The Davidsonville, Maryland region sits at a modest elevation of 72 feet within the Chesapeake watershed, experiencing summer high temperatures averaging 87°F with humidity typically exceeding 75%. Camping options within a 30-mile radius include federal, state, and private facilities, with most sites requiring reservations 3-6 months in advance during peak seasons. Winter camping availability is limited to just three facilities maintaining year-round operations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Greenbelt Park Campground offers several miles of trails including the American Discovery Trail. "The American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park," notes one visitor, highlighting this connection to a national trail system rarely mentioned in standard park information.
Urban escape activities: Greenbelt Park Campground serves as a natural retreat despite its urban proximity. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," explains one regular camper who uses the park for short getaways while preparing for longer trips.
Water recreation: Sandy Point State Park provides Chesapeake Bay water access with seasonal considerations. "My family and I have been coming to Sandy Point my entire life. It is a great little spot on the Chesapeake river. Our favorite thing to do is to fossil hunt for sharks teeth," shares a visitor who recommends avoiding August visits due to jellyfish prevalence.
Visiting Washington DC: Cherry Hill Park offers convenient DC access with transportation options. "You can pay for the metro with an app or get a card, either way it costs you $2 to buy the card, and then $2 each way on the train," explains a visitor detailing the most cost-effective way to reach national monuments from camp.
What campers like
Natural surroundings: Despite urban proximity, many campgrounds maintain forest settings. "There is plenty of space between camp site clusters. The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods," reports a Greenbelt visitor who appreciates the balance of access and natural environment.
Family amenities: Washington DC/Capitol KOA maintains extensive child-friendly facilities. "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," explains a visitor highlighting site selection impacts on privacy levels.
Clean facilities: Patapsco Valley State Park maintains well-kept campground amenities. "The restrooms were central and well maintained. We found a small river and swimming hole at the bottom of the hill off to the side opposite the cabins/park. All sites had a picnic table and fire ring," notes a visitor who camped with children.
Premium site options: Some campgrounds offer enhanced sites with additional amenities. "The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs. I wish there was a little bit more room in between the campers for privacy but it did not hurt our stay," describes a Cherry Hill Park visitor who found the premium cost worthwhile.
What you should know
Tick prevention: Cedarville State Forest and other wooded sites require tick precautions. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers. Each site had picnic table, fire ring, and pretty level parking spot," warns a visitor who otherwise enjoyed their experience.
Site selection strategy: Site locations impact noise, privacy and environment. "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover. NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit, so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," advises a Greenbelt Park visitor.
Varying firewood availability: Fire policies differ between campgrounds. "Firewood is available, but they were huge pieces and getting them to start burning was tough," notes one camper, while another mentions some parks restrict outside wood: "Remember: no alcohol or firewood can be brought into the park. Firewood can only be purchased on site due to harmful insects."
Long-term resident presence: Adventure Bound Washington DC and some private campgrounds host extended-stay campers. "Lots of long term residents and rundown rigs. Separate area for short term visitors. They are clearly making improvements and moving up," explains a visitor describing the campground's mixed-use nature.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "Nice small campsite in MD not too far from DC. The positives are as others have pointed out there is a huge park for kids- it's not within walking distance for little kids but it's a very short drive by the entrance to the park," explains a Patapsco Valley visitor detailing the amenity location.
Swimming options: Seasonal water access varies by location. "We loved the brick patio with patio furniture. Close to plenty of attractions," notes a Cherry Hill Park visitor who stayed over Labor Day weekend when temperatures typically reach the upper 80s.
Quiet times enforcement: Campground tranquility varies significantly by location and day. "Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground. Rangers keep a close eye on things, and there are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," explains a Greenbelt Park regular describing ranger presence.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric service types differ between campgrounds. "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride, gated, on-site camp store, on-site bus shuttle," lists a Cherry Hill Park visitor detailing the comprehensive amenities for larger rigs.
Leveling considerations: Site terrain varies significantly across the region. "Sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill. Driveways are all very narrow. Most have too much tree cover for solar or starlink, but some sites are more open and you might be able to make it work," advises a visitor describing practical considerations for RV placement.
Dump station access: Facilities for waste disposal require planning at some locations. "The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down," explains a camper describing practical workarounds at one of the best places to camp near Davidsonville, Maryland.
