Best Campgrounds near Sandy Spring, MD

Camping near Sandy Spring, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and easy access to the city. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore Washington, D.C.: Many campers use the nearby campgrounds as a base to visit the nation's capital. At Cherry Hill Park, one reviewer noted, "We stayed a week at Cherry Hill and it had everything we needed for visiting DC. Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well." This makes it easy to enjoy the museums and monuments without the hassle of city parking.
• Enjoy water activities: If you're into water fun, Pohick Bay Campground offers discounted entry to a water park. One visitor mentioned, "The sites had a lot of shade... campers get a discount at the water park which was a very reasonable 5 dollars per person."
• Hiking and nature walks: For those who love the outdoors, Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area has great trails. A camper shared, "There are many great trails to explore... the state park is in a great location for a quick trip for groceries and restaurants."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Fairfax Campground stated, "Great bathrooms all singles w showers. Lots of fun things to do. Pretty peaceful despite being crowded."
• Community feel: Many campgrounds foster a sense of community. At Bull Run Regional Park, one camper noted, "There is a generally good sense of community, which is lucky because of how close together the sites are."
• Proximity to attractions: Campers love that they can easily access local attractions. A visitor at Greenbelt Park Campground mentioned, "This must be a great getaway for locals... you’re never far away from one."

What you should know:

• Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or airports. A camper at Cedarville State Forest said, "Planes do occasionally fly over the area so consider bringing earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper."
• Site spacing: Campsites can be close together, which might not suit everyone. One review for Hollofield Area Campground noted, "The sites are situated quite close to one another."
• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Little Bennett Campground mentioned, "Only 1 bathhouse per loop... you might be in for quite a hike to go to the bathroom."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Ramblin' Pines, one reviewer said, "It has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds."
• Plan for bathroom trips: Some campgrounds have limited restroom facilities. A camper at Greenbelt Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms are fine and you're never far away from one."
• Bring outdoor games: Keeping kids entertained is key. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "We visited Cherry Hill Park Campground in a Class A Motorhome and while it was tight, we fit no problem."
• Look for full hookups: If you need them, check for sites with full hookups. A camper at Lake Fairfax Campground said, "Campground has mostly level gravel lots with fire rings, picnic tables."
• Be aware of road access: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground advised, "Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95."

Camping near Sandy Spring, Maryland, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.