Camping options around Brinklow, Maryland offer diverse camping experiences within a one-hour radius of both Washington DC and Baltimore. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with humid summers reaching into the 90s and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area sit at modest elevations between 200-500 feet above sea level with mixed hardwood forest and water features defining many properties.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Bull Run Regional Park provides extensive walking paths through wooded terrain. "There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," notes one visitor to Bull Run Regional Park.
Water activities: Multiple campgrounds offer river access for kayaking and fishing. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "you can go swimming right from your campsite" according to a reviewer who appreciated the direct river access. The campground also offers "lazy tubing, white water tubing, zip lining, and great kayaking down the river."
Historical exploration: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for visiting historical sites. A visitor to Harpers Ferry Campground mentioned "The hike that leads to the lookout about harpers ferry was fantastic. This hike takes you well above the town settled in West Virginia."
What campers like
Proximity to urban attractions: Many visitors choose campgrounds specifically for access to Washington DC. At Cherry Hill Park, campers appreciate the transportation options: "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments."
Waterfront sites: Several campgrounds offer premium waterfront camping. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, "The daily waterfront sites are pricy but right on the water with great views. Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble."
Secure camping environment: Military campgrounds provide additional security. At Camp Meade RV Park, a visitor noted, "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post. I forgot all about revielle. They reminded me."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds have nearby train tracks that create noise. At Harpers Ferry Campground, a camper mentioned, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will."
Site spacing variations: RV campgrounds near Brinklow, Maryland often have varied site spacing. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, a visitor observed, "Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage. There is a large seasonal section and lots of activities."
Water hookup challenges: Some sites have inconveniently positioned utilities. One camper at Round Top Campground reported, "Water and electric are in awkward spot on our site," while another mentioned intermittent electrical issues during their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities for children. A visitor to Round Top Campground noted, "Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season."
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular family-friendly programs. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, "They had a yard sale, vendor sale, golf cart parade, as well as other activities going on. The campground offers free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area."
Bathroom facilities: Campground bathroom quality varies significantly. A visitor to Prince William Forest RV Campground appreciated that "The showers are clean/hot and the playground is in very good condition," though they noted the campground would "get five stars" with "better wifi and cable."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Bull Run Regional Park, a visitor noted, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level."
Dump station access: Sanitary facilities exist at varying distances from sites. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, a camper appreciated the "two easy dump stations" along with "propane and a small, well stocked camp store."
RV site configurations: Many campgrounds offer varying site types. Prince William Forest RV Campground offers convenient configurations as "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)."
