Camping options near Fairmount Heights, Maryland provide access to outdoor recreation while remaining close to Washington DC's urban amenities. The region features wooded sites within an hour's drive of the capital, with elevations ranging from 50 to 400 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this area maintain year-round or extended seasonal operations despite the mid-Atlantic climate's humidity and occasional summer thunderstorms.
What to do
Hiking trails and nature exploration: Bull Run Regional Park offers extensive trail networks through forested areas. "Bull Run Regional Park is absolutely beautiful. So much to do and centered around many historical sites. It's a gem," notes one camper who visited this Virginia park.
Historical site visits: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides access to notable landmarks. "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," reports Kenneth H.
Water activities: Lake Fairfax Park includes options for fishing and boating. "There's a water park, paddle boats, playgrounds, trails, skate park, sports fields, and the bathrooms are the nicest I've ever seen," according to Brittany V., highlighting the diverse recreational offerings.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Bull Run Regional Park receives high marks for its restroom maintenance. "I'll go again just for the showers. 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," writes Yvonne B.
Proximity to Washington DC: Greenbelt Park Campground offers convenient urban access. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground... The American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park," explains a camper named Becky.
Site privacy and layout: Smallwood State Park provides more secluded camping areas. "Sites are very well spaced out and there are only 15 in the only camp loop. There's a marina and beautiful views just a short walk away. Sites are private with most having thick foliage and trees between them," reports Laure D.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Some sites fill quickly despite higher prices than rural alternatives.
Traffic noise considerations: Greenbelt Park Campground maintains a natural feel despite urban proximity. "There is plenty of space between camp site clusters. The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods. The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods," explains one reviewer.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues. "Caution though, the back row is steep. We were unable to get our Super C level. The rain created red clay mud so the dogs were a mess - actually became sort of comical," notes Cheryl D. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Military status requirements: Certain rv parks near Fairmount Heights, Maryland restrict access. "You need military credentials" to stay at Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, according to Mike H.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: Lake Fairfax Campground offers numerous child-friendly options. "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," reports Amy B.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences for children. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was 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 gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," shares Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Budget considerations: While most rv parks near Fairmount Heights cost more than rural alternatives, Greenbelt Park offers lower rates. "It is not free but very reasonable considering the area. The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods."
Tips from RVers
Transport planning: Cherry Hill Park provides dedicated transportation services. "Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" says Jason E., highlighting the convenience for motorhome travelers.
Site selection strategies: Request specific loops or areas based on needs. "Try and reserve row E if you need full hook up," advises Cheryl D. regarding Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Leveling preparation: Pack additional leveling equipment for uneven sites. "Our site was perfectly level. Most sites appeared fairly level. Sites 10-14 were our favorites and ones we'd try to get if we go again," notes a camper at Smallwood State Park, while another mentions, "My site was level and the full hookups all worked fine" at Cherry Hill Park.
Storm readiness: Heavy rain can cause drainage problems at some facilities. "The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow. Result was lots of standing water at our campsite," reports Stuart O. from Bull Run Regional Park.
