Cabin camping near Occoquan, Virginia offers access to the Potomac River watershed with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, making spring and fall ideal for outdoor recreation. Most cabin accommodations remain open year-round with peak season running April through October.
What to do
Disc golf course access: At Pohick Bay Campground, cabin visitors can enjoy the 18-hole disc golf course located within the park grounds. "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," notes Rachel L.
Winter recreation options: Cabin stays during colder months provide a different perspective of the region. "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," shares Josh J. about Pohick Bay.
Historical exploration: Westmoreland State Park Campground cabins serve as a base for historical touring. "The park is well off the beaten path, but has plenty of historic and other attractions near by," mentions Anthony D. Westmoreland also features a fossil beach where visitors search for prehistoric shark teeth.
What campers like
Proximity to DC: Cabins at Cherry Hill Park provide convenient access to Washington DC attractions. "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5," reports Jennifer H.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" shares Kathie M. about her experience at Pohick Bay. The watershed location creates excellent bird watching opportunities from cabin porches and nearby trails.
Seasonal water activities: Summer cabin stays allow access to water recreation. "This is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around. Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer. Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," writes Anne K. about seasonal options at Pohick Bay.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Bull Run Regional Park, cabin layout affects visitor experience. "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone," notes Roberta K. Cabin locations vary in privacy and levelness across different parks.
Seasonal noise factors: Bull Run visitors should be aware of potential noise sources. "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," advises Drew M.
Winter temperature management: During colder months, cabins at Pohick Bay require preparation. "We stay here at least 6 trips a year. Nice layout, not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help," mentions Robert P., highlighting the year-round availability despite seasonal challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Organized activities: Smallwood State Park Campground offers family-friendly programming. "We've camped here on 3 separate occasions. The grounds were clean and perfect for us. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit. Mattawoman Creek is right there and great for kayaking," shares Lorraine P.
Bathroom proximity: Consider cabin location relative to facilities. "The site was large, almost perfectly level, and wooded. It was also right next to the bath house, which was great for the kids. There were several paved walking paths leading to the bath house, so no one cut through our site to get to it," details Jen V. about Smallwood State Park.
Nature scavenger hunts: Bull Run cabins provide structured activities for children. "This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," explains Bridget H.
Tips for RVers
Cabin alternative during maintenance: Fairfax County Burke Lake Park cabins provide options when RV maintenance is needed. "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," describes Alexis.
Site dimensions: When selecting cabin accommodations as an RV alternative, note the variable site designs. "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," observes Alexis about Burke Lake Park.
Seasonal crowding patterns: Westmoreland cabin visitors note attendance varies by season. "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," reports RL about off-season advantages.
