j
john L.
Traveler
TravelerHarpers Ferry Campground - River Riders
Stunning veiws
Primitive feel with full hookups. I have a 22' trailer, and it fits fine. I hope you like trains. Plenty of them go by.
Camping near Gaithersburg, MD
126 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Gaithersburg, Maryland provide multiple accommodation styles ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities. Little Bennett Campground in Clarksburg offers tent, RV, cabin, and yurt options with spacious, shaded sites and is open seasonally from April through October. Several additional established campgrounds, including Cherry Hill Park and Greenbelt Park, provide varying levels of amenities while maintaining proximity to Washington DC and surrounding natural areas.
Many campgrounds in this region require reservations, especially during peak seasons from late spring through early fall. The proximity to major metropolitan areas means weekend sites fill quickly, particularly at campgrounds with full amenities. Little Bennett, the closest established campground to Gaithersburg, features multiple camping loops with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Several hiker-biker campsites are also available along the C&O Canal, including Swains Lock, which offers primitive camping with limited facilities. As one camper noted, "If I lived in Washington DC, this is where I would ride my bike to every weekend. Bring the family, bring the fishing poles and forget that there is a hyper uptight city just a few miles away."
Developed campgrounds in the region typically provide drinking water, restrooms, and fire rings, while some offer full hookups for RVs and additional amenities. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park features several hiker-biker campsites that provide free, primitive camping options within striking distance of urban areas. These sites generally include basic fire rings and picnic tables, with limited toilet facilities. Reviews indicate mixed experiences with site conditions and maintenance. One visitor to Swains Lock explained, "There are at least 6 separate campsites with their own picnic table and fire ring. Though with the increase in cars, comes a proportional increase in people and their trash." Family-friendly amenities are common at the larger established campgrounds, with Little Bennett offering activities such as a jumping pillow, pedal carts, and scheduled events during summer months.
Best Campgrounds near Gaithersburg (126)
1. Cherry Hill Park
"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."
from $999 / night
Check Availability2. Little Bennett Campground
"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
"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."
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Ramblin' Pines
"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 ❤️"
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability6. Bull Run Regional Park
"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."
from $43 - $100 / night
Check Availability7. Camping by the Creek in Woods
"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."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability8. The Garden
from $15 - $55 / night
Check Availability9. Button Farm
"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. "
from $30 / night
Check Availability10. Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Drive Time
- 29 min from Washington, DC
- 36 min from Baltimore, MD
- 47 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 55 min from Gettysburg, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Gaithersburg, MD
381 Photos of 126 Gaithersburg Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Little Bennett Campground
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
The Garden
Lake Fairfax Campground
Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Marble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Cherry Hill Park
Ramblin' PinesM
Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) CampsiteN
Recent Reviews near Gaithersburg, MD
1010 Reviews of 126 Gaithersburg Campgrounds
- TTyler D.
GuideGambrill State Park Campground
Great Camp Spot
This is a great camping spot. The sites aren’t too close together and the hosts are very friendly. The only reason I gave it four stars is because we are near a highway so you can hear cars throughout the night. But the crickets make up for it by being as loud as possible. With the fees, it cost $25 for a non-electric site and with access to showers after a long trek I was happy to pay.
Thomas B.
RangerRedemption Springs
Pleasant Stay and Hosts
We stayed at Redemption Springs to get relatively close to Baltimore without bringing our 30ft travel trailer into the city. Seth and the other gentlemen I spoke with were all extremely accommodating. Enjoyed learning about their approach to restorative farming and purchasing a variety of treats at the farm store. Beef, pork, chicken, seasonings, baked goods, and more. We booked on Hipcamp and recommend following his driving instructions. Our rig fit fine by tuhe main barn and they kept an eye on us going in and out to make sure we didn't have issues making any of the turns. Lots of farm life!
- Thomas B.Ranger
Little Bennett Campground
Great Potential?
We stayed at Little Bennett starting on Labor Day Monday and left before the weekend, so it is hard to say how this looks when the campground is full of life. They had quite a few activities for families and a pavilion capable of concerts and such, but there was minimal activity during our stay. My biggest complaint is that the gate code changed and we didn't get any notice--so after a long day and a dinner out near Baltimore (nearly an hour away), I had to call the police to get back to my camper. Otherwise, the campsite was relatively spacious and quiet. The bugs were a little rough. Lots of whitetail running around.
Hannah S.RangerHarpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Close to history!
This KOA offers close and cozy get away near Harper’s Ferry Virginia. Technically within walking distance to the National Park shuttle to downtown. Spots are open and spaced out and they offer private showers/bathrooms
Danny S.
ScoutHarpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
It is absoluutly the worst ever experience
The staff is certainly at the office not competent. Someone ran over my house when we were away and damaged it. The WiFi didn’t work any of the day but upon assistance request no one was willing to help. It couldn’t be worse. We have no other words except never a KOA location again.
- JasonGuide
Annapolis MWR Academy RV/Campground
Great spot for Retirees/Active
If you want to be near Annapolis, right on the Severn River...this is it. About 15 RV spots nestled in the woods...with full hook ups. A couple of primitive spots as well. Just a quick 5 min walk to the river...right across from the Academy. NEX, gas within 10 min walk, and 15 min drive to downtown Annapolis. Staff is always great here, and the park is clean....for a park on the woods.
Tyler K.ScoutJellystone Park™ Williamsport
First time I ever left a campsite early , complete waste of money
Trip -week before labor day , temps 93 degrees, nothing on website when booked said about peak and non peak days on booking page. Said there were only 7 sites left(complete lie) campground was empty. First time we ever been to a place where EVERYTHING was closed. Campstore, jump pillow and the final straw was we went to go to the pool and that was closed. It was 545 pm sun still bright in the sky , nowhere near dusk( when its suppose to close) . So much conflicting info from what the paper we got handed vs what internet site said. Charged a resort fee ? for what a place to park? This is no resort. Grass was high enough to be seeding itself. My wife was so upset she was actually crying. This was supposed to be a fun trip for our da6ughter before going back to school. We decided this place over Buttonwood just because it was alittle closer. Did a full tour of the place. Realized there is nothing here. Went to dinner in town. Decided we didnt want to stay where we knew our Daughter would be bored. She's pretty easy to entertain but this was just ridiculous. 12 HOURS OF MY LIFE AND $400 BUCKS i will never get back. (Loading , driving , realizing we got screwed, driving, unloading) yup was pretty bad.
- SSean D.Traveler
Campsites at Watkins Regional Park
Excellent choice for a Washington visit or local getaway
Based on my stay 3 nights and what I read of Greenbelt Park (the other closeby to Washington campground) I would say this has to be much better and I will stay here again on a future visit. Campground sits inside of a much larger park with great trails, amenities and well maintained. Campground is quiet, lots of trees, forest and yet each space is very large with good spacing and privacy to adjacent sites. High tree canopy at your site so lots of room to spread out. Sites themselves are a little rustic - a mix of grass, gravel and dirt, but not muddy (it rained a good bit prior to my stay) - but in good condition. Shower/toilet block is clean and good hot water and good water pressure. Most sites are flat or near flat and the ones that aren't need minimal levelling blocks. Campground apparently is never full and there was only 1 other when I was there - really hard to believe. There is a neighborhood road up by the sites near the shower block but it is low speed and lightly travelled and I had no disturbance from it. Nice surrounding neighborhood. No signs of vagrants. Park police patrolled multiple times per day and report very little non-camper entry to ther facilities. I felt very safe.Easy access to Eashington - bus stop outside the campground to metro or just drive to the metro (free parking weekend, $6 midweek) and then train (about 8 per hour) into the sites - an hour or less total to get there. For more local people, this seems like a good escape "to the woods" without travelling forever.
Guide to Gaithersburg
Campgrounds near Gaithersburg, Maryland are situated within the Piedmont Plateau region, characterized by rolling hills and moderate elevation between 300-800 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and mild to cold winters, creating a camping season that typically runs strongest from April through October. Most camping sites near Gaithersburg maintain forest cover dominated by oak, hickory, and maple trees that provide natural shade during summer months.
What to do
Trail access and biking: 10-25 miles of options. At Little Bennett Campground, hiking enthusiasts enjoy well-maintained paths through dense woodlands. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," notes Ray & Terri F. The trails vary in difficulty but most are moderate and accessible to casual hikers.
Water recreation: Multiple options within 5-15 minute drives. Lake Fairfax Campground offers fishing, paddleboating, and seasonal water features. "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)," according to Amy B.
Metro access to DC monuments: 30-45 minute rides. From Greenbelt Park Campground, campers can efficiently access Washington DC. "You can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods. Can't beat the close proximity to DC," states one reviewer. Many campgrounds provide information on metro schedules and best transit options.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Daily cleaning schedules. Cherry Hill Park receives consistent praise for its upkeep. "Everything was extremely clean and well maintained. We loved the brick patio with patio furniture," reports John A. Most established campgrounds in the area prioritize bathroom cleanliness with regular maintenance schedules.
Spacious, shaded sites: Mature tree canopy. Campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at many local campgrounds. At Bull Run Regional Park, "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," explains Roberta K.
Organized recreational activities: Daily and seasonal programs. Many camping locations near Gaithersburg schedule regular activities. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," writes Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park. Summer months typically feature the most robust activity calendars.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book 2-4 months ahead for weekends. Due to proximity to major metropolitan areas, advanced planning is essential. "Reserved 137 days prior to arriving," mentions one Napunani about their Little Bennett visit. Many campgrounds have online reservation systems with varying booking windows.
Variable site conditions: Request specific site information. Some campgrounds have significant differences between sites. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only," explains Ray & Terri F. about Little Bennett Campground.
Cost considerations: Higher rates than rural areas. Ramblin' Pines and other private campgrounds charge premium rates for their amenities. "We're done with NOVA Parks campgrounds. Better cost options exist with Fairfax County Parks," notes Stuart O. regarding Bull Run's pricing structure. Expect to pay $30-70 per night depending on hookup requirements.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid-friendly amenities: Available April-September. Ramblin' Pines offers multiple play areas for different age groups. "Nice large sites with friendly staff. Lots of free activities for children and it's close to home," reports Christopher M. Most family-oriented campgrounds maintain playgrounds, sports facilities, and organized activities.
Consider campgrounds with educational components: Ranger programs. Many camping sites near Gaithersburg, Maryland incorporate learning opportunities. "This park has too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," writes Bridget H. about her experience at Bull Run Regional Park.
Evaluate bathroom proximity and conditions: Critical for young campers. Site selection relative to restrooms matters significantly. "The bathhouses are ok, happy to have free showers with hot running water. Faucets allow you to control the temperature and there's continuous running water (no button to push)," explains Laura M. at Greenbelt Park.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling before booking: Request specific site information. Many campgrounds in the region have variable terrain. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," notes Napunani about Little Bennett. Call ahead to request sites known to be level for larger rigs.
Consider cell coverage for remote work: Variable by carrier. Working remotely while camping is increasingly common. "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna," reports Ray & Terri F. about connectivity at Little Bennett.
Urban camping noise factors: Plan accordingly. The proximity to metropolitan areas means some noise intrusion. "The only drawback is that it is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," mentions Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tent camping sites are available near Gaithersburg?
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?
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?
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.
Keep Exploring