Camping near Damascus, Maryland, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: The area is rich in trails, including those in Caledonia State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The Appalachian trail runs right by it," making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
- Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Codorus State Park Campground, have lakes where you can fish. A visitor noted, "There’s a lot to do in the area. Tons of hiking, exploring along the lake."
- Exploring History: If you're into history, check out the nearby Civil War sites. The Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA is a great base for this, with one camper saying, "Great location, amazing amenities."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Greenbrier State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "The bath houses & sites are always clean."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites were gravel and some weren’t level front to back so adjustments needed to be made to level camper," highlighting the spaciousness.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park are known for their community vibe. One family shared, "There is plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
What you should know:
- Alcohol Restrictions: Some campgrounds, such as Owens Creek Campground, do not allow alcohol. A camper noted, "A great place to boondock. Quiet and clean."
- Site Availability: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "Came to stay for a volleyball tournament and got way more," indicating it can get busy.
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pohick Bay Campground, may have limited amenities. A reviewer said, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Cherry Hill Park has a lot to offer, as one parent said, "The kids loved the man-made beach and park."
- Plan for Quiet Hours: Make sure everyone knows about quiet hours to keep the peace. A camper at Harpers Ferry KOA mentioned, "Partiers with foul mouths throughout the campground."
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the camp store. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground noted, "The camp store is very well stocked with camping stuff, food, and beer."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pohick Bay Campground advised, "Careful some near steep drop off."
- Level Your RV: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground mentioned needing to adjust their camper for leveling.
- Use Public Transport: If visiting DC, consider using public transport to avoid parking hassles. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park said, "We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit."
Camping near Damascus, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a mix of activities, clean facilities, and beautiful nature, it’s a great spot to unwind and explore.
