Best Campgrounds near Edgewater, MD

State parks and established campgrounds surround Edgewater, Maryland, creating a network of camping options within an hour's drive. Sandy Point State Park, located near Annapolis, offers youth group camping from March to October with basic amenities including drinking water and shower facilities. Adventure Bound Washington DC in nearby Lothian provides year-round camping with full hookups for RVs, tent sites, and cabin rentals. The Chesapeake Bay region influences many of these camping areas, with several sites offering water activities like fishing and kayaking. Military personnel have access to specialized camping at the Annapolis Naval Station FamCamp, while civilian options range from rustic tent sites to fully-equipped RV parks with 50-amp service.

Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the Edgewater area, particularly during the peak season from late spring through early fall. As one camper at Greenbelt Park noted, "Rangers come around regularly to check on things and every one we interacted with was extremely friendly." Summer humidity can be challenging, with mosquitoes becoming problematic in wooded areas, especially after rainfall. A reviewer at Cedarville State Forest warned, "We tried fans, tiki torches, and many deet-free or light deet products before having to buy 100% deet so we could be outside." Many campgrounds maintain clean facilities despite high usage, though site spacing varies considerably between locations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, allowing campers to stay connected while enjoying relative seclusion.

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in this region. Tuckahoe State Park, though farther from Edgewater, exemplifies the water-oriented camping experience. "We enjoyed kayaking on the lake. If you enjoy birding this park is great, we saw so many cool birds," reported one visitor. Proximity to Washington DC influences many camping experiences, with Cherry Hill Park offering amenities specifically for capital visitors. According to a camper, "A staff member gives visitors a lengthy orientation to Washington, tours, restaurants, Metrorail, parking, museums, and monuments." This blend of natural settings with urban accessibility characterizes the camping landscape around Edgewater, with noise levels from nearby highways and air traffic occasionally mentioned in reviews of campgrounds closer to metropolitan areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Edgewater, Maryland (78)

    1. Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    15 Reviews
    Millersville, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 923-2771

    "They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."

    "We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful."

    2. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter.

    Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

    3. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."

    "Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."

    4. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping

    8 Reviews
    Gibson Island, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    5. Adventure Bound Washington DC

    8 Reviews
    Upper Marlboro, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 607-8609

    "We had a fantastic time our 1st time at #AdventureBoundCampingResort in Lothian, Maryland."

    "This campground is conveniently located in the middle of the DC / Annapolis area and has a lot to offer! There are plenty of options, both for RV's and in general and the staff is super friendly!"

    6. Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club

    2 Reviews
    Crownsville, MD
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 841-6033

    $30 - $55 / night

    "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."

    "Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers."

    7. Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp

    1 Review
    Annapolis, MD
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 293-9200

    "Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap"

    8. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    19 Reviews
    Catonsville, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $20 - $51 / night

    "Camp site(Tent camping)

    The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :)  It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD."

    "Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."

    9. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."

    "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."

    10. Camp Meade RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Odenton, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 722-4237
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Edgewater, MD

546 Reviews of 78 Edgewater Campgrounds


  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can’t be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

  • Adam and Suzanne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    Nice full hook up

    Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHUnloop is narrow and hilly. Out site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping. The lovely camp host, Carol, kept the bathhouse spotless.

    Sadly most of the park, including the beach, was closed for major renovation while we were there and it was 99 degrees out. Very buggy.

  • Adam and Suzanne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    meh

    The campground is wooded and only has electric hookups available.  The sites are well spaced. The bathhouse is dated and was clean enough to use. There isn't much to do in the park but it was an ok jumping off point to visit St. Michaels. Good dump station and potable water fill.  Spigots throughout the campground.

  • L
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    Nice Little Campground

    Decent little campground! It was quiet aside from occasional air traffic noise, and while there wasn't much spacing between some camp sites everyone was respectful. My spot was a little difficult to find because the online park map was incorrect, and the spot was basically an extended shoulder of the road. Checking in was a breeze, though!


Guide to Edgewater

Camping spots near Edgewater, Maryland sit within the mid-Atlantic coastal plain, where summer humidity regularly exceeds 80% and sandy soil conditions influence campsite drainage. The region experiences occasional tidal flooding near waterfront locations, with spring and fall offering the most moderate temperatures for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds in this area maintain operational status from April through October, with limited winter availability.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Cedarville State Forest offers multiple fishing locations within its trail system. According to one visitor, "We tried fans, tiki torches, and many deet-free or light deet products before having to buy 100% deet so we could be outside," indicating insect protection is essential for fishing activities.

Outdoor games: Washington DC / Capitol KOA provides structured play areas beyond traditional hiking. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)," notes Elise M., making it suitable for families seeking organized outdoor recreation.

Educational programs: Greenbelt Park Campground hosts regular educational events at their campfire circle. As Becky mentions, "There are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," providing opportunities to learn about local ecology.

Urban exploration: The region's campgrounds serve as strategic bases for Washington DC visits. A Cherry Hill Park visitor explained, "No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun."

What campers like

Abundant wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Greenbelt Park, Timothy C. noted, "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover," creating habitat for wildlife observation while maintaining comfort.

Public transportation access: The proximity to metro stations simplifies capital visits. According to Laura M. at Greenbelt Park Campground, "The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min. Get off at the Archives station to be in the center of all the sites."

Varied accommodation options: Many locations offer alternatives to traditional tent camping. At Washington DC / Capitol KOA, Lydia R. reported, "After a peaceful protest, my sister, nephew and I stayed in a cabin for 1 night. We all slept well in the clean and comfortable cabin."

Swimming facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain pools for summer recreation. Beth R. appreciated Cherry Hill Park's amenities: "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer, Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride."

What you should know

Site spacing varies significantly: Campsites range from secluded to densely packed. At Washington DC / Capitol KOA, Elise M. observed, "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy."

Insect preparation is essential: Ticks and mosquitoes present serious challenges, particularly after rainfall. A visitor at Cedarville State Forest warned, "These things are awful!" regarding mosquitoes, recommending 100% DEET products for outdoor comfort.

Reservation systems vary: Most locations now require online booking. Crystal C. noted at Greenbelt Park Campground, "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online."

Traffic noise considerations: Many campgrounds experience highway or air traffic noise. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, Harold C. observed, "People working in DC using the campground as their residence, leaving 5ish because of traffic to be encountered. Well hopped up diesel pickups, non-baffled Harley exhausts."

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Washington DC / Capitol KOA offers structured activities for children of various ages. Liz F. shared, "We stopped at the DC KOA as a base to visit the Capitol. This is not a site for nature lovers but is perfect for kids. We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit."

Bathroom scheduling: Facilities may close for midday cleaning. At Cedarville State Forest, one reviewer noted, "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm," requiring families to plan accordingly.

Age restrictions: Some facilities maintain restrictions for young children. Stephanie H. at Washington DC / Capitol KOA mentioned, "I didnt like that non potty trained kids are not allowed to swim in their pool... I could see where it would be a problem trying to explain to a 2-3 year old that they aren't allowed to go swimming."

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. Sean M. at Patapsco Valley State Park observed, "The Hilton area is great. It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Uneven sites can create setup difficulties. One camper at Cherry Hill Park noted, "Camp site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods," highlighting the need for leveling equipment.

Dump station design: Facility designs may create unexpected challenges. Ben J. at Cedarville State Forest reported, "They have a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower."

Site navigation: Tree placement can impact larger rigs. A Cedarville State Forest visitor cautioned, "Site 6 was good but not for larger rigs. We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs. Site 5 or 7 wouldn't have that problem."

Water access considerations: Filling locations may have usage restrictions. At Cedarville State Forest, Joe C. mentioned, "We had site 18. Which is next to one of the water spigots. The idea is to use it to fill up tanks. Ranger let us know not to stay hooked up to it."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Edgewater, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Edgewater, MD is Washington DC / Capitol KOA with a 4-star rating from 15 reviews.

What parks are near Edgewater, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Edgewater, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Fort Dupont Park.