The Crofton area provides camping options ranging from urban-adjacent sites to waterfront locations within a 30-mile radius. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round with seasonal temperature fluctuations typical of the Mid-Atlantic region. The area sits at elevations below 300 feet and features a mix of wooded terrain and waterfront access points that appeal to different camping styles.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Prince William Forest RV Campground offers access to Prince William Forest National Park with significant historic features. "Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes one visitor describing the area's historical attractions.
Water activities: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina provides direct water access with kayaking and fishing opportunities. "If you like boating, kayaking or canoeing, this is the place! Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," shares one camper about the waterfront options.
Trail systems: The regional parks feature extensive trail networks for hiking and biking. Hollofield Area Campground sits within Patapsco Valley State Park which offers "70 miles of hiking/biking/multi use trails" according to a reviewer who adds "there are parks on both sides of the river to explore and experience the trails."
What campers like
Convenient DC access: Greenbelt Park Campground provides an affordable base for Washington DC exploration. "There are two stations very close to camp (Greenbelt and University Park). Rides vary depending on how far you are going but on average I spent about $10 per day on METRO versus $20-$40 on parking in the district," reports one camper.
Military facilities: Service members can access dedicated facilities with unique amenities. Fort Belvoir Travel Camp features "very clean and great Potomac River views" with opportunities to "explore the Potomac river. There is a pier out into the river to fish on. The outdoor recreation center has bait, snacks, and drinks."
Family amenities: Several campgrounds near Crofton focus on family activities. Bull Run Regional Park offers structured recreation opportunities as one camper describes: "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
What you should know
Varied privacy levels: Site spacing differs significantly between parks. At Bull Run Regional Park, "the sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone," while at others, sites can be very close together.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts amenities and access. At Bar Harbor RV Park, campers are "told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing," a common winter requirement at rv parks around Crofton, Maryland.
Reservation requirements: Many parks require advance online booking. One Greenbelt Park visitor notes it's "a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online."
Noise factors: Despite wooded settings, some campgrounds experience noise. At Bull Run, a visitor warns, "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away."
Tips for camping with families
Explore free attractions: When staying at campgrounds near Crofton, Maryland, take advantage of nearby museums. A Greenbelt Park camper recommends: "You can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods."
Consider specialized programs: Some parks offer structured activities for children. At Cherry Hill Park, one visitor mentions "nightly hayride" among the family amenities, while others highlight the "playground, mini golf, swimming pool, splash pad" as kid-friendly features.
Find educational opportunities: Several parks incorporate nature education. Bull Run offers "nature scavenger hunt" activities that can engage children while teaching them about local ecosystems.
Tips from RVers
Bridge clearance: Some rv parks near Crofton have access restrictions. When approaching Hollofield Area Campground, "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."
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary across campgrounds. At Fort Belvoir, a visitor advises "bring plenty of leveling blocks" noting that "our site wasn't fully level."
Navigation challenges: Several rv parks require careful driving. Bar Harbor RV Park requires driving "through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," while Prince William Forest has "sites that can be tight for larger rigs."
