Cabin camping options near Stevenson, Maryland extend from basic one-room structures to fully-equipped units with varied amenities. Situated within the Piedmont region, the area features rolling hills and mixed deciduous forests with elevations ranging from 400-800 feet. Fall temperatures average 50-65°F, while summer months typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Access miles of trails directly from campgrounds for all skill levels. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, "Patapsco Valley offers 6 different entrances. Each one provides several different trail heads and experiences... The trails we have been on are all pretty moderate to hard but offer beautiful waterfalls and river views."
Water activities: Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddling during warmer months. Near Susquehanna State Park, "You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures."
Seasonal events: Check campground schedules for family-friendly activities. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family."
What campers like
Playground access: Many cabins are positioned near child-friendly 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. The nature center was closed when we visited, but the kids still enjoyed the sensory trail and playground."
Natural water features: Several parks offer scenic water access. At Codorus State Park Campground, "We fit all 4 tents on the site... The park has trails to the lake that were a nice walk. We drove to the public boat launch and rented a pontoon to take on the water. It was blue skies and 85 degrees out and the water felt great."
Private sites: Rustic cabin areas often have more seclusion than tent areas. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped. One of our bunk ends extended beyond the pad into the woods, which was just fine by me."
What you should know
Check-in time restrictions: Arrive at the correct time to avoid waiting. At Ramblin' Pines, "The keycard entry system is pretty inconvenient though ($40 cash only deposit!) and the hours are inconvenient as well. You can only check in between 2 and 4! This might be off season though."
Weather readiness: Be prepared for rapid weather changes, especially in spring and fall. "Nice small campsite in MD not too far from DC. One negative was that when it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm."
Fire regulations: Firewood restrictions apply at most parks. "Firewood cannot be brought into Patapsco Valley State Park due to harmful insect prevention policies but can be purchased from camp hosts. At most campgrounds, the money goes toward the parks volunteer program."
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate sites: Choose cabin locations based on children's ages. At Little Bennett Campground, "We visited in June 2017 at which time this park only had primitive sites or electric sites... while the sites were a nice size, the amenities are limited by amount and by time. Jumping pillow and pedal cars are only open at certain hours."
Swimming options: Verify water access when booking camping cabins near Stevenson. "The lake is beautiful and the trail around the lake is nice. Staff was friendly. A nice park to go to if you just want to rest around the camp fire."
Playground proximity: Request sites with easy access to play areas. "Our site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping. The lovely camp host, Carol, kept the bathhouse spotless."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some cabin areas share roads with RV sections. At Cherry Hill Park, "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer... Pros: 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."
Site selection: Investigate specific sites before booking. "The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side. The landscaping, trees and site placement does help the esthetics."
Off-season considerations: Year-round cabin camping options vary in 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. Nice clean bathhouses. Sites were level, spacious, spaced apart, with packed gravel surface."
