Camping near Berwyn Heights, Maryland offers sites with diverse terrain across several state and regional parks within a 20-mile radius. The region sits at elevations ranging from 50 to 300 feet above sea level, creating moderate hiking conditions suitable for families. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity levels, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more comfortable 60-75°F temperatures.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Patapsco Valley State Park offers 70 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking. A visitor noted, "Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking/multi use trails. There are parks on both sides of the river to explore and experience the trails. Be sure to bring/download maps."
Water activities: Lake Fairfax Campground in nearby Reston has multiple water-based recreation options. "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing, & canoeing)," shares one camper.
Disc golf course: Pohick Bay Campground offers an 18-hole disc golf course for campers. A regular visitor recommends, "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course."
What campers like
Proximity to cities: Greenbelt Park Campground offers an outdoor retreat with easy city access. A reviewer described it as "an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground... There is a dump station and water available at spickets throughout the campground. Showers and bathrooms are basic and clean."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the area provide opportunities for wildlife observation. At Patapsco Valley State Park, campers report seeing diverse wildlife: "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates. Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC."
Affordable camping near attractions: Cherry Hill Park offers value with numerous amenities. A camper explains, "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from $20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person."
What you should know
Tick prevention: Many local campgrounds report tick issues, especially during warmer months. At Cedarville State Forest, a camper warned, "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Hollofield Area Campground, a camper noted, "The campground and park fill up on the weekends but are nearly empty during the week."
Varied site privacy: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds and loops. A Cedarville State Forest visitor noted, "The loop is very small, with all the sites pretty close together. The forest behind the site was sparse, enough so that it was hard to find fuel for the fire."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Adventure Bound Washington DC campground offers numerous activities for children. A visitor shared, "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)."
Natural playgrounds: Some parks feature nature-based play areas. At Patapsco Valley State Park, a parent mentioned, "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."
Evening programs: Many campgrounds offer organized activities. A Cherry Hill Park visitor noted, "The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can't be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on size and levelness. At Washington DC/Capitol KOA, one RVer advised, "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy."
Electric hookup options: Electric service varies between campgrounds. At Hollofield Area Campground, an RVer noted, "There is only 20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer- although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank."
Approach routes: Some campgrounds have height restrictions on access roads. One RVer at Hollofield Area Campground cautioned, "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)"
