Best Cabin Camping near McLean, VA

Several campgrounds within driving distance of McLean, Virginia provide furnished cabin rentals with varying levels of amenities. Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville offers year-round cabin accommodations with electricity, heating, and basic furnishings. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area features "mini cabins" with electricity and heat that are popular with families seeking a middle ground between tent camping and full amenities. "The best part of this campground are the neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it,'" notes one visitor. Cherry Hill Park in College Park, Maryland provides more upscale cabin options with proximity to Washington DC, including full kitchenettes in some units.

Rustic log cabins and deluxe units with modern conveniences are both available throughout the region. Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefields KOA offers deluxe cabins equipped with queen beds, bunk beds, microwaves, refrigerators, and private bathrooms. At Brunswick Family Campground, cabins are more basic with "weather-proof cabins with comfy bunks" but limited space. One visitor described their cabin as "TINY. Essentially four beds (two bunks) and some space between them to move around. Essentially a shed with bunkbeds in it." Pet policies vary significantly between locations, with some parks like Gambrill State Park designating specific pet-friendly cabins (Cabin 18), while others maintain pet-free zones. Advance reservations are essential, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months when most cabins are fully booked.

Most cabin rentals provide beds with mattresses but require guests to bring their own linens, pillows, blankets, and towels. Kitchen facilities range from simple fire pits with cooking grates to full kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves in premium units. The Olive Green cabin, a historic log structure operated by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, offers a more primitive experience where "the cabin itself is stocked with various cookware (including cast iron), bed frames, tables, chairs, books and games." Campers should check specific campground websites for detailed packing lists, as amenities vary widely. On-site camp stores at larger facilities like Cherry Hill Park and Ramblin' Pines sell firewood, ice, basic groceries, and camping supplies, though prices tend to be higher than at grocery stores in surrounding communities.

Best Cabin Sites Near McLean, Virginia (34)

    1. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "Located less than 3-miles from I-95, about 40-minutes drive time from downtown Washington, DC, and about 35-minutes from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this park is ideally situated for a capitol vacation."

    "We had another great stay at Cherry Hill Park in College Park, MD. "

    2. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $43 - $100 / night

    "Great Park, friendly staff, clean facilities. We stayed with our Pop Up for two nights at an electric -supported site. Portable water and dumping station located at the camp store."

    "Pros - Clean Bathrooms, Camp store open 8am - 8pm, Sites 62 - 92 (except #74 and 88) are all pretty  good.  Security was great, patrol throughout the night.  "

    3. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "We were at site 133, non electric non water. I feel like the spots at the end of each loop might have slightly more privacy, but our site was fine."

    "Great camp sites each with a picnic table and fire pit. There are a ton of things to do at this park, boat ramps, water park, mini golf, disc golf, kayak rental, and hiking trails."

    4. Little Bennett Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 528-3430

    "PROS 

    Very nice small Montgomery County Park 

    No reservation fee to make on-line reservations 

    Reserved 137 days prior to arriving 

    Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"

    "We live in Montgomery County and this is a nice camping get away close to home."

    5. Fairfax County Burke Lake Park

    2 Reviews
    Fairfax Station, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "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."

    "i’ve camped here too many times to count, love being surrounded by nature!"

    6. Ramblin' Pines

    17 Reviews
    Woodbine, MD
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 795-5161

    $30 - $70 / night

    "We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."

    "It has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds. I really like all the trees. Space between sites seems to be standard."

    7. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023

    9 Reviews
    Marbury, MD
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $27 - $65 / night

    "The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they’re very private with woods between each one. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked."

    "Smallwood State Park offers a more intimate setting for camping. There is only 1 circle for camping with tents and cabins intermingled. The sites are moderately separated giving some privacy."

    8. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    39 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-6895

    $40 - $80 / night

    "We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "

    "We had trouble leveling our rig and almost had to buy more leveling blocks from the camp store for $60($28 on Walmart.com) We made it work without but we saw one of our neighbors use a cooler to support"

    9. Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    15 Reviews
    Millersville, MD
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 923-2771

    "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)."

    "After a peaceful protest,my sister, nephew and I stayed in a cabin for 1 night. We all slept well in the clean and comfortable cabin. The campground is a safe place for families."

    10. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    19 Reviews
    Catonsville, MD
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $20 - $51 / night

    "The Hilton area campground is unique because, unlike the Hollofield area of the park, it doesn't allow RVs and its tent sites are non-electric."

    "Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 34 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Cabin Reviews near McLean, VA

379 Reviews of 34 McLean Campgrounds


  • Dan N.
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Goodwill Cabin — Prince William Forest Park

    HUGE cabin GROUP Camp #1

    PWFP has a number of large group cabin campgrounds available to rent, with capacities of 75 to 200. They are called Goodwill (#1), Mawavi (#2), Oreda (#3), Pleasant (#4), Happyland (#5). My organization has rented 3 of the 5 different cabin camps over the years. 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. 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), and extra buildings called craft lodges (which have tables for activities, discussions, etc.). Sites have extras like fire rings with seating, swimming ponds, hiking trails, grassy playing fields, etc. but I’m not sure they all have all of these. They’re all among the trees and shady. The PWFP rangers and website have lots of great info on the local flora & fauna (best moths I’ve ever seen in my life here). This is a great place for a school overnight or scouting. They’ve been working on renovating them since we started renting them in 2006, so make sure to tour all the different camps to get the one that meets your needs best. Full info is at https://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/upload/Group%20Cabin%20Camping.pdf

  • Wendy W.
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Ole Mink Farm Recreation Resort

    Great resort-style cabin for “glamping!”

    Well-appointed, semi-rustic cabins set in Catoctin Mountain. Not far from the Wm. Houck lake area and trailhead to Cunningham Falls.

    Our cabin came equipped with A/C and heat, full kitchenette, fireplace, screened in porch, and firepit area (including wood and fire starters!) with seating and picnic table.

    Ole Mink Farm is very resort-like with a central pool and clubhouse. They also offer various activities — mainly on weekends — like cornhole tournaments and campfire gatherings.

    And I can’t say enough about the customer service!! They take hospitality to whole new levels! We ran into a couple personal snags on our trip, and they were so accommodating. Even when my Mom got sick, they checked in on us and asked about her by name. What a wonderful group of owners!

    If you want to “glamp,” I would HIGHLY recommend this place!

  • Dave G.
    Jul. 14, 2016

    Olive Green Cabin

    Decent escape from life in a cabin full of history

    Olive Green cabin, owned/operated by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club is a two floor primitive cabin near Frederick, Maryland. It's a log cabin that was built around the mid-1860's. The last private owner, Olive Green lived in it until the 1980's (I think) when she was still living primitively without electricity or water. She grew her own food and had livestock on her property. The cabin itself is stocked with various cookware (including cast iron), bed frames, tables, chairs, books and games. We went in December after a storm and needed to shovel our way to the outhouse. Manual labor is not a bad thing! The opportunity to stay here and live primitively for a weekend was nice. The only downside is that the cabin is not effectively insulated, with numerous holes between the logging that lets a good amount of cold air in at night. There is also a wood burning stove on the first floor that's great for cooking on, but doesn't produce a lot of heat that needs to make its way to the sleeping quarters in the loft.

  • Reba H.
    Jun. 4, 2022

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Well maintained but fair warnings

    The Hilton area campground is unique because, unlike the Hollofield area of the park, it doesn't allow RVs and its tent sites are non-electric. However, a tiny cabin experience with electricity is available... within the same loop as non-electric tent camping. My non-electric tent campsite was surrounded by brightly lit cabins, even unoccupied all of their porch lights stay on all night. It doesn't make the upper half of the campground ideal for stargazing. The other reviewers are correct that the lower half of the loop is situated lower in the valley which will make any rain you get more difficult, so avoid booking a site at the very bottom. Overall the campground and state park deserve 4 stars because from what I could see tent pads were level, firepits had grill gates, showers were hot, and staff were cleaning and maintaining the grounds everyday. But be safe; prepare detailed offline navigation if you use the trails surrounding the camp. I definitely got lost relying on blazes for what I thought was supposed to be the Charcoal Trail.

  • M J.
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Great spot around Northern Virginina

    We were here for just one night during September. Our first time camping in the area and since COVID. Check in process was relatively simple, just pull up and pop out of your car to check in, with mask of course. We got a quick run down, some wood and a brochure with maps and area info. We were at site 133, non electric non water. I feel like the spots at the end of each loop might have slightly more privacy, but our site was fine. It included a picnic table and probably the best fire pit with grill that I've had in a while. It rained the night before we came, and the night we were there so the ground was pretty wet. Bathrooms had a sign for taking care with COVID precautions, and to wear your mask. Bathrooms were ok, but floors were a mess from muddy feet. Not much to be done about that. There were showers, and a dishwashing sink, plus laundry available. It's nice to know we've got a close spot to escape to if we don't have time to go far. This is a pet friendly campground. There's a lot to do out at the whole park, and its worth exploring (we just didn't have time). I'm sure its so pretty out near the water.

  • Candace and Sean B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2021

    Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

    Deer Spring Loop

    Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain.

    This is not a pet friendly loop.

    Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.

    The site is between two cabins. Not a problem except the cabins were empty and the ac was running. Noisy and kind of wasteful.

    There are lots of good hiking trails in the park. It’s a nice walk to the lake. Note that the hike back is 2/3 uphill.

    They sell ice at the camp entrance, which is nice.

    The bathrooms were moderately clean and had plenty of hot water.

    I was not aware that there was a camp host until the third morning as I was readying to leave. I approached another camp to ask a question and they said they were the “camp hosts”.

  • Tom C.
    May. 4, 2017

    Bull Run Regional Park

    Bull Run Regional Park

    State run park with many amenities. Park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds. The park is located in the middle of suburbs close to manassas va. The park also offer cabin rentals if you don't want to camp. I like to take new families that have not camped before to this campsite, its close to home and if anyone decides to bail out there is a hotel 5 min away.

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 27, 2017

    Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park

    Quiet Getaway

    Cunningham Falls State Park - Houck Area, (http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/cunningham.aspx) is pretty big and has much to offer...but part of the beauty is it is literally 5 miles down the road from Catoctin Mountain Park, a National Park Service with additional trails to enjoy.

    Nestled away in the Catoctin Mountains, it lands further away from Camp David, so the likelihood of it being negatively affected during dignitary or presidential visits is slim. Unlike the trails at Catoctin Mountain Park which will see closings.

    There are 149 sites to choose from, yes...149...in five different loops that continue to wind their way up the mountain. There are very few electric sites on the three lower loops, the fourth loop is all electric sites, but water is relegated to water spigots...3 to 4 spaced out in each loop. Be mindful that on some loops, one side of the upper loop can look down onto some of the sites on the lower loop... but they are spaced out. There is some ground cover between sites but you still have line of sight with your neighbors. There are also Camper Cabins available too. Each site provides a picnic table and fire ring. Gathering downed firewood is permitted.

    They also permit up to 6 people and two tents on a site...a rarity indeed!

    Showerhouse/Restrooms are placed in the middle of each loop and are modern facilities. Fairly clean and maintained. Electric outlets are a plus.

    This campground is pet friendly...must be leashed and not permitted on the sandy beach area during season. Cell service was fairly consistent.

    Unlike the National Park Campground a few miles down the road, Cunningham Falls State Park requires you to pass through a staffed office at the entrance and a gate.

    The 43 acre Hunting Creek Lake offers great (and busy weekend) fishing. Trolling motors are permitted, but ideal for paddling.

    There are plenty of trails, including the Catoctin Trail, but all the trails I was on do not permit biking.

    Another big draw is Cunningham Falls itself. The trail is an easy six mile loop to and from the falls.

    This is a very busy campground and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise.

  • S
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Olive Green Cabin

    Lovely cabin stay

    Perfect rustic cabin in the woods. It gives the illusion of being secluded even though the road is just on the other side of some trees. You'll get some car sounds for sure, but mostly quiet after dark.

    The loft really only slept 2 unless you are ok sleeping on the floor. No running water or electricity. You'll need to bring plenty of flashlights and lanterns as well as water. Everything was clean and nice, including the outhouse.

    The porch of the cabin was our main hangout and cooking station as it does get very dark inside. There were still a few nice, late-season pears left under the tree that we very much enjoyed.


Guide to McLean

Cabin rentals near McLean, Virginia provide convenient access to camping within 45 minutes of Washington DC. The region sits at the intersection of the Piedmont Plateau and Atlantic Coastal Plain, creating varied terrain from riverside camping to wooded settings at elevations between 200-400 feet. Most campgrounds remain open April through October, though several offer year-round cabin accommodations.

What to do

Hiking and water access: At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, trails range from easy to challenging with river views. "There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes," notes a visitor who appreciated the "small gem of a state park campground." Another camper mentioned, "We found a small river and swimming hole at the bottom of the hill off to the side opposite the cabins/park."

Historical exploration: Camping cabins serve as an excellent base for exploring the region's history. "Harper's Ferry National Historical park is 35 miles from Park," notes a camper at Little Bennett Campground. The proximity to historical sites makes cabin rentals particularly attractive for history buffs seeking comfortable accommodations while exploring Civil War battlefields.

Family activities: Many cabin camping locations incorporate recreational amenities directly on-site. "There is mini golf, arcade, nice playground, jump pillow, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds," according to a Ramblin' Pines visitor. Families appreciate campgrounds that balance natural settings with structured activities for children.

What campers like

Private, wooded settings: Many cabin campers value privacy between sites. "Sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they're very private with woods between each one," reports a visitor at Smallwood State Park. This setup provides a more authentic camping experience while still enjoying cabin amenities.

Affordable alternatives to hotels: Cabin rentals offer cost-effective options for exploring Washington DC. "This is a nice campground with lots of great places nearby including Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Frederick, Washington DC, Baltimore, and more," states a camper who found cabins to be an economical alternative to expensive DC hotels during their exploration of the capital region.

Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention facility cleanliness as a key factor. "Very nice grounds, clean, and amenities galore!" notes a camper at Cherry Hill Park. Another visitor highlighted, "The bathhouse is nothing special, but it's well maintained and clean," when discussing Patapsco Valley facilities.

What you should know

Cabin size variations: Cabin dimensions vary significantly between parks. At Pohick Bay Campground, cabins range from basic one-room structures to larger multi-room units. One visitor noted that "not all sites are level (half)" which applies to both RV sites and the areas where cabins are located.

Reservation requirements: Weekend cabin bookings require significant advance planning, especially at popular locations like Bull Run Regional Park. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests a regular visitor who books cabins months in advance for weekend stays.

Varying amenities: Cabin amenities differ dramatically between parks. "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked," notes a Smallwood State Park visitor, but this primarily refers to the communal facilities, not in-cabin bathrooms which are rare in state park cabins near McLean. Most cabins provide beds but require guests to bring their own linens.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and activities: Families consistently rate playgrounds as essential amenities. "The campground is on the smaller side. You get a fire pit and cooking crate, and a picnic table," explains a visitor at Patapsco Valley State Park. The same camper added, "There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center."

Cabin camping for beginners: Cabins offer an excellent introduction to camping for young families. "We stayed in a cabin for 2 nights and had a great time," shares a Bull Run Regional Park visitor who noted, "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt."

Weather considerations: Spring and fall offer ideal cabin camping conditions near McLean, with moderate temperatures. Summer brings humidity that can make outdoor activities challenging. A camper at Burke Lake Park mentioned, "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."

Tips from RVers

Washington DC access: Multiple campgrounds with cabin rentals also accommodate RVs and provide excellent DC access. "No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" explains a Cherry Hill Park visitor. This transportation option benefits both cabin campers and RVers seeking easy capital access.

Seasonal availability: Year-round cabin availability varies significantly. "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 a winter visitor to Pohick Bay Campground, highlighting off-season advantages.

Site preparation: When booking cabins, inquire about site conditions. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," shares a camper at Patapsco Valley, showing how strategic cabin selection enhances the experience even at smaller parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near McLean, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near McLean, VA is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 42 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near McLean, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 34 cabin camping locations near McLean, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.