Campgrounds near Bethesda, Maryland feature diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 300 to 500 feet across the Piedmont region. Located within 40 miles of the Chesapeake Bay, these camping areas experience humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F from June through August. Winter camping options remain limited as most facilities close between November and April.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Burke Lake Park offers a well-stocked lake for anglers of all skill levels. "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground," notes Alexis in a recent review of Fairfax County Burke Lake Park.
Metro access to DC: Camp within reach of Washington DC's monuments without driving into the city. "This campground is very close to DC and you are able to ride the metro bus right from the campground," writes Jonathan B. about his stay at Cherry Hill Park.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds feature full 18-hole disc golf layouts. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests Rachel L. about her experience at Pohick Bay Campground.
What campers like
Security features: Many campers appreciate the safety measures at certain parks. "Gated" was listed as a pro by Beth R. in her review of Cherry Hill Park, along with numerous amenities that made their stay comfortable.
Proximity to urban attractions: Campers value sites that allow easy access to metropolitan areas. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous," shares Roberta K. about her stay at Bull Run.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to spot native animals. "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" exclaims Kathie M. about her experience at Pohick Bay Campground, highlighting the natural aspects of camping in this region.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. "Most glamping sites remain open seasonally from April through October," with Little Bennett Campground specifically open "April 1 to October 30" according to their season information.
Reservation requirements: Booking ahead is essential, especially for yurt camping near Bethesda, Maryland. Little Bennett Campground requires advance planning, with one visitor noting they "Reserved 137 days prior to arriving."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. "Be weary of decent highway noise, but easily drowned out with the AC," mentions Joe R. about Cherry Hill Park, while another reviewer noted the presence of "a shooting range in the park" at Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule around the numerous family options available. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)," writes Elise M. about Washington DC Capitol KOA, though she notes "the pull through spots offer no privacy."
Pack for water activities: Multiple parks feature splash pads and water features for children. "Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends," shares Liz F. about Washington DC Capitol KOA, highlighting its family-friendly atmosphere.
Consider cabin options: Family-sized yurts and cabins near Bethesda provide comfort for those new to camping. "This is a good regional campground with activities for kids on special days. Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes," writes Georgia H. about Little Bennett Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When choosing sites, look for specific locations within loops. "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side," advises Scott C. from his experience at Cherry Hill Park.
Leveling challenges: Come prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reports Napunani about Little Bennett Campground, highlighting the sometimes challenging terrain.
Full hookup availability: Check which services are available when booking. "There are some nice tenting sites under the trees and off by themselves for the true campers, and for the rest of us glampers there are hookups," notes Scott C., emphasizing the diverse options available at Cherry Hill Park.
