Berwyn Heights offers multiple dog friendly camping options within a 20-mile radius. Located in the coastal plain of Maryland at approximately 50 feet elevation, the area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters with average summer temperatures reaching 87°F. Campsites in this region typically feature deciduous forest cover with sandy to clay loam soils that drain moderately well during typical rainfall patterns.
What to do
Mountain biking at Lake Fairfax Park: The campground provides direct access to multiple trail systems for mountain biking enthusiasts. "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). Best quality: totally in the woods so summer sun doesn't affect you," notes Amy B. from Lake Fairfax Campground.
Explore nearby historic sites: Base your exploration of Washington DC at Cherry Hill Park. "The best park in the DC area! Very nice grounds, clean, and amenities galore! Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" writes Jason E. from Cherry Hill Park.
Hiking American Discovery Trail: The trail passes directly through Greenbelt Park. "Living nearby but storing my popup camper elsewhere, I often park my camper here for a few days while I pack it for a trip. Oh, and bonus, the American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park," reports Becky from Greenbelt Park Campground.
What campers like
Urban forest immersion: Despite proximity to Washington DC, campers appreciate the forest setting. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," explains Becky from Greenbelt Campground. Many sites offer substantial tree cover even in developed campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer chances to spot local fauna. "We spent most of our time in DC and only went to Annapolis one night. But there is a ton to do around the cities with or without kids. Pretty clean showers and bathrooms," shares Stephanie H. from Washington DC / Capitol KOA.
Convenient DC access: Multiple campgrounds provide easy transportation into the capital. "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," notes Jennifer H. from Cherry Hill Park.
What you should know
Pet restrictions on trees: Recent rule changes affect how pets can be secured. "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," advises Timothy C. from Greenbelt Campground.
Insect preparation essential: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent in warmer months. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J. from Cedarville State Forest.
Bathroom facility timing: Some park bathrooms close for daily cleaning. "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm. Two showers were included but didn't use it so not sure about pressure or heat," reports Nurse N. from Cedarville State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Several campgrounds offer water features during summer months. "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," recommends Elise M. about Washington DC / Capitol KOA.
Natural playground options: Some parks offer unique play 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," says Angel G. from Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Scheduled activities: Check for ranger-led programs. "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shares Ben G. from Pohick Bay Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The outer loop campsites are easily more level than the center loop. If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask before commiting to the inner loop," advises Corey B. from Lake Fairfax Campground.
Limited hookups: Many public campgrounds offer electric-only sites. "The inner circle has electric but no water or sewer. The outer circle is primitive. There is a dump station," explains Rebecca C. from Hollofield Area Campground.
Traffic patterns: Some campgrounds have one-way traffic rules. "Traffic in and out of the camp loops are one way and they have signs posted that you need to back into your sites," notes Crystal C. from Greenbelt Park Campground.