Columbia, Maryland sits at approximately 380 feet above sea level in Howard County, positioned almost exactly between Baltimore and Washington D.C. The region experiences distinct seasons with humid summers and moderate winters, making camping possible throughout much of the year. Most campgrounds near Columbia feature wooded sites that provide natural shade during hot summer months when temperatures frequently reach the upper 80s.
What to Do
Hiking trails: Little Bennett Campground offers extensive hiking opportunities with varied terrain. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," notes one visitor who appreciated the accessibility of nature paths directly from their campsite.
Fishing spots: Nearby Susquehanna State Park provides multiple fishing options including a small pond and creek access. "There is a little fishing pond there, which my husband and daughter enjoyed. We hiked back to the campground from here, which was a nice easy-to-moderate trail," shares a Susquehanna State Park Campground camper.
Water recreation: Washington DC / Capitol KOA in Millersville offers convenient access to boating opportunities. A visitor to Pohick Bay Campground noted, "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," highlighting the variety of water activities available within a short drive of Columbia.
What Campers Like
Proximity to cities: Cherry Hill Park balances natural settings with urban accessibility. "Cherry Hill Park may be the greatest campground we've stayed at yet! Located less than 3-miles from I-95, about 40-minutes drive time from downtown Washington, DC," says one visitor, making this location perfect for those seeking glamping near Columbia, Maryland with easy city access.
Well-maintained facilities: Bull Run Regional Park receives consistent praise for clean amenities. "Bath houses are clean and well maintained. Our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that," recommends a camper who appreciated the park's upkeep.
Private camping spaces: Many campgrounds in the region offer secluded sites. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped," notes a visitor to Susquehanna State Park, highlighting the privacy that makes for quality glamping experiences around Columbia, Maryland.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Ramblin' Pines has specific check-in protocols. "The keycard entry system is pretty inconvenient though ($40 cash only deposit!) and the hours are are inconvenient as well. You can only check in between 2 and 4!" cautions a camper who otherwise enjoyed their stay.
Seasonal variations: Campgrounds adjust operations based on season. At Little Bennett Campground, "There is no toilet/shower facility in FHU loop so had to hike to facilities in Loops B & E," reports a visitor who camped during the off-season when some amenities have limited availability.
Price considerations: Expect varying rates at different parks. "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night. No senior or veteran discount," notes a camper at Little Bennett Campground, reflecting the premium pricing common at popular glamping locations near Columbia.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Cherry Hill Park offers numerous child-friendly amenities. "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," advises a parent who visited with children.
Educational opportunities: Bull Run Regional Park provides structured activities for kids. "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 parent who found these organized events helpful.
Space for children: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm features expansive play areas. "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family," a visitor reports, noting the balance of activities for different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Pohick Bay Campground, "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)," advises an RV camper who appreciated the adequate spacing between sites for larger vehicles.
Connectivity concerns: Cell service varies significantly between parks. "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 a visitor to Little Bennett Campground who needed to stay connected.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some sites. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," warns a camper at Little Bennett, highlighting the importance of bringing adequate leveling equipment when RV camping near Columbia, Maryland.
