J
John B.
Scout
ScoutArtillery Ridge Campground
One of the nicer campgrounds in the area
Staff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
Camping near Columbia, MD
104 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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."
Best Campgrounds near Columbia (104)
1. 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 Availability2. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
"Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD.""Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."
from $20 - $51 / night
Check Availability3. 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 Availability4. Hollofield Area Campground
"It has 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April- one of our first experiences in a Maryland State Park. Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking /multi use trails."
"This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another."
from $19 - $27 / night
Check Availability5. Ramblin' Pines
"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
"We love this home away from home ❤️"
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability6. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
"They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."
"We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful."
7. Little Bennett Campground
"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
8. Camp Meade RV Park
9. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
from $150 - $200 / night
Check Availability10. Lake Fairfax Campground
"We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."
"For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground."
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 16 min from Baltimore, MD
- 33 min from Washington, DC
- 59 min from York, PA
- 1 hr 7 min from Gettysburg, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Columbia, MD
347 Photos of 104 Columbia Campgrounds
Richard B.
Hollofield Area Campground
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Scott B.
Cherry Hill Park
Michelle L.
Ramblin' Pines
Becky
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Manager P.
Pinetree Associates
James W.
The Garden
Ch. A.
Little Bennett Campground
Jarmonay N.
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Recent Reviews near Columbia, MD
918 Reviews of 104 Columbia Campgrounds
- JJohn S.Scout
Ramblin' 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.
- 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.
- TTroli R.Guide
Aberdeen Proving Ground RV Park
Bougie sites; AWFUL reservation system
BASE ACCESS REQUIRED!
Electric/Water/Sewer hookup sites for $56 a night! (2 night minimum) Which is a great full hookup price, even though it's gone up $6 since last year. Weekly and monthly pricing available as well.
The sites are neat, well maintained, level, and sunny with concrete pads and paved campground roads. Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance. Other base amenities include: commissary, gas station, bowling, BBQ, Dunkin', and Greek restaurants, and golf. (I'm sure I'm forgetting something.)
Note: in July it is very buggy - the biting flies are the worst. So bring bug spray or a screened in tent to eat in.
The downside: the reservation system is a major PITA. You have to download a PDF packet, fill it out, and EMAIL it in. When you get your confirmation, it doesn't include a specific site number. You get assigned one when they call you the week of your scheduled check-in for payment completion.
Don't miss out on: the water! My advice would be to reserve one of their boats at the same time you reserve your campsite. The water in this area is great - no jellyfish, low waves. You can SUP, kayak, pontoon boat. Whatever your preference. There are large flats of grasses - which you'd want to avoid with a motor but are so much fun to paddle over. Also check out the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge island. You can't go inland, but you can anchor off shore, jump in and wade around the shallows.
Also very driveable to an off-base movie theater, Baltimore, and Havre de Grace.
Linda R.ScoutGettysburg
Cranky
Frome the moment you drive up the women at the gate is about as welcoming ( as my Pops would say ) "A fart in church.," Great way to start your vacation. Didn't get much better in the office. The one guy that worked there did at least smile at us....
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.
LegendGettysburg Campground
Great Location in Gettysburg
We spent 4 nights at Gettysburg Campground to attend the AIM Club Rally(Lincoln’s Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event.
WHAT I LIKED:
-
Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenience—just 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town.
-
The Atmosphere: The staff gave us a warm reception at check-in, and the site itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to back up to a running creek. Lots of mature trees offer lots of shade and character.
-
Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
-
Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the day—but it had to shut off our power 7 different times due to low voltage. Aside from losing a few hours of sleep to the chorus of appliances cycling off and on, no harm was done. I recommend using a surge protector/voltage regulator if you stay here.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
- Absolutely! Minor power hiccups aside, this is a beautiful, clean park situated right in the middle of everything you'd want to see and do in the area.
-
Guide to Columbia
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.)"
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any lakeside camping options near Columbia?
Are there any lakeside camping options near Columbia?
Yes, there are several lakeside camping options near Columbia that offer water recreation opportunities. Greenbrier State Park features a beautiful lake where you can paddle, fish, and swim. The park is close enough to Baltimore and DC for a quick getaway while offering lakeside camping with access to hiking and biking trails. Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area is another excellent option near Thurmont with lake access and family-friendly amenities including a playground for children. Though not directly on a lake, Brunswick Family Campground offers mesmerizing riverside camping with welcoming staff.
What are the best campgrounds near Columbia, MD?
What are the best campgrounds near Columbia, MD?
Columbia, MD offers access to several excellent camping options within a short drive. Greenbelt Park Campground provides a convenient escape with basic National Park Service amenities and is perfect for a quick getaway. For those seeking more natural surroundings, Patapsco Valley State Park Hollofield Area offers 70+ miles of hiking and biking trails along the Patapsco River. The park features multiple recreation areas, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Other notable options include Cedarville State Forest and Cherry Hill Park, each offering different amenities and environments for various camping preferences.
Where can I find spacious camping sites around Columbia?
Where can I find spacious camping sites around Columbia?
Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park offers peaceful, private sites with plenty of space between neighbors. Many sites back up to the creek and are nestled in full shade, providing a cool retreat even during hot summer months. Site #14 is particularly spacious with good privacy while remaining close to facilities. Cedarville State Forest also provides roomy sites in its family camping loop, with clean, well-maintained grounds and plenty of space for setting up camp. For RV campers seeking larger sites, Washington DC/Capitol KOA and Lake Fairfax Campground both offer big-rig friendly spaces with full hookups.
What cabin camping accommodations are available near Columbia, MD?
What cabin camping accommodations are available near Columbia, MD?
For cabin camping near Columbia, Ramblin' Pines in Woodbine offers cabin rentals with modern amenities in a wooded setting. The campground provides water hookups and is reservable in advance. Another excellent option is Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA, which features cabin accommodations within an hour's drive from Columbia. This KOA serves as an ideal base for exploring historic sites in the region while enjoying comfortable lodging. For those willing to travel a bit farther, Prince William Forest Park offers cabin options in a natural setting with clean facilities and access to Washington, DC less than an hour away.
Keep Exploring