Several campgrounds near Adelphi, Maryland offer services from April through October, though select locations remain open year-round. Winter campers should note that water systems at some parks are winterized from November through March. The region receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush wooded camping areas within 30 miles of Washington DC. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 200-500 feet above sea level, providing moderate temperatures even during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Greenbelt Park Campground provides multiple hiking options directly from campsites. "There is plenty of space between camp site clusters. The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods," notes one visitor to Greenbelt Park Campground.
Water activities: Bull Run Regional Park combines camping with seasonal water recreation. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," writes a reviewer of Bull Run Regional Park, which also features a water park open during summer months.
Washington DC access: Many campers use area campgrounds as base camps for exploring Washington DC. One visitor to Greenbelt Park noted, "The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods. Can't beat the close proximity to DC."
What campers like
Metro accessibility: The proximity to public transportation ranks high among camper preferences. "Take the METRO if you are going into the District. There are two stations very close to camp. Rides vary depending on how far you are going but on average I spent about $10 per day on METRO versus $20-$40 on parking in the district area," explains a Greenbelt Park Campground visitor.
Diverse site options: Lake Fairfax Campground provides varied camping spots. "This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded," reports one camper at Lake Fairfax Campground.
Shaded campsites: Many RV parks near Adelphi feature tree cover for summer camping. A visitor to Bull Run Regional Park observed, "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."
What you should know
Reservations required: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking through recreation.gov or campground-specific systems. One camper at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "Price is a little steep, but with all the amenities you get, it is well worth it."
Noise considerations: Train noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those along rail lines. A Harpers Ferry Campground visitor warned, "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies widely between campgrounds. At Harpers Ferry Campground, one camper reported issues: "The bathroom trailer near the campsites was extremely smelly, with many of the 4 toilets clogged." Meanwhile, Bull Run campers praise their facilities: "Bath houses are clean and well maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Cherry Hill Park shared, "Just awesome! Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wildlife sightings provide educational experiences. At Lake Fairfax, "The staff and campers were great and we even got to see the cub scouts doing a relay course," reported one visitor.
Budget-friendly options: Greenbelt Park provides affordable camping close to attractions. "It is not free but very reasonable considering the area," noted one visitor, with sites typically priced around $20 per night compared to $45-60 at private campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Many RV campers report challenges with uneven sites. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, a visitor noted, "Our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
Full hookup availability: Options for complete hookups are limited but available. A Camp Meade RV Park visitor reported, "Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F."
Metro parking considerations: RVers visiting DC should note specific parking options. "We packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town. The lot there is huge and open and free on weekends," explained a Greenbelt Park camper.
