Codorus State Park Campground
Top Tier
I love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.
Several campgrounds around Brookeville, Maryland provide varied accommodation options within a 30-mile radius of the city. The area features established campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park and Ramblin' Pines, offering traditional tent sites alongside RV hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping options. Little Bennett Campground in Clarksburg provides a mix of tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals within a forested setting, while Patapsco Valley State Park offers more primitive camping experiences with tent sites and limited cabins. Most campgrounds in the region maintain moderate to high ratings from visitors seeking outdoor experiences near the Washington DC metropolitan area.
Camping in the Brookeville region typically operates seasonally, with many campgrounds like Little Bennett and Patapsco Valley State Park open from April through October. "The sites are pretty close together, but otherwise nice and well maintained," noted one visitor about Ramblin' Pines, which remains open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays and during the summer months when facilities reach capacity. Most established campgrounds provide water hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. RV campers should note that while electric hookups are common, not all campgrounds offer full sewer connections or accommodate larger rigs.
Campers report varying experiences with privacy and natural surroundings at campgrounds near Brookeville. The more developed commercial campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park feature close-set sites with excellent amenities but limited seclusion. According to one visitor, "Surprisingly nice campground in a city. Lots of things for kids to do and access to bike trails outside of the complex." In contrast, state park campgrounds in the region typically offer more natural settings with greater spacing between sites. Fishing opportunities exist at several locations, including the pond at Ramblin' Pines. Family-friendly amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities are common at the larger commercial campgrounds, while state parks typically focus on hiking trails and natural features. Most campgrounds in the region maintain reasonable proximity to Washington DC attractions.
$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."
$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"
"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
$30 - $70 / night
"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
"We love this home away from home ❤️"
$19 - $27 / night
"It has 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April- one of our first experiences in a Maryland State Park. Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking /multi use trails."
"This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another."
$20 - $51 / night
"Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD.""Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."
$30 - $70 / night
"We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."
"For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground."
$150 - $200 / night
"They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."












I love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.
Friendly staff, well shaded, good size site 23 with easy in and paver patio and sturdy furniture
The sites offer plenty of space and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is conveniently located near the lake, with beautiful views and easy access to the water. There is also a nice swimming pool, which is a great bonus. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake and spending time outdoors. Overall, it's a wonderful place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. We would definitely come back!
We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view!
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening
— Friendly staff
— Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge
— They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.
— Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.
— There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.
The sites are close together. The park was not full Mother’s Day weekend. It is a very nice park. The bathhouses were clean. The amenities were good although we didn’t utilize them. The national historic site was very close and we walked over day 1 rode our bikes day 2. The C&O canal is accessible but you must walk your bike across the lower town bridge and carry it down the stairs. This section of the trail was very good and we completed 38 miles.
Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
If youre looking for fun and people, go to the south campground. But if youre looking for true quiet and have a tent, check out the dispersed campsites. Good shower and bathroom setup that i bet would fare well in a tornado, its got that solid storm shelter feel. Next to a quiet airport, plenty of free firewood to gather
Less amenities than advertised. We usually camp in more rustic locations and planned this trip simply for the fun of the amenities. Their website claims that the pool is seasonal but doesn't list anything else as seasonal. There was supposed to be mini golf, a giant bounce pillow, indoor basketball, an arcade with air hockey and a pool table. Mini golf was fine. The bounce pillow was deflated and full of water. The arcade/pool table/air hockey building was locked and the maintenance guy(who locks it up) was outside smoking before leaving early for the day. The employee at the camp store said it was supposed to be open until the store closed but that he probably just closed it early.
The rules state that dogs need to be on a leash at all times and, in the two hours we actually stayed, we saw four that weren't. One was staying near us and started chasing us when we rode our bikes by. One was wandering about 4 campsites down from it's owner. We mentioned it to the person at the camp store before we were chased and she just shrugged it off.
The map is incorrect. It lists site numbers that don't exist and doesn't list some sites that supposedly do. We spent a fifteen minutes trying to find a non-existent site before going back to the camp office and getting assigned a new site. They acted like it was a new thing caused by maintenance but we just looked and saw a review from ten months ago saying the map was messed up then.
The description of the site we paid for was non electric tent with a sand tent pad. The site we got was on a hill(no actual flat spot) overgrown with weeds, no tent pad, a slanted picnic table, and no actual parking spot. You had to drive over a drainage ditch and park on the hill. If our car didn't have high clearance we wouldn't have made it. There was also a hole in the middle of the site. And the map showed that number site on the corner where another unmarked site was. Our originally assigned site was supposedly in the same group of sites, so it would've been similar. Also don't believe the claim that they're"large sites." Most of them are crammed together. There are a few that look decent sized and flat, but they want you to pay an extra$30 to pick your own site.
We didn't even look in the bathrooms.
We left after two hours. Definitely a waste of$60+ dollars.
Next time we'll go over to the Brunswick Family campground. Their owners are lovely people who care about their customers.
It is NOT closed for 2026! Spent the weekend here as it is only an hour from home. There are 4 large camping loops. Only loop C- cedar has electric. None of the loops have water hookups but all have spigots to fill your rig. There are also 3 fill stations at check in (which we missed). The campground is on a hill and the loop roads are narrow, hilly, and winding. We had no trouble with our 23 ft TT and saw some bigger rigs. There are some tight angles to get into a few sites. But, once you are in, the sites are spacious and mostly private. It is wooded without feeling overgrown. Loop D has some sites that are good buddy campsites. There are many hiking trails and a lovely lake. The only bad thing are the dated bathhouses. Mostly clean but there are only 2 showers for each fenced for each loop and they were yucky enough that we showered at our rig. It was busy but pretty quiet. It’s close to I-70
Campgrounds near Brookeville, Maryland offer year-round camping options with varied terrain and facilities. The region sits at the transition between Maryland's Piedmont Plateau and Coastal Plain, creating diverse landscapes for campers to explore. Winter camping is available at several locations while others maintain strict April-October seasonal operations.
Hiking trails for all levels: At Patapsco Valley State Park, visitors access 70+ miles of multi-use trails directly from campsites. "There are several hiking trails in this part of the park or you can drive to other parts for additional hiking," noted a camper who appreciated the park's proximity to Baltimore attractions.
Water activities throughout summer: The fishing pond at Ramblin' Pines provides stocked fishing opportunities from April through October. "There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs," reports a visitor who found the grounds well-maintained despite noting "the sites are a bit close to each other."
Historical exploration options: Greenbelt Park Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby historical sites. "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. Can't beat the close proximity to DC," remarked one visitor who appreciated this budget-friendly option.
Accessibility to metropolitan areas: Campers value the Washington DC / Capitol KOA for its location. "It was centrally located between Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC. This trip we spent most of our time in DC and only went to Annapolis one night. But there is a ton to do around the cities with or without kids," shared a camper who stayed three nights.
Natural surroundings despite urban proximity: Many appreciate how The Garden maintains a rural atmosphere despite being near urban centers. "James and his lovely wife warmly welcomed us on a moments notice. Got in late and felt immediately taken care of. Farm super cool," noted a visitor who appreciated this small, private camping option with only five sites available.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention bathroom cleanliness as a priority. "Bathroom is clean and camp hosts are very friendly. Campsites are fairly close together but not right on top of each other," reported one camper at Hollofield Area Campground who appreciated the cleanliness despite sites being relatively close together.
Reservation requirements vary by season: Most campgrounds near Brookeville require advance bookings during peak season (May-September). At Lake Fairfax Campground, weekend sites typically fill 2-3 months ahead during summer. "This place gets crowded. I shouldn't be surprised since it's in the middle of the city but driving through the masses picnicking on the weekends takes you out of it," noted one visitor.
Site privacy differences: Privacy between sites varies significantly across campgrounds. "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover," reported a Greenbelt Park visitor, while another camper at Ramblin' Pines stated, "The most crowded uncomfortable campsites I have ever seen."
Seasonal amenities: Swimming pools, water parks and certain activity areas operate seasonally, typically Memorial Day through Labor Day. Activities like the jumping pillow and pedal cars at Little Bennett may have restricted operating hours, with one visitor noting, "jumping pillow and pedal cars are only open at certain hours."
Family-friendly campground amenities: Little Bennett Campground offers specialized facilities for younger campers. "My family loves this camp ground. It's conveniently located, it's quite, it's beautiful and there is plenty to do to keep the kids busy," noted one family who visits regularly.
Nature education opportunities: Several campgrounds provide ranger-led programs during summer months. "Rangers keep a close eye on things, and there are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," mentioned a Greenbelt Park visitor who lives nearby but still participates in programs.
Budget-friendly museum access: Camping provides affordable lodging when visiting DC-area attractions. "The camp host came by and welcomed me before I was fully set up for the evening and was great! After staying here for a week I was so pleased by the quiet nature of the campground, the overall feeling of the outdoor space and the proximity to the METRO (only about 10 minutes with traffic)."
Full hookup availability: Limited full-hookup sites exist within 30 miles of Brookeville. At Little Bennett Campground, "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C&E are tents only," noted a visitor who appreciated the good cell service despite tree cover.
Leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling equipment. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reported one RVer at Little Bennett who also noted the gravel parking pad.
Seasonal operational considerations: Several campgrounds near Brookeville offer year-round RV camping while others close completely from November through March. Cherry Hill Park remains open throughout winter with one camper noting its advantages: "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer...50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer, Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool...Gated, On-site camp store, On-site bus shuttle."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Brookeville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brookeville, MD is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 42 reviews.
What parks are near Brookeville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Brookeville, MD that allow camping, notably Rock Creek Park and Greenbelt Park.
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