Best Campgrounds near Clarksville, MD
Clarksville, Maryland sits at the crossroads of several camping destinations, with options ranging from full-service RV parks to more rustic tent sites within an hour's drive. Patapsco Valley State Park, located about 15 miles northeast, offers wooded campsites along its 32-mile river corridor with both electric and non-electric sites. Little Bennett Campground in nearby Clarksburg provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations from April through October. Cherry Hill Park in College Park stands out as one of the most amenity-rich options, featuring full hookups, yurts, and cabins for those seeking comfort while maintaining proximity to Washington DC. The region balances developed campgrounds with more secluded options, making it suitable for various camping preferences.
Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during the peak season from late spring through early fall. Maryland state parks prohibit alcohol consumption, a regulation enforced across public camping areas. Summer humidity can be significant, with campers at Cedarville State Forest noting that "mosquitos run wild at night flipping trash can lids on your campsite hunting for food." Height restrictions affect some campgrounds, with Hollofield Area in Patapsco Valley requiring vehicles over 11 feet to "approach only from the west" due to a low bridge. Cell coverage is generally reliable throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting good connectivity even in more wooded areas. Many sites close seasonally between late October and early April.
Proximity to urban areas creates a unique camping experience, with some trade-offs noted by visitors. A camper at Greenbelt Park observed that "helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring College Park," but appreciated that "as soon as you leave the park you are in College Park with Metro access close by." Shaded sites are highly valued during summer months, with one visitor to Owens Creek noting, "It was a very hot weekend but the campground is mostly in full shade. We never felt uncomfortable." Water features enhance many camping experiences, with the Patapsco River offering swimming and fishing opportunities. Trails connect many campgrounds to broader recreation networks, including the C&O Canal towpath, which one reviewer described as allowing visitors to "walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours."
