Camping options near Riverdale Park, Maryland range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with varying seasonal availability. Most campgrounds in this region operate throughout the year, though facilities like Cedarville State Forest maintain a seasonal schedule from April through October. The metropolitan location creates a unique camping experience where wooded sites exist just minutes from urban attractions, with temperatures generally moderate except for high humidity during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trail networks: At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area, trails connect directly from campsites to the Patapsco River. "We enjoyed hiking the trails directly from our campsite that led us down to the Patapsco River. There is a lot of history associated with the River and the area. You can even swim in this river," notes one visitor.
Water activities: Kayaking and fishing opportunities abound at Pohick Bay Campground, particularly during summer months. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions one camper, while another points out the "beautiful park with hiking nearby" that complements water recreation options.
Nature exploration with kids: Lake Fairfax Campground offers a variety of activities within walking distance. "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing, & canoeing)," shares a camper who visited with family.
What campers like
Proximity to metropolitan attractions: Cedarville State Forest provides an accessible wilderness experience with urban conveniences nearby. "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC. If you've forgotten anything you can pop on by the Target or Costco right outside the forest," explains one reviewer.
Surprising wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds in the region offer unexpected nature sightings despite urban proximity. At Hollofield Area Campground, campers report regularly seeing local wildlife: "We saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates. Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC."
Clean facilities with modern amenities: Bull Run Regional Park receives praise for well-maintained infrastructure. "The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," shares an enthusiastic tent camper who visited with two other families.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance booking, with some implementing minimum stay requirements. At Bull Run Regional Park, one camper notes: "There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights. But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week."
Bug preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are common during warmer months at most campgrounds. At Cedarville State Forest, one camper warns: "I've never left this park without at least one tick," while another notes they "tried fans, tiki torches, and many deet free or light deet products before having to buy 100% deet so we could be outside."
Noise considerations: Despite wooded settings, some campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, campers mention: "Nearby road was very busy with a lot of traffic noise especially early in the morning," while others note the presence of "well hopped up diesel pickups, non-baffled Harley exhausts" from long-term residents.
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: Several of the best places to camp near Riverdale Park offer water recreation specifically designed for children. "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," reports a family that stayed at Washington DC Capitol KOA.
Playgrounds and activities: Lake Fairfax Campground offers extensive recreational options for children. One visitor mentions, "This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground... There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds in the region organize family-friendly activities with educational components. A visitor to Bull Run Regional Park shares: "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish...They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should inquire about site grading before booking. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area, a visitor advises: "The inner loop was completely full, and the sites were just too closely spaced for my preferences. There were a few sites with a little extra room and privacy (419 and 420 caught my eye)."
Transportation options: Many campgrounds offer convenient access to Washington DC via public transit. Cherry Hill Park receives consistent praise for its location and accessibility: "This campground is byfar one of the best I have ever stayed at. The price is a little steep, but with all the amenities you get, it is well worth it... This campground is very close to DC and you are able to ride the metro bus right from the campground."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies significantly between camping areas. At Hollofield Area, "The inner circle has electric but no water or sewer. The outer circle is primitive. There is a dump station," while Adventure Bound Washington DC offers more complete services: "Location wise, it's great to see things in area. Both Washington DC and many area's along the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Chesapeake Beach, Solomon's Etc. The sites are very close but adequate."
