Best Campgrounds near Kensington, MD

Camping near Kensington, Maryland, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Greenbrier State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!"
• Fishing and Kayaking: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, you can fish in the lake or paddle the Tuckahoe River. A visitor shared, "We had our own yaks, but the park will rent them."
• Historical Sites: Visit the nearby Harpers Ferry area, rich in Civil War history. One camper noted, "Great location, amazing amenities... the historic trench section is nice in the trees."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Cherry Hill Park stated, "The bathrooms/showers are very clean and modern."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground said, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hook up sites which is nice."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One review for Pohick Bay Campground highlighted, "The check-in at the camp store is crowded and narrow... but our 34 ft makes it okay."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near highways. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park warned, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place... like sleeping on the side of the highway."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Owens Creek Campground noted, "The sites are very clean but close to each other... the bathrooms are very clean and there’s some trails around the creek."
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. One camper at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "It stays booked because it is such a well-maintained campground."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A review for Westmoreland State Park Campground said, "Great playground with plenty of other kids."
• Plan for Nature Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. One camper at Tuckahoe State Park Campground shared, "There are a lot of walking trails, and a pond to fish in."
• Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained with snacks and games during downtime. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "The camp store is very well stocked with camping stuff, food, and beer."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A review for Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."
• Use Public Transport: If visiting DC, consider using public transport to avoid parking hassles. A camper at Cherry Hill Park said, "We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit."
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Weekends can get busy, so plan accordingly. One visitor at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "The weekend tends to be a bit louder but during the week was very quiet."

Camping near Kensington, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.