Camping in Bethesda, Maryland sits at elevations ranging from 300 to 500 feet above sea level, with seasonal temperatures averaging 87°F in summer and 27°F in winter. The area features dense deciduous forest interspersed with creek valleys, creating natural boundaries between many campground sites. Most local campgrounds remain open year-round with winter camping availability at reduced rates from November through March.
What to Do
Trail exploration: At Little Bennett Campground, hikers can access over 25 miles of marked woodland trails. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," reports Ray & Terri F., who stayed at site D72.
Water activities: Pohick Bay Campground offers shoreline activities along the Potomac River with seasonal boat rentals. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," notes Anne K., who found the park "beautiful in Fall" with its changing foliage and water access.
Disc golf course: Bull Run Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course through wooded terrain. A reviewer mentions that the "park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore."
Metro access to Washington DC: For campers looking to explore the nation's capital, Greenbelt Park Campground provides convenient access. "There are two stations very close to camp (Greenbelt and University Park)... on average I spent about $10 per day on METRO versus $20-$40 on parking in the district area," writes Crystal C.
What Campers Like
Private wooded sites: Little Bennett Campground receives praise for its spacious, secluded sites. "Lots of vegetation between sites providing privacy from neighbors," notes a Dyrt reviewer, who also appreciated "great night sky viewing as no lights whatsoever in camping loops except for toilet/shower buildings."
Clean facilities: Lake Fairfax Campground maintains exceptional bathroom facilities. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," writes Tana S., who visited with family.
Urban proximity with nature feel: Greenbelt Park provides a natural setting despite its urban location. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," says Becky, who appreciates the "getaway feeling without being too far from home."
Wildlife encounters: Burke Lake Park Campground offers regular wildlife sightings. "The park definitely has a beautiful lake with a 5-mile gravel walking/running/biking trail around the lake's perimeter," reports Sarah M., making it ideal for nature lovers wanting pet-friendly camping near Bethesda.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most Bethesda-area campgrounds require advance booking through recreation.gov or specific park websites. "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival," advises Crystal C. about Greenbelt Park.
Price variations: Campground rates fluctuate significantly based on residency status and hookup needs. "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night," reports a Dyrt reviewer about Little Bennett Campground, noting "no senior or veteran discount."
Limited shower facilities: Pohick Bay Campground has concentrated shower facilities rather than multiple bathhouses. "Amenities and such are what you'd expect - clean but not new," notes Kristen M., suggesting campers plan accordingly.
Tree policies: Some parks restrict hammock use or hanging items from trees. "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," warns Timothy C. about his Greenbelt stay.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water park access: Cherry Hill Park offers full water recreation facilities. "They have a nice looking pool area," mentions Joe R., while another reviewer notes "two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early and late."
Ranger programs: Greenbelt Park offers regular educational activities. "There are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," shares a local visitor who appreciates the family-friendly options.
Multiple playgrounds: Bull Run Regional Park features playground areas throughout the facility. "This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it... They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," reports Bridget H.
Miniature train rides: Burke Lake Park includes a miniature train experience popular with young campers. "They even have a mini train ride that goes around part of the park," mentions Tom C., making this an excellent option for pet-friendly camping with children near Bethesda.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Lake Fairfax Campground requires careful site selection for RVs. "Many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant," observes Erin W., suggesting RVers call ahead to request specific sites.
Water and electric hookups: Little Bennett Campground provides full-service RV options. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," notes Ray & Terri F.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy," reports an RV camper at Little Bennett, important information for those planning to work remotely.
Turning radius limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted maneuvering space for larger vehicles. "Instructed by staff via gate phone to proceed to campsite as check-in at camp store is at dead end with insufficient turning space for pickup towing 28ft bumper pull," advises an RVer about navigating Little Bennett Campground.
