Cabins near Herndon, Virginia provide outdoor accommodations within a 40-mile radius, accessible to both Virginia and Maryland locations. This region sits where the Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain, with elevations ranging from 300-500 feet. Winter cabin rentals typically see temperatures between 25-45°F, while summer cabin stays experience 70-90°F with moderate humidity. Most cabin locations have cell service, though reception can vary in more wooded sites.
What to do
River activities: Shenandoah River access from Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground lets visitors fish, swim, and boat directly from some sites. "The river, the views, the experience. It's all good probably best time I ever had," notes one visitor who enjoyed the peaceful waterfront setting.
Historic exploration: Civil War sites near Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders provide educational opportunities. "The hike that leads to the lookout about Harpers Ferry was fantastic. This hike takes you well above the town settled in West Virginia," shares a camper who appreciated the well-maintained trails within walking distance of the cabin area.
Disc golf: 18-hole course at Pohick Bay Campground offers a free activity option. "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," writes a regular visitor who appreciates this free activity.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground offers cabins with more separation than typical commercial facilities. "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure). Plenty of playgrounds and trails nearby to keep the family busy," reports a camper who valued the space between accommodations.
Private bathroom facilities: Bull Run Regional Park receives praise for its shower buildings. "I'll go again just for the showers. The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," writes one tent camper who discovered the quality facilities exceeded expectations.
Year-round availability: Multiple cabin options remain open during winter months. "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. Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends," notes a winter visitor to Pohick Bay who found the seasonal timing ideal.
What you should know
Train noise: Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders sits near active train tracks. "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night," warns a visitor who experienced the railroad disruptions firsthand.
Limited store hours: Many cabin locations have small camp stores with restricted hours. "The small camp store, but the campground is convenient to ample grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants as well as many local historic attractions," explains a Brunswick Family Campground visitor noting the nearby alternative shopping options.
Varying electrical capacity: Not all cabin areas have equal power options. "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster (1 bar), 8 MB/s with it (2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna. There is no WiFi," shares a visitor to Little Bennett Campground detailing the connectivity limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive facilities for children. "This campground is byfar one of the best I have ever stayed at. The price is a little steep, but with all the amenities you get, it is well worth it. The park has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!!"
Transportation to DC: Family cabin stays can include city exploration. "Great location, clean, mini golf a little run down and bounce house is broken, but jump area was great for kids. Close to tubing and rafting," notes a visitor to Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefields KOA who found the combination of outdoor activities and urban accessibility ideal.
Educational programs: Weekend cabin rentals often include structured children's activities. "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," explains a family who found the organized events at Pohick Bay perfect for young children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Little Bennett Campground requires attention to uneven terrain. "Site #D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back. Site #D69 gravel parking pad," explains an RVer who adapted to the terrain challenges.
Seasonal access restrictions: Some sites close completely during winter months. "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. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only," shares a visitor who appreciated the separated camping sections at Little Bennett.
Shooting range proximity: Bull Run Regional Park has a firing range on the property. "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," explains a visitor who found the ambient noise levels higher than expected.
