Dickerson, Maryland sits at approximately 360 feet above sea level in the rolling Piedmont region, with the Potomac River defining its southern boundary. The area features a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, making late spring through early fall the prime camping months. Most campgrounds near Dickerson operate from April through November, though several offer year-round access.
What to do
Explore historic battlefields: Bull Run Regional Park is located about 45 minutes from Dickerson and offers access to significant Civil War sites. A visitor noted, "There a tons of amenities here. Really great for beginner campers... Lots of history near by so check out the old battle fields and buildings that housed troops during civil war. Very cool stuff."
Visit local wineries: Camp Winery provides a unique camping experience with vineyard access. One camper shared, "Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too." The campground allows alcohol, making it convenient for those wanting to sample local offerings.
Water recreation activities: Fishing and kayaking opportunities exist within driving distance. About Bull Run Regional Park, one reviewer mentioned, "The park is nice, but if youre looking for fishing don't go here, but you can in fact kayak down the creek." For better fishing options, check smaller streams feeding into the Potomac.
What campers like
Proximity to Washington DC: Pohick Bay Campground offers a strategic location for urban exploration. A camper stated, "Stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat."
Natural surroundings: The wooded sites at many campgrounds provide a sense of seclusion. At Bull Run Regional Park, a reviewer appreciated that "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. A visitor to Bull Run Regional Park was particularly impressed: "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."
What you should know
Limited equestrian camping options: While searching for horse campgrounds near Dickerson, Maryland, you'll find few dedicated facilities with horse corrals. Artillery Ridge Campground in Gettysburg (about 45 minutes from Dickerson) offers some equestrian amenities. A visitor noted, "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds have limited services in winter. At Pohick Bay Campground, one camper observed, "Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Many implement minimum stay requirements, with Bull Run imposing a "2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week. In APRIL for gosh sakes!"
Fee structures: Watch for additional charges beyond the base camping rate. A Bull Run visitor cautioned, "There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights."
Tips for camping with families
Look for planned activities: Gettysburg Campground offers family-friendly programming. A parent appreciated that "It is a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do. we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. A visitor to Bull Run Regional Park shared, "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."
Playground proximity: Some campgrounds have playgrounds for children. At Artillery Ridge, one camper mentioned the site layout: "We had a site right on next to the trail going to Stangler Farm. The RV sites are gravel and pretty level. Fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: At Camp Meade RV Park, a military campground near Dickerson, RVers appreciate the security and amenities. A visitor noted, "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post." While not open to the general public, it demonstrates the type of secure camping available to military personnel in the region.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer various hookup options. At Bull Run Regional Park, the sites include "full hook up RV sites and even cabin sites for the families who just want the comfort of a home."
Road noise considerations: Traffic can affect some sites. A Gettysburg Campground visitor mentioned, "The two drawbacks are that the sites are quite packed together and the noise of traffic—at least in the frontmost sites—can get rather loud at night."
