Cabin accommodations near George Washington Memorial Parkway range from rustic forest service buildings to renovated historical structures. Located at elevations under 500 feet along the Potomac River basin, the region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and moderate winters. Several parks offer cabins with varying seasonal availability throughout the Northern Virginia and Maryland region, with some remaining open year-round.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Pohick Bay Regional Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course within walking distance of the camping area. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes Rachel L. about this recreational option.
Water activities: Westmoreland State Park Campground provides opportunities for fossil hunting along the Potomac River shoreline. "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night," reports Sara A. about her experience at Westmoreland State Park Campground.
Historical exploration: Prince William Forest Park cabins offer access to historical structures dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps era. "These camps were made by the CCC and even used by the then-CIA during WWII. They are extremely rustic and you should expect to see lots of bugs, snakes, etc. during your stay, and it adds to the experience in a great way," explains Dan N. about the Goodwill Cabin area.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Pohick Bay provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" shares Kathie M. about her experience at Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Off-season tranquility: Winter camping offers a quieter experience at many parks in the region. "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year. Definitely gets windy near the river. Nothing a big pot of camp soup or chili can't help!" reports RL about Westmoreland State Park.
Proximity to DC: Many cabin locations provide surprisingly quick access to Washington DC. "Stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat," notes Josh J. about Pohick Bay Regional Park during winter camping.
What you should know
Booking requirements: Many cabin sites require minimum stays during peak periods. "But Bull Run manages to goose you even more. There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights. But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week. In APRIL for gosh sakes!" explains Stuart O. about his experience at Bull Run Regional Park.
Cabin facilities: Camp kitchens vary significantly between locations. "The cabins have beds with waterproof mattresses, closets, screen windows, and electricity, but no fans or AC (bring fans!!). There are central shower houses, central dining halls (with full modern kitchens, fridge, etc)," explains Dan N. about Prince William Forest Park group cabins.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby facilities or transportation corridors. "Camp ground is nice. Check in was a breeze. The only drawback is that it is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," notes Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Look for parks with organized programming for kids. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shares Ben G. about his experience at Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Playground access: Some cabin sites offer direct access to play areas. "Plenty of playgrounds and trails nearby to keep the family busy," mentions Kristen M. about Pohick Bay Regional Park. "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground. There is a carousel and a kiddy train, frisbee golf, a regular golf course - all a short drive from DC," adds Alexis about Burke Lake Park.
Bathroom proximity: When booking with children, consider cabin or site location relative to facilities. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," notes Ben G. about his family's experience at Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request information about site levelness when booking. "Sites are very well spaced out and there are only 15 in the only camp loop. Sites are private with most having thick foliage and trees between them. Our site was perfectly level. Most sites appeared fairly level. Sites 10-14 were our favorites," recommends Laure D. about Smallwood State Park.
Hookup availability: Premium sites at some locations offer complete hookups. "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs," explains Jonathan B. about Cherry Hill Park, noting the comprehensive amenities available.
Space considerations: Many sites have compact dimensions that may challenge larger rigs. "The sites were oddly shaped - our grill was on the edge of the site, closer to the neighbor's picnic table. Our neighbors were all nice and respectful, but the quarters were very close," shares Alexis about Burke Lake Park.
