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Best Campgrounds near Gaithersburg, MD

961 Reviews

Gaithersburg, Maryland has good camping spots within driving distance. Codorus State Park Campground is close by, where you can fish and boat on Lake Marburg. Greenbrier State Park Campground has hiking trails that take you to views of the Appalachian Mountains. Oak Ridge Campground in Prince William Forest Park is quiet with well-kept sites. You can reach all these campgrounds from Gaithersburg on paved roads. Most campsites come with picnic tables, fire rings, and bathrooms. Some of the campgrounds have playgrounds and activities that kids will like. You're also not far from historic places and interesting towns. The weather gets hot and humid in summer, making spring and fall better times to camp. Remember to look up each campground's rules and check if sites are available before you go. The campgrounds around Gaithersburg work well whether you want to be active or just relax.

Map showing campgrounds near Gaithersburg, MarylandExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

The Garden

The Garden

17 min away

Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

19 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Gaithersburg, Maryland (117)

    1. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    16 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. Little Bennett Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MD
    9 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"

    3. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    13 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. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    20 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"

    5. Ramblin' Pines

    17 Reviews
    Woodbine, MD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 795-5161

    $30 - $70 / night

    "We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."

    "We love this home away from home ❤️"

    6. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    27 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."

    7. Camping by the Creek in Woods

    2 Reviews
    Great Falls, MD
    7 miles
    +1 (240) 595-5000

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Awesome site tucked away in mature woods. Quiet. Easy paved access. Near C&O Canal, biking, hiking across street in Block House Park. Lovely attentive host."

    8. The Garden

    2 Reviews
    Damascus, MD
    12 miles
    +1 (240) 654-7056

    $15 - $55 / night

    9. Button Farm

    1 Review
    Poolesville, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (240) 579-5112

    $30 / night

    "You are able to drive right up to the camp area and we kept our car right next to our tent. There are nearby chickens, geese and pigs. "

    10. Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway

    1 Review
    McLean, MD
    11 miles
    Website
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Recent Camping Photos near Gaithersburg, MD

408 Photos of 117 Gaithersburg Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gaithersburg, MD

961 Reviews of 117 Gaithersburg Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aquia Pines Campground

    Good stopover near the highway but hidden between the trees

    We where forced land-inwards because of tropical storm Erin (potential hurricane hitting the Outer Banks). So we decided to visit Washington DC and had a stopover here. It was conveniently located. Terrain is not flat but our spot was well levelled. There is a big dog (and an older gentleman) in the office to welcome you. Full hook up was oké and our spot was nicly secluded between the trees.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • Sharon L.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    Great getaway close to home!

    We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything. People didn’t like this or that, but most of it seemed as if they weren’t happy with rules! Neither of us found anything that was so terrible in the rules and truthfully, if more campgrounds had them and enforced them, it would be nice for all.

    We loved the peace and quiet, the restrooms were clean and tidy, the usable sites all looked nice. They had a tornado come through at the beginning of the season that messed some areas up, but they are working it. The pool area seemed like the place to be. We just went to rest though. Honestly, we liked the campground so much that we would consider parking our camper over the summer! There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing. Prices aren’t horrible. One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it’s not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us. The activities and store weren’t outrageous. Ready to go back!

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can’t be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

  • John B.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    Overcrowded with upkeep

    I hate leaving bad reviews, but I think people should be aware of this campsite. First thing we noticed when we arrived at the campsite was that it was very tight. We had a pull through campsite, but on the camp side it was all dirt and grass that look like it hadn’t been mowed in over two weeks. With the heat and humidity we have been having for the last couple weeks, I knew this was gonna be a buggy site. Then the rains came and everything turned into mud. We had a rug laid down, but the mud and water worked its way through that. We couldn’t enter the RV without tracking mode through it. On days it was raining we spent a lot of time in the camper. That’s when we discovered another issue. On almost all occasions there was no Internet. We had a strong Wi-Fi signal, but no Internet. Upon talking to some of our neighbors who frequented this campsite, they said they had never seen it this bad. The other thing too, was that there was hardly any trash receptacles. Ending this on a good note, we loved how close it was to historical Harpers Ferry, and how convenient it was to be able to walk to the visitor center and catch a ferry. It really is a beautiful area. I would hope that the management of this KOA would address these issues, because I’m sure I’m not gonna be the only one to leave a negative review about this campground.

Guide to Gaithersburg

Camping near Gaithersburg, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers at Caledonia State Park Campground enjoy the Appalachian Trail running right by the park, making it easy to access beautiful hiking routes. One visitor mentioned, "About 20 minute drive to Gettysburg," which adds even more hiking options.

  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Codorus State Park Campground, provide access to lakes for fishing. A reviewer noted, "Spacious, beautiful, clean, quiet, easy, and lots to do and see," highlighting the serene fishing spots available.

  • Water Activities: If you're into kayaking or swimming, Pohick Bay Campground offers a water park nearby. One camper shared, "Campers get a discount at the water park which was a very reasonable 5 dollars per person."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathhouses. At Greenbrier State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean," making it a comfortable stay.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many visitors enjoy the peaceful environment. A camper at Owens Creek Campground remarked, "This place is one of the most peaceful campgrounds I've been to," perfect for those looking to escape the noise of the city.
  • Friendly Staff: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park are known for their helpful staff. A guest mentioned, "Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well," which is great for first-time visitors.

What you should know:

  • Site Size: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A visitor at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "The sites were so unlevel, close together," which can be a challenge for bigger rigs.
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for potential noise from nearby roads or activities. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park complained, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place," so consider your site location.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oak Ridge Campground, do not offer electric hookups or showers. A reviewer mentioned, "No wood for sale at that time," so plan ahead for supplies.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with playgrounds and activities. Campers at Pohick Bay Campground enjoyed the "playground butts up against inner circle," making it easy for kids to play.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes for the kids. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground suggested, "Bring bikes. Long bike trail along road," which keeps the little ones entertained.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Cherry Hill Park appreciated the "nicely stocked store," making it easy to grab treats.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Compatibility: Before booking, ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA advised, "If the person across from your site is already parked, good luck having enough room to back into your site."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Choose sites away from busy roads. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground noted, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7," which can disrupt your peace.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have everything you need. A visitor at Owens Creek Campground mentioned, "The sites have a nice mulched tent pad, fire ring / grill grate," but it's always good to have your own gear just in case.

Camping near Gaithersburg, MD, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors while making lasting memories with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping sites are available near Gaithersburg?

Tent campers near Gaithersburg have several quality options. Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite along the C&O Canal offers accessible tent sites with parking for about 8 vehicles and a manageable walk to the camping area. Cedarville State Forest provides family-friendly tent camping in a peaceful woodland setting with clean facilities. Additional tent camping can be found at Marsden Tract Group Campsite for those seeking a more rustic experience, and Camping by the Creek in Woods offers tent sites with water access. Most tent sites in the region include standard amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, with most locations requiring reservations, especially during peak summer months.

Where are the best campgrounds near Gaithersburg, MD?

The Gaithersburg area offers several excellent campgrounds within an hour's drive. Greenbelt Park Campground provides a convenient bare-bones NPS camping experience close to the city. For families, Brunswick Family Campground offers a mesmerizing riverside setting with welcoming staff and is close enough to Silver Spring to feel like you're getting away without a long journey. Other notable options include Lake Fairfax Campground near Reston and Cherry Hill Park, which provides easy access to Washington DC. Most campgrounds in the area offer standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby restroom facilities, making them suitable for weekend getaways from Gaithersburg.

Are there any scenic camping locations around Gaithersburg?

The Gaithersburg region is surrounded by scenic camping destinations that showcase Maryland's natural beauty. Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park offers peaceful sites with creekside views, full shade, and plenty of privacy—visitors note it's less crowded than nearby alternatives. Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area provides another scenic option with family-friendly amenities and natural surroundings. For water views, consider the Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA, which serves as an excellent base for exploring historic sites while enjoying mountain scenery. Most scenic campgrounds in the area are busiest during fall foliage season and summer weekends, so advance reservations are recommended.

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