Campers seeking RV camping near Bowie, Maryland have access to multiple green spaces within a 30-mile radius of the city. The region sits at elevations ranging from 30 to 300 feet above sea level, with mostly level terrain suitable for various camping setups. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with daytime temperatures between 60-75°F.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Prince William Forest offers easy access to military history landmarks. "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H. from Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Visit Washington DC: Most Bowie area campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring the capital. Laura M. explains how to navigate from Greenbelt Park: "We packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town. The lot there is huge and open and free on weekends. The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min."
Water recreation: Several campgrounds provide direct access to waterways. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, Janet P. reports, "Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Bowie maintain well-kept amenities. At Cherry Hill Park, Jonathan B. appreciated that "The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs." Another camper noted, "The bathhouses are ok, happy to have free showers with hot running water."
Convenient transportation options: The proximity to public transportation stands out to campers. According to Jason E., Cherry Hill Park offers exceptional convenience: "Plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!"
Military base camping: Active and retired military personnel have specialized camping options. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, Jack R. found that "This campground is aboard Fort Belvoir, an US Army base in Northern, VA. It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river."
What you should know
Cell coverage varies: Most campgrounds report adequate service. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, Megan K. confirms "I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well."
Reservations essential: Most campgrounds require advance booking. Greenbelt Park changed its system according to Crystal C.: "This is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online."
Site conditions: Level sites can be inconsistent. At Bull Run Regional Park, Drew M. noted "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. One reviewer at Bull Run mentioned drainage issues during rainfall: "While we were here, there was a fairly heavy day of rain. Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical. The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds offer dedicated facilities. Rebecca E. from Prince William Forest RV Campground recommends the "playground is in very good condition" and Mary P. mentions a "small, well stocked camp store" and "nice pool."
Activity options: Greenbelt Park Campground provides natural spaces despite urban proximity. As Crystal C. observed: "Every morning birds and squirrels" create a nature experience, while another camper mentioned "plenty of space between camp site clusters. The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods."
Educational opportunities: The region offers multiple learning experiences. Bridget H. from Bull Run Regional Park shares that "the campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds require careful driving. Craig Z. cautions about Bar Harbor: "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution."
Hookup availability: RV services vary between parks. At Bull Run Regional Park, one reviewer noted all sites are "pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone."
Site spacing: RV site proximity differs between locations. Kristen M. describes Prince William Forest RV Campground: "Almost all sites are pull through and are close together. Most have some tree cover (and some of the trees could use a trim along the roads)."
