Camping options near Brandywine, Maryland include a mix of federal, state, and private campgrounds across southern Maryland and northern Virginia. Located in the Chesapeake watershed approximately 20 miles southeast of Washington DC, the area features rolling terrain with elevations between 50-250 feet and humid subtropical climate conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Burke Lake Park Campground offers multiple wildlife encounters along its 5-mile perimeter trail. "Beautiful Park. Not much to do. Close to DC, but still far away. In suburbia," notes one camper, while another points out it's "host to many high school cross country meets, this park has a beautiful lake with a 5-mile gravel walking/running/biking trail around the lake's perimeter."
Water recreation access: At Pohick Bay Campground, boating options range from motorized to paddle craft. According to a visitor, "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," while another mentions, "There is boat rental a short walk down the trail from the campgrounds and the pool and disc golf course are another short trail walk away."
Disc golf course: The 18-hole course at Pohick Bay offers a challenging course through wooded terrain. One camper recommends, "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," while another notes the "Great regional park with lots to do - trails, biking, boating."
Historical exploration: Smallwood State Park provides access to General Smallwood's historic mansion. "We walked to the Smallwood retreat house (a museum I think) and while it wasn't open it was a beautiful house," notes one visitor. The park contains "a separate historic area in the park, which contains Gen. Smallwood's mansion, and a few other historic buildings."
What campers like
Proximity to Washington DC: Greenbelt Park Campground offers affordable camping with public transportation access to the capital. One visitor noted, "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover," while another appreciated that it's "an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground."
Wooded privacy: Several campgrounds offer secluded sites despite urban proximity. At Cedarville State Forest, a camper observed, "Sites are very well spaced out and there are only 15 in the only camp loop. Sites are private with most having thick foliage and trees between them." Another mentioned, "Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses. A Louise F. Cosca Regional Park visitor reported, "Bathrooms are clean, their are 2 stalls and 1 shower, cleaned daily by park rangers," while a Smallwood State Park camper mentioned, "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours."
Level camping pads: Multiple campgrounds feature well-designed sites. At Smallwood State Park, "Our site was perfectly level. Most sites appeared fairly level," according to one review. At Cedarville, sites are described as having a "pretty level parking spot."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Operating schedules vary significantly between campgrounds. Cedarville State Forest operates from April to October, while other facilities like Cherry Hill Park remain open year-round.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for various critters at multiple campgrounds. At Cedarville State Forest, a camper advised, "I'll say I have never been to a site where the firewood is padlocked, and you have to call someone to come unlock it so you can buy firewood." Another warned, "I've never left this park without at least one tick."
Noise considerations: Many campgrounds experience some urban noise intrusion. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, a camper noted, "Nearby road was very busy with a lot of traffic noise especially early in the morning," while another mentioned, "People working in DC using the campground as their residence, leaving 5ish because of traffic to be encountered."
Military restrictions: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp requires military credentials for access. A visitor explained, "This campground is aboard Fort Belvoir, an US Army base in Northern, VA. It is very clean and there are many amenities close by."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Pohick Bay Campground offers extensive family recreation. "This is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around. Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," notes one visitor. Another adds, "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. They gave us a great intro to the park as we were first timers."
Budget considerations: Prices vary widely between campgrounds. Cherry Hill Park offers premium amenities at higher prices, while Greenbelt Park provides budget-friendly options at approximately $20 per night.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Burke Lake Park, a camper reported, "Excellent campground and park for families. Swimming, biking, and hiking," while another mentioned it has "a mini train ride that goes around part of the park."
Booking strategy: Reserve early for summer weekends at popular parks. According to a Smallwood State Park visitor, "We camped here in early June on an unseasonably hot and humid weekend. Our site was the last site available when I made the reservation about 6 weeks prior."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Cherry Hill Park, choose end sites for more space. "The sites for tents are big enough for a 4 person tent. There are clean bathrooms and the hosts, who I have spoken to many times, are friendly and knowledgeable about the area." Another suggests, "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side."
Leveling considerations: Pack sufficient leveling equipment. At Fort Belvoir, a visitor noted, "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable," while at Cedarville State Forest, "Site 6 was good but not for larger rigs. We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs."
Hook-up availability: Electric options vary widely between parks. Cedarville State Forest provides limited electric sites, with a camper noting, "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup."
