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Best Campgrounds near Brandywine, MD

564 Reviews

Campgrounds near Brandywine, Maryland range from full-service to primitive sites, with several options within a 30-mile radius of Washington DC. Cherry Hill Park in College Park provides the most comprehensive amenities for RVs and tent campers, while Cedarville State Forest offers a more natural setting with electric hookups and basic facilities. The area includes a mix of state forests, regional parks, and private campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles from tent-only areas to cabin rentals and RV sites with full hookups.

Several campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, with peak availability from April through October. Cedarville State Forest typically closes for the winter season while other facilities like Cherry Hill Park and Adventure Bound Washington DC remain open year-round. Summer weekends often require advance reservations, particularly at popular sites like Pohick Bay Campground. Many campgrounds feature water access, though swimming is restricted in certain areas due to safety concerns. A visitor noted: "We chose this campground based on proximity to work. This campground was priced fairly, however, it does come with its downfalls... It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times."

The camping experience varies significantly between urban-adjacent and more secluded sites. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park provides electric hookups at select sites and water access at all 25 campsites, though visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters. According to one camper: "Raccoons run wild at night flipping trash can lids on your campsite hunting for food. Use repel spray to keep the raccoons off your site." Proximity to DC makes several campgrounds popular bases for city exploration, with Greenbelt Park Campground offering affordable outdoor accommodations with Metro access nearby. Most developed campgrounds provide clean restrooms and showers, though site spacing varies considerably. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, fishing areas, and hiking trails are common features, with Burke Lake Park and Pohick Bay offering extensive recreation options beyond basic camping.

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Best Camping Sites Near Brandywine, Maryland (84)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."

    "We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."

    2. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."

    "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."

    3. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter.

    Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

    4. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."

    "Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."

    5. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Clinton, MD
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 868-1397

    $10 - $45 / night

    "Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance however, 6 of the 25 sites are unleveled so tent camping is probably the only option."

    "Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself. Bathrooms are clean and have decent showers."

    6. Adventure Bound Washington DC

    8 Reviews
    Upper Marlboro, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 607-8609

    "We had a fantastic time our 1st time at #AdventureBoundCampingResort in Lothian, Maryland."

    "This campground is conveniently located in the middle of the DC / Annapolis area and has a lot to offer! There are plenty of options, both for RV's and in general and the staff is super friendly!"

    7. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

    4 Reviews
    Fort Belvoir, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 805-3081

    $55 / night

    "Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."

    "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."

    8. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023

    9 Reviews
    Marbury, MD
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $27 - $65 / night

    "They are in short distance from the water. There is a playground, bathhouse, and historical buildings that are accessible to campers. There are hiking trials, but none are two extensive."

    "Nice trails, water sports available, and historic landmarks"

    9. Andrews AFB Military FamCamp

    1 Review
    Clinton, MD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 981-4109

    $18 - $30 / night

    10. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."

    "This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."

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564 Reviews of 84 Brandywine Campgrounds

Guide to Brandywine

Camping near Brandywine, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and easy access to the sights of Washington, D.C. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Washington, D.C.: Many campers use the nearby campgrounds as a base to visit the nation's capital. For example, at Cherry Hill Park, one reviewer mentioned, "We stayed a week at Cherry Hill and it had everything we needed for visiting DC." The campground provides easy access to public transit, making it simple to get into the city.
  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Campers at Bull Run Regional Park enjoy the trails, with one visitor noting, "The site was great except the weird parking stops on every site but the pull-throughs." The park offers a variety of trails for all skill levels.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, you can fish or kayak on Lake Tuckahoe. A reviewer shared, "We had our own yaks, but the park will rent them."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground said, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in."
  • Community Feel: Many campgrounds foster a sense of community. One camper at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "There is a generally good sense of community, which is lucky because of how close together the sites are."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Lake Fairfax Park offer fun activities for kids. A reviewer noted, "Great bathrooms all singles w showers. Lots of fun things to do."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park warned, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place is like sleeping on the side of the highway."
  • Site Proximity: Many sites are close together, which can be a downside for those seeking privacy. A visitor at Greenbelt Park Campground mentioned, "The campsites are pretty close together."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oak Ridge Campground, do not offer electric hookups or showers, so be prepared for a more rustic experience.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer playgrounds or organized activities. A family at Cherry Hill Park enjoyed the "Tractor Ride through the Campground."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check if the campground has a store. One camper at Tuckahoe State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp store has weird hours."
  • Check for Pet Policies: If you're bringing pets, make sure the campground allows them. Many, like Pohick Bay Campground, are pet-friendly.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: If you're traveling in a larger RV, check for campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. A reviewer at Cherry Hill Park noted, "Big rig friendly, sites excellent."
  • Plan Your Arrival Time: Arriving early can help you secure a good spot. One camper at Lake Fairfax Park suggested, "If you want more privacy this is not the place."
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground appreciated the "pump-out station was very nice."

Camping near Brandywine, Maryland, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Brandywine, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brandywine, MD is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 39 reviews.

What parks are near Brandywine, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Brandywine, MD that allow camping, notably Fort Washington Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.

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