Campgrounds near Germantown, Maryland range from rustic sites to full-service RV parks within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at elevations between 300-500 feet in the Piedmont Plateau, creating varied terrain for camping experiences. Most camping areas remain open from spring through fall, with several sites offering primitive camping without electrical hookups as alternatives to the larger developed campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Little Bennett Campground connects to multiple nature trails suitable for all skill levels. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," notes one camper who appreciated the outdoor exploration options.
Water activities: At Lake Fairfax Campground, visitors can enjoy paddleboats and fishing on the lake. A camper mentioned that "There's a water park, paddle boats, playgrounds, trails, skate park, sports fields" making it an activity-rich destination just 30 minutes from Germantown.
Historical exploration: From Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA, campers can easily access significant historical sites. "The best part about this site is the location. We could walk or easily drive to Harper's Ferry NP visitor center, from where we could take a bus into downtown," shared one visitor who appreciated the historical access.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the vegetation at Little Bennett that creates natural separation. According to one review, the sites are "quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup."
Urban accessibility: Greenbelt Park Campground offers camping with easy access to Washington DC. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods," remarked one visitor.
Cleanliness of facilities: Bull Run Regional Park receives consistent praise for its bathhouses. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," noted a camper, while another claimed "I'll go again just for the showers" describing them as "locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during peak season from May to September. Some maintain minimum-stay requirements.
Primitive options available: For those seeking a more rustic experience, Button Farm offers secluded primitive camping. A visitor noted, "The sites are both grassy, level and well maintained. Both are easy to get to, although I wouldn't recommend attempting to drive to either in a small car."
Weather considerations: The region experiences high humidity in summer months with average temperatures reaching 85-90°F. Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently, particularly in July and August, so proper rain gear is essential.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby facilities or transportation. At Bull Run, campers mention "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Cherry Hill Park offers numerous amenities for children. A visitor shared, "They have so much going on! Playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride."
Nature exploration for children: Several campgrounds offer structured nature activities. At Ramblin' Pines, campers appreciate the "lots of free activities for children" while another mentioned the "bounce pillow" that children enjoyed.
Campsite selection for families: When camping with children, consider proximity to bathrooms and amenities. At Button Farm, a camper noted, "We choose site 1 due to its proximity to the bathroom and picnic tables because we were camping with small kids."
Wildlife encounters: Kids often enjoy spotting local wildlife. One Button Farm camper mentioned, "Nearby chickens, geese and pigs" that entertained their family, though they cautioned "We did find a snake skin, but you are out in nature."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: RV campers should inquire about site conditions. A Lake Fairfax visitor shared, "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."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited in the immediate Germantown area. At Ramblin' Pines, several reviewers noted the "nice large sites with friendly staff" and that it remains "open all year" for those needing year-round RV access.
Site width considerations: Many reviewers note tight spacing at popular campgrounds. As one Cherry Hill visitor described, "The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side. The landscaping, trees and site placement does help the esthetics."
