Camping cabins near Purcellville, Virginia sit at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet. The area experiences moderate seasonal temperatures with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows around 25°F. Most cabin sites remain open year-round, though winter access may require preparation for potential snow and ice on mountain roads.
What to do
River activities: Potomac River access at Brunswick Family Campground offers multiple water recreation options. "The Shanandoah is just as beautiful. The showers could use a good cleaning but they are typical Campground showers perfect for the campground life," notes Brian S. The river is "beautifully clean clear and cool" and easily accessible from campsites.
Historical exploration: Battlefield sites within 5-30 minutes of most cabin rentals provide educational opportunities. "Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door," reports Matt S. at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA. Gettysburg, Baltimore, and DC are about an hour's drive from most cabin locations.
Hiking: C&O Canal towpath runs through multiple camping areas. Susan K. describes, "Situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail." Most cabins are within 1-2 miles of trail access points, with varying difficulty levels available.
What campers like
River views: Waterfront cabin options provide scenic settings. "Great Potomac river views. Weather-proof cabin with comfy bunks," notes Sherri C. about Brunswick Family Campground. "The river view was nice," is frequently mentioned in reviews, with riverside cabins generally commanding $10-20 more per night than wooded options.
Family activities: Recreational amenities keep children entertained. At Bull Run Regional Park, "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it," reports Bridget H. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground."
Convenient locations: Proximity to attractions allows for day trips. "This is a nice campground with lots of great places nearby including Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Frederick, Washington DC, Baltimore, and more," says Matt S. Most cabins provide easy access to multiple destinations within a 30-60 minute drive.
What you should know
Train noise: Railway proximity affects some locations. "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night," warns Sherri C. at Brunswick Family Campground. The noise is a common theme in reviews, with several mentioning it "wasn't super loud just wanted to make you aware."
Reservation requirements: Early booking is essential, especially for weekend stays at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park. Cabin rentals fill 2-3 months in advance during peak seasons. "No problem finding a spot, campground was about half full when we got there around 4pm. The Primitive Camping spots were all taken however, so arrive early if you want one of those," advises John B.
Amenity variations: Cabin facilities differ significantly between locations. Some provide only basic furnishings while others include full kitchens and bathrooms. "The cabin was TINY. Essentially four beds (two bunks) and some space between them to move around. Essentially a shed with bunkbeds in it," cautions Sherri C. about one location.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Choose locations with swimming options for kid-friendly entertainment. Harpers Ferry Campground offers "Nice tent campground. It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!" according to Robin W. Several camping areas offer pool access during summer months, typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Activity scheduling: Plan around program times to maximize enjoyment. "The campground offers adventures like rafting, biking, tubing and zip lining to name a few," explains Maggie A. Many locations run scheduled activities primarily on weekends, with some requiring advance registration or additional fees.
Budget considerations: Factor in extra costs beyond basic cabin rental fees. Pet fees ($3-15 per night), activity charges, and equipment rentals can add up. Matt S. notes, "A $3 per night 'Pet Fee' for our small, mostly-indoor dog felt a bit like nickel-and-diming."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request level locations when booking cabin accommodations. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reports a camper at Little Bennett Campground. Cabin locations on ridges or hillsides may require adjustment for comfort, especially in older units.
Shower facilities: Check bathroom proximity before finalizing reservations. "No toilet/shower facility in FHU loop so had to hike to facilities in Loops B & E," notes a reviewer. Some cabin areas feature dedicated restroom buildings while others require walks of up to 500 feet to reach shower facilities.
Seasonal differences: Winter cabin stays often provide more seclusion but reduced amenities. John B. reports, "Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter. Bathrooms and showers were nearby and clean." Off-season rentals typically cost 15-30% less than peak summer rates.
