Camping areas near Churchton, Maryland offer varying amenities and operating schedules across multiple state and county facilities. Located on Maryland's western shore between Annapolis and Washington DC, the region maintains moderate humidity levels throughout summer with precipitation averaging 3-4 inches monthly. Most campgrounds operate at full capacity between April and October, with a limited number remaining open year-round for winter camping.
What to do
Nature walks and hiking trails: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides access to hiking options in the adjacent national park. "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H. about the convenient location for outdoor activities.
Fishing opportunities: Waterfront sites at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina allow fishing directly from campsites. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," warns Craig Z. The park offers a fishing pier and opportunities for crabbing, which is particularly popular with Maryland campers.
Historical exploration: Visit George Washington's birthplace near Thousand Trails Harbor View. "Right down the road from George Washington's birthplace," says Jason E. The campground serves as a good base for exploring Colonial Beach and nearby historical sites, with most visitors spending 2-3 days exploring the surrounding area.
What campers like
Waterfront camping views: At Bar Harbor RV Park, waterfront sites provide immediate water access. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. We are here visiting family for the holidays and it's serving us well," notes Casey L. The park has 91 sites with many offering direct water views.
Swimming pool options: Greenbelt Park Campground offers basic but clean facilities with reasonable rates. "Showers were decent. You can hear some traffic noise. Perhaps from the highways or just in the park. Overall very nice and convenient," reports Nick C. The campground maintains four separate loops with varying accommodation types.
Urban convenience with nature setting: Military Park at Annapolis Naval Station provides a strategic location. "Military campground. Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap," states Ginny L. The campground offers basic amenities while providing proximity to Annapolis at significantly lower rates than commercial alternatives.
What you should know
Seasonal closures and availability: Many campgrounds in the region have limited winter operations. Cedarville State Forest operates from April to October only. "Ranger delivers firewood to your site within about 10-15 min of calling, which was very convenient. Cost was $5 for 8 logs," mentions Nurse N., highlighting the personalized service available during operating months.
Military base access requirements: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp requires proper credentials for entry. "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting," explains Mike H. The campground offers security advantages but restricts public access.
Insect considerations: Ticks and mosquitos can be problematic during warm months. "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it! We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," advises Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest. Most campgrounds recommend insect repellent with at least 25% DEET for effective protection.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive family-friendly amenities. "Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," lists Beth R. The campground provides structured activities specifically designed for families with children.
Transportation considerations: When visiting DC attractions, public transportation offers advantages. "The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min. Get off at the Archives station to be in the center of all the sites," advises Laura M. about using Greenbelt Park Campground as a base for city exploration.
Site selection strategies: At Harbor View, site placement affects camping experience. "Sites are CLOSE, but the bathrooms are very clean! Very close to Colonial Beach. The spaces are CLOSE, but the bathrooms are very clean," emphasizes Samantha G. Families should request end-of-row sites when possible for additional space and privacy.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Some regional campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable," notes Mike H. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp. RVers should bring multiple leveling blocks, especially for the waterfront sites at Bar Harbor where the slope can exceed 3 inches.
Driving and site access: Camp Meade RV Park accommodates larger vehicles but requires awareness of military base protocols. "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post. I forgot all about revielle. They reminded me," shares Elvin J. RVs entering military installations must undergo security inspection and provide proper identification.
Hookup considerations: Most commercial RV parks near Churchton offer full hookup options but with varying electrical capacity. "Sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill. Driveways are all very narrow," observes Laura M. about site conditions. Most state parks provide only partial hookups with 30-amp service being standard while private parks typically offer 50-amp connections.
