J
John S.
Scout
ScoutRamblin' Pines
Weak WiFi
For $90 per night the WiFi should work better. Didn’t connect at all. Had to use the antenna pointed East to get local Baltimore news.
Camping near Clinton, MD
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping opportunities near Clinton, Maryland span a range of developed campgrounds within 20 miles of the metropolitan area. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park provides tent, RV, and glamping sites just minutes from Clinton, while Andrews AFB Military FamCamp offers camping for military personnel. Other options include Cedarville State Forest to the southeast and Cherry Hill Park in College Park, providing both tent camping and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, with select locations like Cherry Hill Park and Adventure Bound Washington DC operating year-round.
The camping season significantly affects availability in this region, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Many campgrounds require advance online reservations, particularly for sites with electric hookups. "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop," noted one Cedarville State Forest visitor. Road access is generally good throughout the area, with most campgrounds offering drive-in access. Visitors should note that Andrews AFB requires military ID for entry, and some campgrounds have limited staff presence on weekdays. Cell phone reception is generally strong throughout the area due to proximity to Washington DC.
Campers report mixed experiences with site privacy and noise levels at campgrounds near Clinton. Cedarville State Forest receives positive mentions for its hiking trails and wooded sites, though several reviews mention issues with ticks and mosquitoes. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park features spacious sites with water hookups at all 25 campsites and electric at 5 specific sites. A visitor noted, "Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance." Aircraft noise appears in multiple reviews due to the proximity to Andrews Air Force Base, with visitors mentioning frequent helicopter and jet activity. Bathroom facilities at most campgrounds are described as clean but basic, with some locations experiencing maintenance issues. Despite being close to urban areas, the developed campgrounds provide reasonable forest cover and access to nature trails.
Best Campgrounds near Clinton (89)
1. Pohick Bay Campground
"We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
from $37 - $170 / night
Check Availability2. Cedarville State Forest
"We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."
"Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Cherry Hill Park
"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."
from $999 / night
Check Availability4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Adventure Bound Washington DC
"We had a fantastic time our 1st time at #AdventureBoundCampingResort in Lothian, Maryland."
"This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest"
6. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
"Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance however, 6 of the 25 sites are unleveled so tent camping is probably the only option."
"Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself. Bathrooms are clean and have decent showers."
from $10 - $45 / night
Check Availability7. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
"Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
"It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river."
from $55 / night
Check Availability8. Joint Base Andrews Military FamCamp
from $18 - $30 / night
Check Availability9. Burke Lake Park Campground
"We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."
"This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."
10. Bull Run Regional Park
"History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."
"We booked site 136 due to proximity of the playground (traveling with a 5 & 10 yr old). The site was great except the weird parking stops on every site but the pull throughs."
from $43 - $100 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 19 min from Washington, DC
- 45 min from Baltimore, MD
- 50 min from Lexington Park, MD
- 1 hr 29 min from Winchester, VA
Recent Camping Photos near Clinton, MD
191 Photos of 89 Clinton Campgrounds
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Justin G.
Cedarville State Forest
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Kasumi
Pohick Bay Campground
Becky
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Candice N.
Lacy Oasis Campground
Artemis A.
Cherry Hill Park
Caitlin A.
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Ally S.
Endeavor Point
Glen W.
Burke Lake Park Campground
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Recent Reviews near Clinton, MD
558 Reviews of 89 Clinton Campgrounds
- hheather B.Scout
Cherry Hill Park
Like a resort
This camp ground is like a resort with 2 pools mini golf splash pad and many other amenities
- H
Holly B.
GuideCherry Hill Park
My All Time Favorite…so far
This park is top notch. The grounds are immaculate. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have a lovely gift shop. We were in the 400 sites and it was nice and shady. Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park. This is my all time favorite park so far and I need to go back.
Jeremy G.
TravelerJoint Base Andrews Military FamCamp
Could be a great campground but......
There are some good things about this Famcamp. It's like a diamond in the rough. If the military would spend some time and money on it, it could be a great campground. One of the greatest points about this campground is its location. You are so close to downtown D.C.! Every RV site (as far as I saw) was a level concrete pad. All sites, except for tent sites, have full electricity. Most sites have sewer and water. Sites 12-18 should be mainly used for the smaller travel trailers. I had an interesting time getting my 35' 5th wheel into the site. Even though I got my RV into the site, I don't have much room for my truck. My site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill. Everything is rusted beyond repair. My grill was filled with cigarette butts and my fire pit had trash in it. There is some shade. My site has two trees at the front of the pad on both sides of the RV. My bedroom stays nice and cold and I have a good view for my Starlink in the rear. The sites are close to each other, but there is some space. The good thing is that we are surrounded by the golf course. You don't get much noise from the base, because of the location, and because the FamCamp is surrounded by trees. You can hear the busy road outside the fence but I don't hear it much inside the RV. Every once in a while you'll hear an aircraft... but this is an air base, it's expected. We were told the community laundry was not working and to use the base laundry mat. Finally, one of the best parts about the campground, is the lady at outdoor rec that is in charge of the Famcamp. She is very nice and helpful. She will try to assist you with anything you need from directions to useful tips.
- AAimee K.Traveler
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Good location
Nice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
Matt S.
LegendBay Shore Campground
What stands out about this campground? The view!
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.
- ccara S.Scout
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hilton area
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.
- FFredrick K.Traveler
Marble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Great place to get some peace and quiet
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
John M.GuideMatoaka Beach Cottages
Fantastic location with winderful hosts
Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.
Guide to Clinton
Camping sites near Clinton, Maryland offer diverse experiences within forested settings that contrast with the surrounding metropolitan area. Most local campgrounds operate seasonally between April and October, though several facilities remain open year-round for extended camping opportunities. Aircraft noise affects multiple camping areas due to the proximity of Andrews Air Force Base and flight paths serving the Washington DC region.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Pohick Bay Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course that provides recreational opportunities beyond traditional camping activities. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes a camper at Pohick Bay, which is located just across the Potomac River from Clinton.
Waterfront activities: Pohick Bay Campground offers boating access to the Potomac River, with rentals available through the outdoor recreation center. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," reports one visitor. The campground's waterfront location allows for both fishing and water exploration.
Historic site visits: Camping near Clinton provides a base for exploring Civil War sites and other historical locations. "There are tons of amenities here. Really great for beginner campers... Lots of history near by so check out the old battle fields and buildings that housed troops during civil war," mentions a visitor to Bull Run Regional Park.
What campers like
Quiet wooded sites: Cedarville State Forest receives positive reviews for its natural setting despite suburban proximity. "Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC. There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog," writes one camper.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses at several campgrounds receive positive feedback. At Greenbelt Park Campground, "Bathrooms don't look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure," reports a visitor.
Transit connections: Campers appreciate the ability to reach Washington DC via public transit. "There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall)," explains a Greenbelt Park camper. "The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Ticks and other wildlife affect camping experiences in the area. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns a Cedarville State Forest visitor. Raccoons also pose challenges at some campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Heat, humidity and insects increase through summer months. A visitor to Louise F. Cosca Regional Park advises: "Use repel spray to keep the raccoons off your site. Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance."
Military requirements: Military campgrounds near Clinton require proper identification for entry. At Fort Belvoir Travel Camp, "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting," explains a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Cherry Hill Park offers numerous family-friendly amenities close to Clinton. "Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," lists one visitor detailing the family-oriented features.
Program participation: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shares a Pohick Bay visitor.
Campsite selection: Family camping requires choosing appropriate sites. "We had site 18, one of the ones with power. Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious," advises a visitor to Louise F. Cosca Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites in the area require leveling equipment. At Fort Belvoir Travel Camp, "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable," according to one RVer.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," notes a Louise F. Cosca Regional Park visitor. This contrasts with fully serviced sites at more developed campgrounds.
Access considerations: Adventure Bound Washington DC warns about arrival timing: "Do not try and come in after dark. Very tight and very dark," according to one visitor, highlighting the challenges of navigating some regional campgrounds with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Clinton, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Clinton, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clinton, MD is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.
What parks are near Clinton, MD?
What parks are near Clinton, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Clinton, MD that allow camping, notably Fort Washington Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.
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