Cabin camping near Owings Mills, Maryland offers lodging options within a 40-mile radius of the city. The region sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level in Maryland's Piedmont Plateau, characterized by rolling hills and moderate seasonal temperatures. Camping cabins in this area typically remain open through late October, with select private campgrounds offering year-round cabin accommodations despite the region's average winter lows around 25°F.
What to do
Hiking trails at multiple difficulty levels: At Susquehanna State Park Campground, campers can access varied terrain for all skill levels. "We hiked back to the campground from here, which was a nice easy-to-moderate trail. The beginning was pretty rough for me, since I was wearing my infant son while navigating an uphill trail, but it quickly evened out," notes one visitor who enjoyed the park's trail system.
Seasonal fishing opportunities: The lakes and rivers near cabins around Owings Mills provide productive fishing spots, particularly in spring and fall. "We took a nice hike out to the susquehanna and spent a few hours fishing in the pond. Lots of wildlife," shares a Susquehanna State Park visitor who incorporated fishing into their cabin stay.
Historical exploration: Several campgrounds feature preserved historical structures within walking distance of cabin accommodations. At Codorus State Park Campground, visitors can explore the nearby Hanover area. "Being between Lancaster and Gettysburg makes both places easy to access," mentions a camper who appreciated the historical attractions within a 30-minute drive of their cabin.
What campers like
Clean facilities near cabin areas: Most cabin campers prioritize clean bathhouses, and Cherry Hill Park consistently receives praise for maintenance. "Everything was extremely clean and well maintained. We loved the brick patio with patio furniture," notes a visitor who stayed during a busy holiday weekend.
Spacious cabin sites with privacy: Cabin locations at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm feature good separation between units. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced," reports a satisfied guest.
Activity options for varied interests: Many campgrounds offer multiple recreation options within walking distance of cabins. "The park has a lot that you can do or just relax by the fire. Perfect for families," remarks a visitor to Codorus State Park, highlighting the balance between organized activities and relaxation opportunities.
What you should know
Cabin reservation timing: Most cabin facilities book several months in advance, especially for summer weekends. A visitor to Little Bennett Campground advises, "Reserved 137 days prior to arriving," indicating the need for advance planning.
Kitchen provisions vary significantly: Some cabins provide only outdoor fire rings for cooking while others include microwaves and refrigerators. "Our cabin had 2 beds and a bunk bed, sink and toilet, refrigerator, microwave, dining table and sofa. There was also a front porch with picnic table and fire pit," explains a Merry Meadows Recreation Farm guest detailing the amenities.
Seasonal closures affect availability: State park cabin facilities typically operate on limited schedules. "Stayed here for 2 nights during a somewhat rainy Memorial Day weekend. Despite the rain, we enjoyed ourselves and even did a hike," shares a Susquehanna State Park visitor who traveled during the park's peak operating season between late March and October.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity matters: When booking cabins with children, check the location relative to play areas. "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," explains a visitor to Ramblin' Pines.
Pack accordingly for cabin amenities: Most cabins require guests to bring bedding, pillows and cooking supplies. "The beds were not very comfortable and way too small for a couple to sleep in one. It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers," cautions a Merry Meadows visitor, highlighting the need to bring flashlights and comfortable bedding.
Consider shoulder season visits: May and September offer lower rates and fewer crowds at cabin facilities while maintaining comfortable temperatures. "We stayed during a few weekdays in October and we almost had the whole place to ourselves," reports a family who enjoyed the quieter atmosphere at Merry Meadows during fall.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives for RV travelers: Many RVers occasionally use cabins as alternatives when traveling without their rigs. "We stayed at site D72 for 4 days. The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," notes a Little Bennett visitor who appreciated the campground's RV-friendly cabin options.
Utility availability varies by season: Winter cabin visitors should confirm whether water connections remain active. "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," explains a visitor to Elk Neck State Park Campground, providing useful information for late-season visitors.
Site selection considerations: Research specific cabin locations before booking. "The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly. Out site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping," warns an Elk Neck visitor who found site navigation challenging despite eventually enjoying their stay.
