Near College Park, Maryland, campers can enjoy moderate temperatures most of the year with warmer summer months averaging in the 80s. The region features deciduous forest landscapes with elevation changes between 30-400 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with limited winter availability for cabin and yurt camping near College Park.
What to do
Miniature golf for charity: At Cherry Hill Park, enjoy a round of mini golf for just $1 per person. "Mini Golf course, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," lists reviewer Beth R., noting that proceeds benefit children's hospitals.
Explore local trails: Little Bennett Campground offers extensive hiking opportunities within its wooded setting. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," shares Ray & Terri F., who appreciated the well-maintained paths through the forested campground areas.
Visit Washington DC monuments: Bull Run Regional Park provides a convenient base for DC sightseeing. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous," writes Roberta K., highlighting the park's strategic location for capital exploration.
Fishing options: Ramblin' Pines campground features a stocked fishing pond for campers. "This beautiful spot offers everything from live music on weekends to a beautiful pool, pond and many children activity areas," explains Jo-Anne B., highlighting the recreational diversity.
Water recreation: Enjoy water-based activities at Pohick Bay Campground, with boat rentals available. "Great regional park with lots to do - trails, biking, boating," shares Kristen M., who enjoyed the variety of outdoor recreation options during her stay.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Campers consistently praise the spaciousness and natural settings at Little Bennett Campground. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," notes Ray & Terri F., who appreciated the natural surroundings.
Transportation options: Cherry Hill Park offers convenient access to Washington DC. "The best park in the DC area! Plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" explains Jason E., highlighting the campground's transportation advantages.
Modern bathroom facilities: Bull Run Regional Park receives high marks for clean facilities. "I'll go again just for the showers. They're worth staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Best camping showers I've ever had," raves Yvonne B. about the exceptional bathroom accommodations.
Family entertainment: Ramblin' Pines focuses on activities for all ages. "The kids loved the bounce pillow," Michelle L. mentions, with another reviewer noting the "pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the College Park area require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Reserved 137 days prior to arriving," mentions one Napunani at Little Bennett, indicating the need for advance planning.
Site selection considerations: At Cherry Hill Park, site location makes a difference. "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side," advises Scott C., offering practical insight for more privacy.
Seasonal availability: Most yurt camping near College Park, Maryland operates seasonally. Little Bennett Campground is open "April 1 to October 30," while others like Louise F. Cosca Regional Park operate from "April to October."
Varied pricing structures: Expect different rates for residents versus non-residents. "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night," notes Napunani about Little Bennett Campground, highlighting the tiered pricing structure.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Washington DC Capitol KOA offers numerous child-friendly amenities. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)," shares Elise M., who found plenty to keep children entertained.
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for local wildlife encounters. "Raccoons run wild at night flipping trash can lids on your campsite hunting for food. Use repel spray to keep the raccoons off your site," advises Tye S. at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park.
Tour scheduling: When planning DC visits, coordinate with campground services. "The campground had a concierge service for tours and things to do," notes Scott C. about Cherry Hill Park, emphasizing the convenience of on-site tour booking.
Budget considerations: Factor in additional costs beyond site fees. "The price is a little steep, but with all the amenities you get, it is well worth it," explains Jonathan B. regarding Cherry Hill Park, noting that premium sites include extra amenities that justify the price.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Pohick Bay Campground, be prepared for uneven terrain. "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)," notes Kristen M., suggesting careful site selection for larger rigs.
Communication coverage: Signal strength varies across campgrounds. "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna. There is no WiFi," reports Ray & Terri F. at Little Bennett Campground.
Hookup availability: When seeking full yurt camping or RV options near College Park, Maryland, verify utility connections. "D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only," explains Tye S. about Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, highlighting the segregation of camping types.
