Cabin camping options near Perryville, Maryland range from basic to fully-equipped accommodations across state parks and private campgrounds. Most locations sit at elevations under 500 feet along the Chesapeake watershed, with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F and high humidity. Fall offers cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, making it the preferred season for many cabin campers in this region.
What to do
Hiking at Turkey Point: Elk Neck State Park features trails leading to the historic lighthouse with views of the Chesapeake. "There is a nice walking trail to an awesome lighthouse that overlooks the Chesapeake Bay," notes one visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks offer fishing access in stocked lakes and rivers. At Susquehanna State Park Campground, "We hiked over a bridge and stream which was full of fish I could see! Turned around after I got to the Susquehanna itself. The river was running pretty high and fast, pretty cool to see."
Historic exploration: Visit nearby historic sites like Hopewell Furnace. A camper at French Creek State Park mentioned, "There are amazing wildflowers on that trail. You can bike to the trail from the campground. All downhill. So be ready for the climb back up. One trail has two amazing specimen trees."
Water activities: Many campgrounds offer swimming, kayaking and canoeing. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float."
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate well-separated cabin areas. At Tucquan Park Family Campground, "Our site was plenty long for our 45' RV and tow car. Each site has a firepit and picnic table."
Clean facilities: State park and private campground bathhouses receive praise for cleanliness. A visitor to Susquehannock State Park Campground noted, "The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice."
Water features: Lakes, creeks, and rivers enhance many camping experiences. "There is a small, slow flowing river that runs along the front of the park which some people play in and float down in inner tubes," writes a camper at Old Mill Stream Campground.
Family activities: Campgrounds offer various recreational amenities beyond standard features. A visitor at Tucquan Park Family Campground shared, "This campground features an amazing playground, a pond, a beautiful pool, a rec room, a wonderful hiking trail, and a basket ball court."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer cabin bookings require significant advance planning. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville, a camper noted, "This will be our second year going. So much to do for the kids. Our first year we did a birthday package where they brought a cake to the camp with Booboo for my daughter."
Limited amenities: Some cabins provide minimal facilities. At Woodlands Camping Resort, "Campground is a little outdated and where the overnight people are is separated from the seasonal people the closest bathhouse is a 10 min walk from where we were."
Seasonal operations: Not all campgrounds with cabins operate year-round. "We stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early."
Weather considerations: Plan for humidity and potential storms in summer. A camper at Old Mill Stream Campground mentioned, "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Choose campgrounds with activities for children. A reviewer at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA shared, "They have activities like mini golf, pedal carts, jump pillow and a pool. Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes."
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature play areas for different age groups. "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground. There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs or nearby learning experiences. A visitor to French Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "They hold a Sunday morning 'Church at the Park,' which we were planning to go to, but then it rained, and we didn't know there was a rain location (the park office), so we ended up missing that."
Family-focused events: Some campgrounds schedule regular activities. At Tucquan Park Family Campground, campers appreciate that there are "Clean bathhouses! Fun activities planned through the season."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose cabins near amenities if traveling without additional transportation. One camper at D&J Shady Rest Campground noted, "This camp ground is a small campground and very quiet. Right in the middle of Amish Country. Owners are very helpful."
Hookup variations: Cabins with utilities differ widely between properties. A camper at Elk Neck State Park mentioned, "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."
Access considerations: Some cabin areas have challenging approach roads. "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground," advises a visitor to Old Mill Stream Campground.
Cabin sizing: Confirm cabin dimensions match your group's needs. "The primitive sites are back in the woods which kept us nice and cool on hot July nights. The location also kept us fairly bug free."