Best Campgrounds near Cheltenham, MD

Camping near Cheltenham, Maryland, offers a 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 quiet retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Visit Washington, D.C.: Many campers use the nearby campgrounds as a base to explore the nation's capital. For instance, at Cherry Hill Park, one reviewer mentioned, "We stayed a week at Cherry Hill and it had everything we needed for visiting DC."
• Enjoy outdoor activities: Campgrounds like Bull Run Regional Park offer trails for hiking and biking. A visitor noted, "The site was clean and well kept, bathhouse was close to the tent site and in ok shape."
• Explore local parks: Lake Fairfax Campground has a lake for fishing and kayaking. One camper shared, "The lake is great for fishing."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Pohick Bay Campground stated, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in."
• Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Greenbelt Park Campground mentioned, "Rangers come around regularly to check on things and everyone we interacted with was extremely friendly."
• Community feel: Campers enjoy the sense of community at places like Burke Lake Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Great primitive sites with upgrades bath houses."

What you should know:

• Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports, which can be noisy. A camper at Cedarville State Forest mentioned, "Planes do occasionally fly over the area so consider bringing earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper."
• Site proximity: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A review for Oak Ridge Campground stated, "The campground is nice, beautiful, shaded, but not private."
• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A visitor at Prince William Forest RV Campground noted, "Most sites do not have sewer access or decent access to Wi-Fi."

Tips for camping with families:

• Plan for activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly features. At Cherry Hill Park, a reviewer said, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
• Check for playgrounds: Many campgrounds have playgrounds nearby. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "The playground and trails were nice, kids really enjoyed the chance to take in nature."
• Bring outdoor games: Campgrounds like Lake Fairfax Campground are great for setting up games. One visitor shared, "Clean well-kept campground with private toilet/shower combos as well as public restrooms."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pohick Bay Campground noted, "We visited Cherry Hill Park Campground in a Class A Motorhome and while it was tight, we fit no problem."
• Look for full hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay easier. A camper at Greenbelt Park Campground mentioned, "The sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill."
• Plan for road noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds further from highways. A visitor at Cedarville State Forest said, "When they are not buzzing around in flying contraptions it can be peaceful and quiet."

Camping near Cheltenham, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to check out the specific campgrounds to find the best fit for your needs!