Cabin camping options in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia offer visitors easy access to the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, with elevations ranging from 400-800 feet providing moderate temperatures year-round. Most cabin facilities near Charles Town are within a 30-minute drive of the historic downtown area, making them convenient base camps for exploring Civil War sites, hiking trails, and river activities.
What to do
River recreation: 100 yards from campsites: Brunswick Family Campground offers direct access to the Shenandoah River for swimming and tubing. "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.
Historic exploration: 1.5 mile hiking path: At Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders, visitors can follow a trail into town. "If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry. The trail is about 1.5 miles one way," explains Maggie A.
Mountain biking: miles of trails: Gambrill State Park provides extensive mountain biking opportunities. "Right outside the park is the Frederick watershed where many locals take advantage of the trails for mountain biking. The park itself is well known for hiking trails that take you up and around the mountain," reports Melissa C.
What campers like
Waterfront cabin sites: river views included: Staying in cabins near the water is a major draw for Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground. "If you are less enthusiastic about winter camping, the cabins are a great way to enjoy the park with climate controlled amenities," notes one visitor.
Family activities: multiple play areas: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive family-oriented amenities. "This campground has tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground. Has a great water park, playground and bounce pad feature," shares Beth C.
Spacious sites: room to spread out: Little Bennett Campground provides larger cabin and tent areas. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," writes Ray & Terri F.
What you should know
Train noise: prepare for rumbling: Several riverside cabin locations experience train traffic. At Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders, "When the train comes barreling by at 1am, 2am and 3am you either laugh or you cry depending on how tired you are," warns Kristen M.
Tight quarters: small cabin dimensions: Some basic cabins offer minimal space. At Brunswick Family Campground, one reviewer noted: "The cabin was TINY. Essentially four beds (two bunks) and some space between them to move around. Essentially a shed with bunkbeds in it."
Seasonal operations: verify before booking: Many campgrounds have limited winter cabin availability. While some facilities close completely during winter months, others like Shenandoah River State Park operate year-round with heated cabins, making them one of the few winter cabin camping options near Charles Town.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: daily events: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD organizes numerous children's activities. "We have stayed in the camping cabins here multiple times. We love the animals and activities for the kids. Fall is the best at this campground with the trick or treating and haunted house," says Rachael P.
Cabin alternatives: yurts available: Some parks offer yurt accommodations for families wanting a different experience than standard cabins. These structures typically provide more floor space than basic cabins while maintaining a rustic camping feel.
Budget considerations: cabin price range: Cabin rentals near Charles Town vary widely in price, from $29 per night for basic accommodations to over $100 for deluxe options with bathrooms and kitchens. One visitor at Harpers Ferry Campground noted: "We got a discount for staying 2 nights so it was only $29 a night."
Tips from RVers
Cabin parking restrictions: drop-off only: At Brunswick Family Campground, "You're not allowed to park at the tent sites but most of the tent sites allow you to drop all your camping gear off and then park in a designated area," advises Maggie A.
Site selection: prioritize end spots: When booking cabins at Brunswick Family Campground, choose carefully. "Great campground as long as you select the correct site as that is incredibly important. I'm sure in peak season or holidays it can be very busy and then you'd be very tight to your neighbor especially in the A loop. Sites on the ends are by far larger than the center," recommends Lauren B.
Supply planning: limited store options: While Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA offers a well-stocked store, many cabin locations have minimal supplies. "Great campground store filled with food, drinks, camp supplies, souvenirs, and essentials you may need while away from home," notes Matt S.
