Best Campgrounds near Columbia, MD
Columbia, Maryland offers a mix of camping options within a short drive of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. Patapsco Valley State Park, located about 10 miles from Columbia, provides developed campsites for tent and RV camping across multiple areas including the Hollofield Area Campground. Cherry Hill Park in nearby College Park offers full-service RV sites, cabins, and glamping accommodations with amenities like showers, hookups, and WiFi. Other notable options include Greenbelt Park Campground, which provides a more rustic camping experience within easy access to Washington DC, and Little Bennett Campground with its variety of accommodation types including yurts.
Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during the peak season from April through October. Maryland state parks like Patapsco Valley and Greenbrier typically operate seasonally, closing for camping between late October and April. Developed campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities, with some offering full hookups for RVs while others provide only basic facilities. Many sites have electric hookups, though water and sewer connections are less common at state park campgrounds. Cell coverage is generally good throughout the area, making these campgrounds suitable for those needing to stay connected. According to one visitor at Hollofield Area Campground, "This is part of a super large park that runs 32 miles along the Patapsco River. There is only 20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer, although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank."
Campers consistently highlight the convenience of these campgrounds to major metropolitan areas while still providing a natural setting. Patapsco Valley State Park receives praise for its extensive trail system, with one reviewer noting it has "70 miles of hiking/biking/multi use trails" with parks on both sides of the river. Greenbelt Park stands out as an affordable camping option minutes from Washington DC, though reviews mention regular aircraft noise. Several campgrounds feature water proximity as a key attraction, with access to lakes, rivers, or ponds. Family-friendly amenities are common at many sites, with playgrounds, swimming areas, and ranger programs available seasonally. A review of Cherry Hill Park emphasized its orientation services, noting that "a lady with the staff gives visitors a lengthy orientation to Washington, tours, restaurants, Metrorail, parking, museums, and monuments."
