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Best Campgrounds near Bethesda, MD

721 Reviews

Bethesda camping options include several good spots within driving distance. Greenbelt Park Campground sits just 12 miles away with basic showers and restrooms for campers. Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton, Virginia is 22 miles from Bethesda, with water access and hiking trails nearby. Codorus State Park Campground is farther out but puts you close to Gettysburg while still enjoying natural surroundings. You'll likely see deer and many bird species around these campgrounds, so store food properly to keep wildlife away. Most places in this area have drinking water and clean bathrooms available. Greenbrier State Park Campground has a lake where you can swim and fish during your stay. Many campers like these spots because they're close enough to visit Washington D.C. for day trips. Make sure to book ahead during busy times since these campgrounds fill up quickly. Fall camping is especially nice here with all the colorful leaves. The area works well for both tent and RV camping, with different options depending on what you're looking for near Bethesda.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bethesda, Maryland (97)

    1. Cherry Hill Park

    41 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    10 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."

    2. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    31 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    12 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. Lake Fairfax Campground

    24 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."

    "For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground."

    4. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."

    "We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."

    5. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."

    "We booked site 136 due to proximity of the playground (traveling with a 5 & 10 yr old). The site was great except the weird parking stops on every site but the pull throughs."

    6. Little Bennett Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MD
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 528-3430

    "Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."

    "PROS 

    Very nice small Montgomery County Park 

    No reservation fee to make on-line reservations 

    Reserved 137 days prior to arriving 

    Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"

    7. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."

    "This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."

    8. Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway

    1 Review
    McLean, MD
    5 miles
    Website

    9. Marsden Tract Group Campsite

    1 Review
    Cabin John, MD
    5 miles
    Website

    $40 / night

    "Purchasers the camp site is beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization it's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water"

    10. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring

    1 Review
    Sandy Spring, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (240) 389-4386

    $150 - $200 / night

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721 Reviews of 97 Bethesda Campgrounds

Guide to Bethesda

Camping near Bethesda, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and easy access to nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Greenbrier State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!"
  • Fishing: Enjoy a day of fishing at Cherry Hill Park. A visitor shared, "We spent an entire day kayak fishing on the small lake and clear clean water."
  • Historical Sites: Visit nearby historical sites like Gettysburg while staying at Codorus State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Used it as a home base to explore Gettysburg and the surrounding area."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities at Bull Run Regional Park. A reviewer stated, "The bathhouses are ample and clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpful staff at Cherry Hill Park. One guest mentioned, "Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Westmoreland State Park Campground love the spacious sites. A reviewer said, "The site was pretty big, laid with gravel and pebbles, and edged with wooden curbs."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Pohick Bay Campground, can be noisy due to nearby traffic. One camper complained, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place, like sleeping on the side of the highway."
  • Limited Amenities: Campers at Owens Creek Campground should be aware that amenities are basic. A visitor noted, "The sites are very clean but close to each other. You can hear the kids and families."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, including Greenbelt Park Campground, require reservations. A reviewer mentioned, "Cost is $20/night, must reserve on recreation.gov."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Cherry Hill Park. One parent said, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
  • Close to Nature: Choose campgrounds near hiking trails, such as Codorus State Park Campground. A camper shared, "There’s a lot to do in the area. Tons of hiking, exploring along the lake."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water, especially at campgrounds like Pohick Bay Campground, where there are water activities.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions at campgrounds like Bull Run Regional Park. One RVer mentioned, "The site was easy to pull into and hookup to."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations, such as Cherry Hill Park. A visitor noted, "There is a dump station."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds may have tight spaces for larger RVs, as noted by a camper at Harpers Ferry KOA, who said, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."

Camping near Bethesda, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly parks to serene nature spots. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Bethesda, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bethesda, MD is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 41 reviews.

What parks are near Bethesda, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Bethesda, MD that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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