RV camping near Davidsonville, Maryland offers access to regional park campgrounds within 30-45 minutes of Washington DC. Located in Anne Arundel County with elevations ranging from 100-300 feet, the region features Coastal Plain topography with mild winters and humid summers. Most campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though summer humidity levels often reach 85-90% during July and August.
What to do
Hiking in Prince William Forest: Access over 37 miles of hiking trails at Prince William Forest Park. "Prince William Forest which is a fantastic National Parks forest," notes one reviewer. Another mentions the "trails are accessible onsite and the campground is pretty close to main road."
Metro access to DC museums: Several campgrounds provide transportation options to Washington DC attractions. "We packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town. The lot there is huge and open and free on weekends," explains a camper at Greenbelt Park Campground.
Water recreation: Enjoy fishing, boating and kayaking at waterfront sites. "If you like boating, kayaking or canoeing, this is the place. Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away," reports a visitor to Bar Harbor RV Park.
What campers like
Military facilities for qualified visitors: Service members appreciate the dedicated military campgrounds in the region. "Military campground. Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap," notes a visitor to Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp.
Waterfront camping: Multiple campgrounds offer sites directly adjacent to water. "The daily waterfront sites are pricy but right on the water with great views. Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble," shares a visitor to Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina.
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools for summer visitors. "Quiet campground with tables and fire rings at all sites. Small, well stocked camp store. Propane and 2 easy dump stations. Nice pool and bath house," reports one camper about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
What you should know
Urban proximity noise: Most campgrounds balance nature settings with proximity to urban areas. "Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," explains a Greenbelt Park visitor. Another notes "it was quiet aside from occasional air traffic noise."
Variable site spacing: Campsite separation differs significantly between parks. "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover," reports a Greenbelt Park visitor. 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."
Tree restrictions: Some parks limit interactions with trees. "Park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," cautions a visitor to Greenbelt Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused parks: Several campgrounds feature recreation options for younger visitors. "This campground had full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my grandkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt," shares a visitor to Bull Run Regional Park.
Budget-friendly options: Consider public campgrounds for economical family trips. "There's a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC. The green line takes you to the National Mall," notes a visitor about Greenbelt Park. "Everyone over age 5 needs their own card, and then $2 each way on the train."
Natural wildlife encounters: Many parks offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "Every morning birds and squirrels," reports a Greenbelt Park visitor, while another noticed "a family of deer grazing close by, a great way to settle in for the evening."
Tips from RVers
Alternative options: For RVers seeking unique experiences, the region offers specialized camping. "My wife and I were trying to find an RV location near the Annapolis city dock for a boat show and found Pine Tree Associates. We decided to give a 'Naked-cation' a try and found it to be a wonderfully freeing experience," shares one camper about the nudist club campground.
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven sites at some parks. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," advises a Bull Run Regional Park visitor.
Transportation planning: Consider the logistics of exploring DC from your RV site. "What we did, since we don't have a tow car, and just have our 26ft motorhome, is we packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town," explains a Greenbelt Park camper.
