T
Trevor 
Traveler
TravelerBay Shore Campground
Fred’s bay shore
One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
Camping near Arnold, MD
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Arnold, Maryland is situated near several established campgrounds catering to various camping preferences. Within a 20-mile radius, campers can access well-maintained sites like Patapsco Valley State Park and Washington DC/Capitol KOA, offering options for tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The Cherry Hill Park campground east of the city provides full-service amenities including electric, water, and sewer hookups, while Greenbelt Park Campground offers a more rustic experience with tent sites and basic facilities in a wooded setting.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the region, particularly during the peak season from April through October. The Maryland climate brings humid summers and mild springs and falls, making these shoulder seasons ideal for camping. "This campground was priced fairly, however, it does come with its downfalls," noted one camper about Cedarville State Forest, mentioning the mosquitos and proximity to a Naval base with frequent aircraft noise. Many campgrounds in the area require advance booking through reservation systems, with popular waterfront sites filling quickly on summer weekends. Most established campgrounds provide water access, though bathroom facilities vary widely from modern shower buildings to basic pit toilets.
Campground experiences near Arnold highlight the region's mixed urban-natural setting. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of camping near metropolitan areas while still enjoying natural surroundings. A camper at Greenbelt Park noted, "If you are looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it. Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring College Park." The campgrounds typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails. Many provide family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, while sites such as Cherry Hill Park and Washington DC/Capitol KOA offer additional recreational facilities including swimming pools and organized activities. Proximity to Washington DC makes these campgrounds popular with tourists looking for affordable accommodation while visiting the capital.
Best Campgrounds near Arnold (76)
1. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
"They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."
2. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
3. Cherry Hill Park
"Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."
"Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."
from $999 / night
Check Availability4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
"Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD.""Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."
from $20 - $51 / night
Check Availability6. Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club
"My wife and I were trying to find an RV location near the Annapolis city dock for a boat show and found Pine Tree Associates."
"Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers."
from $30 - $55 / night
Check Availability7. Bay Shore Campground
"We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view! "
"We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only 7 minutes away. Campground also close to the restaurants in Rock Hall for seafood. "
from $42 - $82 / night
Check Availability8. Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp
"Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap"
9. Hollofield Area Campground
"It has 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April- one of our first experiences in a Maryland State Park. Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking /multi use trails."
"This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another."
from $19 - $27 / night
Check Availability10. Adventure Bound Washington DC
"We had a fantastic time our 1st time at #AdventureBoundCampingResort in Lothian, Maryland."
"This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest"
Drive Time
- 27 min from Baltimore, MD
- 33 min from Washington, DC
- 1 hr 8 min from Dover, DE
- 1 hr 14 min from Lexington Park, MD
Recent Camping Photos near Arnold, MD
176 Photos of 76 Arnold Campgrounds
Manager P.
Pinetree Associates
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Michea J.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Kelly C.
Hollofield Area Campground
Evelyn T.
Cherry Hill Park
Candice N.
Lacy Oasis Campground
David G.
Tuckahoe State Park Campground
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Justin G.
Cedarville State Forest
Lisa T.
Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
Recent Reviews near Arnold, MD
554 Reviews of 76 Arnold Campgrounds
B
GuideSusquehanna State Park Campground
A little noisy - park stuff, not campers
A beautiful, well maintained park with lots to do, great bathroom facilities and extremely nice people. The electric sites aren't all together, so you don't have RV's lined up but maybe annoying for folks who are tent camping. Avoid the locations in the mid-30's by the dumpster, both staff and campers start shaking the lid around 6:30. Between 5 AM and noon staff were driving big trucks and ATV's around with loud reverse horns, and slamming the fire pit grills, which they store sideways. Overall I had a really wonderful time, but that's largely down to good sound reduction inside the van. Almost zero cell service. I was able to get a couple of text messages in and out, but seemed to be a fluke.
Isabel Z.
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Great for families
This campsite was amazing for our first tent camping experience. The park was a godsend for keeping our toddler occupied and we felt very safe overall. While the beach is pretty, be careful about the water condition. We were warned before entering and informed of the risks. They were very clear on the condition of the water that day which was a yellow, slight risk. But normally it should be okay. We would definitely camp here again.
- JJohn S.Scout
Ramblin' Pines
Weak WiFi
For $90 per night the WiFi should work better. Didn’t connect at all. Had to use the antenna pointed East to get local Baltimore news.
- hheather B.Scout
Cherry Hill Park
Like a resort
This camp ground is like a resort with 2 pools mini golf splash pad and many other amenities
- HHolly B.Guide
Cherry Hill Park
My All Time Favorite…so far
This park is top notch. The grounds are immaculate. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have a lovely gift shop. We were in the 400 sites and it was nice and shady. Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park. This is my all time favorite park so far and I need to go back.
- TTroli R.Guide
Aberdeen Proving Ground RV Park
Bougie sites; AWFUL reservation system
BASE ACCESS REQUIRED!
Electric/Water/Sewer hookup sites for $56 a night! (2 night minimum) Which is a great full hookup price, even though it's gone up $6 since last year. Weekly and monthly pricing available as well.
The sites are neat, well maintained, level, and sunny with concrete pads and paved campground roads. Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance. Other base amenities include: commissary, gas station, bowling, BBQ, Dunkin', and Greek restaurants, and golf. (I'm sure I'm forgetting something.)
Note: in July it is very buggy - the biting flies are the worst. So bring bug spray or a screened in tent to eat in.
The downside: the reservation system is a major PITA. You have to download a PDF packet, fill it out, and EMAIL it in. When you get your confirmation, it doesn't include a specific site number. You get assigned one when they call you the week of your scheduled check-in for payment completion.
Don't miss out on: the water! My advice would be to reserve one of their boats at the same time you reserve your campsite. The water in this area is great - no jellyfish, low waves. You can SUP, kayak, pontoon boat. Whatever your preference. There are large flats of grasses - which you'd want to avoid with a motor but are so much fun to paddle over. Also check out the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge island. You can't go inland, but you can anchor off shore, jump in and wade around the shallows.
Also very driveable to an off-base movie theater, Baltimore, and Havre de Grace.
Jeremy G.TravelerJoint Base Andrews Military FamCamp
Could be a great campground but......
There are some good things about this Famcamp. It's like a diamond in the rough. If the military would spend some time and money on it, it could be a great campground. One of the greatest points about this campground is its location. You are so close to downtown D.C.! Every RV site (as far as I saw) was a level concrete pad. All sites, except for tent sites, have full electricity. Most sites have sewer and water. Sites 12-18 should be mainly used for the smaller travel trailers. I had an interesting time getting my 35' 5th wheel into the site. Even though I got my RV into the site, I don't have much room for my truck. My site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill. Everything is rusted beyond repair. My grill was filled with cigarette butts and my fire pit had trash in it. There is some shade. My site has two trees at the front of the pad on both sides of the RV. My bedroom stays nice and cold and I have a good view for my Starlink in the rear. The sites are close to each other, but there is some space. The good thing is that we are surrounded by the golf course. You don't get much noise from the base, because of the location, and because the FamCamp is surrounded by trees. You can hear the busy road outside the fence but I don't hear it much inside the RV. Every once in a while you'll hear an aircraft... but this is an air base, it's expected. We were told the community laundry was not working and to use the base laundry mat. Finally, one of the best parts about the campground, is the lady at outdoor rec that is in charge of the Famcamp. She is very nice and helpful. She will try to assist you with anything you need from directions to useful tips.
- AAimee K.Traveler
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Good location
Nice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
Guide to Arnold
Campsites near Arnold, Maryland typically offer sites within 30 minutes of both Annapolis and Baltimore. The region sits at the intersection of suburban areas and natural waterways, with elevations generally below 100 feet. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though several year-round options accommodate winter camping with full hookups.
What to do
Water activities on the Chesapeake Bay: Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping provides beach access and water recreation opportunities. "There are wonderful views of the water and swimming at the beach, pavilions for social gatherings, showers and bathrooms that are kept pretty very clean, and room for backpacking, hiking, picnicking," notes Rachel S.
Historical exploration in DC: Cherry Hill Park offers convenient access to nearby historical sites. "Great for a DC visit. This campground is conveniently located in the middle of the DC / Annapolis area and has a lot to offer!" mentions Philip T. The park provides transportation options: "On-site bus shuttle. Gated. On-site camp store," according to Beth R.
Riverside hiking: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area features numerous trails along the water. "Patapsco Valley offers 6 different entrances. Each one provides several different trail heads and experiences. The trails we have been on are all pretty moderate to hard but offer beautiful waterfalls and river views," states Angel G.
What campers like
Accessibility to urban areas: Greenbelt Park Campground provides a natural setting near metropolitan centers. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," mentions Becky. The park offers connections to larger trail systems: "The American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park."
Playground facilities for children: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," explains Elise M. about Washington DC / Capitol KOA.
Swimming options: Several parks maintain pools or water access. "Pros: 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer, Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," lists Beth R. about Cherry Hill Park.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Campground density differs between parks. "The sites are pretty close but adequate. Many staying at the campground are working in the area, but all seem to be great folks," notes Beverly T. about Adventure Bound Washington DC.
Off-season advantages: Many campers recommend avoiding summer crowds. "Extremely over crowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall," advises Tony P. about Sandy Point State Park.
Aircraft noise: Several campgrounds experience overhead flight paths. "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover. NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," mentions Timothy C. about Greenbelt Park.
Tips for camping with families
Nature discovery options: Hollofield Area Campground offers educational outdoor spaces. "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," explains Angel G. about nearby facilities.
Tent site selection: Look for specific loops designed for tent camping. "If you're a tent camper and don't need electric, the sites on the outer loop were quite nice and private," advises Jen V. about Hollofield Area Campground.
Transportation planning: Several parks offer transportation to attractions. "No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" points out Jason E. about Cherry Hill Park. This eliminates parking concerns when visiting popular sites.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: Plan arrivals during daylight hours. "Do not try and come in after dark. Very tight and very dark," warns Matthew S. about Adventure Bound Washington DC.
Limited hookup options: Most parks offer electric but not full hookups. "There is only 20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer - although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank," explains Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "Camp site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods," notes Guerrmo about their experience at Washington DC / Capitol KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds near Arnold?
Where are the campgrounds near Arnold?
Several campgrounds are located within a short drive from Arnold. Tuckahoe State Park Campground on Maryland's Eastern Shore offers diverse camping options for RVs, tents, and youth groups near the Chesapeake Bay. Closer to the DC metro area, Greenbelt Park Campground provides a convenient natural escape with basic National Park Service facilities. Other nearby options include Patapsco Valley State Park's Hollofield Area, Sandy Point State Park, and Cedarville State Forest.
What amenities do Arnold campgrounds offer?
What amenities do Arnold campgrounds offer?
Campgrounds near Arnold offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Cherry Hill Park stands out with extensive facilities including clean restrooms, helpful staff orientation for DC visitors, and convenient Metrorail access. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park provides water hookups at all 25 sites, with electric hookups available at 5 specific sites (2, 5, 18, 24, 25). Most area campgrounds offer fire pits, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, while some include hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and boat rentals.
When is the best season to camp in Arnold?
When is the best season to camp in Arnold?
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant camping conditions near Arnold. April through June provides comfortable temperatures with blooming vegetation, as noted by visitors to Hollofield Area Campground who enjoyed the park's 70 miles of multi-use trails during spring. September through October brings colorful foliage and mild temperatures. Summer camping is possible but prepare for heat and humidity, especially at more exposed sites like Cedarville State Forest. Many campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though winter camping requires proper cold-weather gear.
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