Best Campgrounds near Bethesda, MD

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

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Greenbrier State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!"
• Fishing: Enjoy a day of fishing at Cherry Hill Park. A visitor shared, "We spent an entire day kayak fishing on the small lake and clear clean water."
• Historical Sites: Visit nearby historical sites like Gettysburg while staying at Codorus State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Used it as a home base to explore Gettysburg and the surrounding area."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities at Bull Run Regional Park. A reviewer stated, "The bathhouses are ample and clean."
• Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpful staff at Cherry Hill Park. One guest mentioned, "Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well."
• Spacious Sites: Campers at Westmoreland State Park Campground love the spacious sites. A reviewer said, "The site was pretty big, laid with gravel and pebbles, and edged with wooden curbs."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Pohick Bay Campground, can be noisy due to nearby traffic. One camper complained, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place, like sleeping on the side of the highway."
• Limited Amenities: Campers at Owens Creek Campground should be aware that amenities are basic. A visitor noted, "The sites are very clean but close to each other. You can hear the kids and families."
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, including Greenbelt Park Campground, require reservations. A reviewer mentioned, "Cost is $20/night, must reserve on recreation.gov."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Cherry Hill Park. One parent said, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
• Close to Nature: Choose campgrounds near hiking trails, such as Codorus State Park Campground. A camper shared, "There’s a lot to do in the area. Tons of hiking, exploring along the lake."
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water, especially at campgrounds like Pohick Bay Campground, where there are water activities.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions at campgrounds like Bull Run Regional Park. One RVer mentioned, "The site was easy to pull into and hookup to."
• Plan for Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations, such as Cherry Hill Park. A visitor noted, "There is a dump station."
• Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds may have tight spaces for larger RVs, as noted by a camper at Harpers Ferry KOA, who said, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."

Camping near Bethesda, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly parks to serene nature spots. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone!