Camping opportunities around Columbia, Maryland span from natural state parks to full-service private campgrounds within 35 miles of the city. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with average temperatures between 50-75°F. Weekend campgrounds typically reach capacity between May and September, requiring reservations weeks in advance.
What to do
Hiking options: At Little Bennett Campground, extensive nature trails run throughout the park for all skill levels. One camper noted, "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly."
Fishing access: Ramblin' Pines offers on-site fishing in their well-stocked pond. As one visitor mentioned, "The place was nice, lots for kids to do, plenty of shaded spots! Nice pool... they even allowed us to store the camper while we took a cruise out of Baltimore!"
Water activities: At Lake Fairfax Campground, families can enjoy multiple water-based activities beyond just the campground. "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing, & canoeing)," shares one reviewer.
Outdoor playgrounds: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area features both traditional and natural playgrounds for children. A reviewer explains, "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids. I've attached photos from the 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it."
What campers like
Urban escape proximity: Greenbelt Park Campground provides a forested retreat while being minutes from DC. A camper noted, "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground... There is a dump station and water available at spickets throughout the campground."
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the separation between sites at Little Bennett Campground. A reviewer highlighted, "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only."
Year-round options: Unlike seasonal state parks, Ramblin' Pines remains open throughout the winter months. One visitor simply stated, "Open all year" and "Clean," making it a reliable option when state parks close for the season.
Shower facilities: Clean bathhouses are consistently mentioned in reviews of the Washington DC/Capitol KOA. A visitor reported, "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. We loved it," highlighting amenities including "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer, Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially on weekends. At Cherry Hill Park, a reviewer advised, "Expensive... Gravel pad." But they also praised the "On-site camp store, On-site bus shuttle, Gated" security.
Aircraft noise: Several campgrounds in the region experience regular airplane noise due to proximity to major airports. At Greenbelt Park, one camper mentioned, "You can barely hear the traffic from the road outside the park," though others note the air traffic is more noticeable.
Site leveling challenges: At Lake Fairfax Campground, site selection matters for equipment setup. A camper warned, "The outer loop campsites are easily more level than the center loop. If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask before committing to the inner loop."
Limited hookups: State parks typically offer fewer amenities than private campgrounds. At Hollofield Area Campground, a visitor explained, "There is only 20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer- although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank. No washer or dryers."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule extra time for on-site activities at family-oriented campgrounds. At Washington DC/Capitol KOA, a reviewer recommended, "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy."
Nature programs: Some campgrounds offer ranger-led activities. At Patapsco Valley State Park, campers mention seasonal programs, with one noting, "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Splash zones: During summer months, water features provide cooling recreation. One visitor to Lake Fairfax mentioned, "We enjoyed the water park immensely. Ten of us in total with kids ranging from 18 months old to 13 years old. Everyone enjoyed the water park and the time we spent there. Additional fee for access to the water park."
Tips from RVers
Limited connections: At Hollofield Area Campground, RVers should prepare for partial hookups. A reviewer detailed, "The inner circle has electric but no water or sewer. The outer circle is primitive. There is a dump station."
Metro accessibility: Washington DC/Capitol KOA makes sightseeing convenient without driving into the city. A camper suggested, "The best park in the DC area! Very nice grounds, clean, and amenities galore! Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!"
Bridge clearance: RVs approaching some campgrounds must be mindful of height restrictions. For Hollofield Area Campground, a reviewer warned, "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)"
