especially with how pricey it is here. Sites were very close. The site was part gravel and mostly mud/grass," reports Cynthia D.
Access logistics: Several campgrounds feature challenging entry points. "Do not try and come in after dark. Very tight and very dark," advises Matthew S. from Adventure Bound. Similarly at Elk Neck, "In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites."
Campground stability: Some locations have high percentages of seasonal or long-term residents. "60% were long term residents of the campground. Our sight was one of the few semi-isolated," notes Harold C. Another visitor confirms, "Mainly long-term construction workers and families."
