Best Campgrounds near Cheltenham, MD
State parks and forests surrounding Cheltenham, Maryland provide a range of camping experiences within easy reach of Washington DC. Cedarville State Forest, located just minutes from Cheltenham, offers wooded campsites with electric hookups and basic amenities from April through October. Nearby Louise F. Cosca Regional Park features 25 sites with water hookups, though only five sites provide electricity. For military personnel, Andrews AFB Military FamCamp in Clinton provides year-round access to full-service sites. Smaller private options include Lacy Oasis Campground with just six tent sites and Final-Lee Here with three sites. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends when Washington DC visitors seek outdoor accommodations. Many campers note the proximity to urban areas affects the wilderness experience. "Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring College Park," reports one Greenbelt Park visitor. Despite this, the campgrounds remain popular for their accessibility. Summer brings humid conditions and mosquitoes, especially at Cedarville State Forest, where one camper noted they "tried fans, tiki torches, and many deet-free products before having to buy 100% deet." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, and most campgrounds maintain clean, well-maintained facilities with regular ranger patrols.
The camping experience in this region balances natural settings with urban proximity. Cherry Hill Park in College Park receives high ratings for its amenities and helpful staff who provide "a lengthy orientation to Washington, tours, restaurants, Metrorail, parking, museums, and monuments." Sites at Greenbelt Park offer a more rustic national park experience while remaining minutes from Metro access. Pohick Bay Campground across the Potomac in Virginia provides water recreation opportunities with boat access and a waterpark. Wildlife sightings typically include deer, raccoons, and various birds. Campers seeking quiet should request sites away from playgrounds and recreation areas, as weekend activity can create noise at several parks. Most campgrounds feature hiking trails, though they tend to be shorter and less challenging than those found in more remote areas.