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ScoutGettysburg Campground
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Flat grounds, level campsites, nice pool, kids have tons of fun!
Camping near Germantown, MD
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Camping options near Germantown, Maryland include several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Little Bennett Campground, one of the closest camping areas to the city, offers a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Other nearby options include Ramblin' Pines and Cherry Hill Park, which provide full-hookup RV sites along with tent camping areas. The region primarily features developed campgrounds rather than dispersed camping, with most sites offering amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities. For campers looking for the best experience, many Germantown campgrounds provide online reservation systems to secure your preferred site in advance.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with prime camping months running from April through October. Little Bennett Campground specifically operates from April 1 to October 30. Reservations are typically required, especially for weekend stays when sites fill quickly. "For a quick getaway that isn't far, Little Bennett is a great campground. The staff is very helpful. They've got nice hiking trails, an adequate camp store, a jumping pillow and other activities for kids," noted one camper. Nearby Lake Fairfax Campground in Virginia has a similar operating season, running from March 22 to September 7. Weather in this region is characterized by humid summers and mild winters, with occasional thunderstorms during summer months.
Families appreciate the amenities at many Germantown-area campgrounds. Little Bennett receives positive reviews for its family-friendly features, including weekend activities, a jumping pillow, pedal carts, and hiking trails. Sites are generally well-spaced with vegetation providing privacy between neighbors. According to visitor feedback, "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup." Campgrounds like Greenbelt Park offer more primitive camping experiences with fewer amenities but still maintain easy access to Washington, DC. Campers seeking more rustic experiences can find smaller private camping areas like The Garden or Button Farm, which offer more limited facilities but provide a quieter atmosphere away from the larger, more developed campgrounds.
Best Campgrounds near Germantown (130)
1. 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"
2. 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 Availability3. 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 Availability4. 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 Availability5. 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 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 $39 - $100 / night
Check Availability7. The Garden
from $15 - $55 / night
Check Availability8. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
"We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "
"It’s very close to Harper’s Ferry (almost worth the hike into town rather than the difficulty finding parking in a town with one parking lot)."
from $40 - $80 / 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. Brunswick Family Campground
"Picked this location because it is close to our home in Silver Spring, MD but far enough to make us feel like we were leaving town."
"Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home."
from $10 - $90 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 33 min from Washington, DC
- 40 min from Baltimore, MD
- 43 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 52 min from Gettysburg, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Germantown, MD
407 Photos of 130 Germantown Campgrounds
Ch. A.
Little Bennett Campground
James W.
The Garden
Ethel B.
Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Alan H.
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Shari G.
Marble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Jarmonay N.
Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
adrian F.
Lake Fairfax Campground
Natalie
Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) Campsite
Sammii D.
Evergreen Point Village
Nancy W.
Ramblin' Pines
Recent Reviews near Germantown, MD
1046 Reviews of 130 Germantown Campgrounds
Patrick Z.ScoutGranite Hill Camping Resort
Campground is poorly maintained
The grounds are poorly kept. It is mostly occupied by what appears to be abandoned seasonal sites. There is no WiFi. Service is spotty. Management seems inconsistent on enforcing rules and tends to be less favorable to campers visiting for a weekend.
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.
RangerCodorus State Park Campground
Top Tier
I love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.
Jeff F.Scoutkoa Gettysburg battlefield
Nice spot to experience Gettysburg
Friendly staff, well shaded, good size site 23 with easy in and paver patio and sturdy furniture
- MMaybe I.
GuideCodorus State Park Campground
Excellent campground!
The sites offer plenty of space and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is conveniently located near the lake, with beautiful views and easy access to the water. There is also a nice swimming pool, which is a great bonus. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake and spending time outdoors. Overall, it's a wonderful place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. We would definitely come back!
Phillip H.GuideHarpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Harper’s Ferry KOA
The sites are close together. The park was not full Mother’s Day weekend. It is a very nice park. The bathhouses were clean. The amenities were good although we didn’t utilize them. The national historic site was very close and we walked over day 1 rode our bikes day 2. The C&O canal is accessible but you must walk your bike across the lower town bridge and carry it down the stairs. This section of the trail was very good and we completed 38 miles.
- ccara S.Scout
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hilton area
Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
- FFredrick K.
TravelerMarble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Great place to get some peace and quiet
If youre looking for fun and people, go to the south campground. But if youre looking for true quiet and have a tent, check out the dispersed campsites. Good shower and bathroom setup that i bet would fare well in a tornado, its got that solid storm shelter feel. Next to a quiet airport, plenty of free firewood to gather
- DDebbie W.Scout
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Not as advertised on website. Loose dogs. Sites not as advertised.
Less amenities than advertised. We usually camp in more rustic locations and planned this trip simply for the fun of the amenities. Their website claims that the pool is seasonal but doesn't list anything else as seasonal. There was supposed to be mini golf, a giant bounce pillow, indoor basketball, an arcade with air hockey and a pool table. Mini golf was fine. The bounce pillow was deflated and full of water. The arcade/pool table/air hockey building was locked and the maintenance guy(who locks it up) was outside smoking before leaving early for the day. The employee at the camp store said it was supposed to be open until the store closed but that he probably just closed it early.
The rules state that dogs need to be on a leash at all times and, in the two hours we actually stayed, we saw four that weren't. One was staying near us and started chasing us when we rode our bikes by. One was wandering about 4 campsites down from it's owner. We mentioned it to the person at the camp store before we were chased and she just shrugged it off.
The map is incorrect. It lists site numbers that don't exist and doesn't list some sites that supposedly do. We spent a fifteen minutes trying to find a non-existent site before going back to the camp office and getting assigned a new site. They acted like it was a new thing caused by maintenance but we just looked and saw a review from ten months ago saying the map was messed up then.
The description of the site we paid for was non electric tent with a sand tent pad. The site we got was on a hill(no actual flat spot) overgrown with weeds, no tent pad, a slanted picnic table, and no actual parking spot. You had to drive over a drainage ditch and park on the hill. If our car didn't have high clearance we wouldn't have made it. There was also a hole in the middle of the site. And the map showed that number site on the corner where another unmarked site was. Our originally assigned site was supposedly in the same group of sites, so it would've been similar. Also don't believe the claim that they're"large sites." Most of them are crammed together. There are a few that look decent sized and flat, but they want you to pay an extra$30 to pick your own site.
We didn't even look in the bathrooms.
We left after two hours. Definitely a waste of$60+ dollars.
Next time we'll go over to the Brunswick Family campground. Their owners are lovely people who care about their customers.
Guide to Germantown
Campgrounds near Germantown, Maryland range from rustic sites to full-service RV parks within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at elevations between 300-500 feet in the Piedmont Plateau, creating varied terrain for camping experiences. Most camping areas remain open from spring through fall, with several sites offering primitive camping without electrical hookups as alternatives to the larger developed campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Little Bennett Campground connects to multiple nature trails suitable for all skill levels. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," notes one camper who appreciated the outdoor exploration options.
Water activities: At Lake Fairfax Campground, visitors can enjoy paddleboats and fishing on the lake. A camper mentioned that "There's a water park, paddle boats, playgrounds, trails, skate park, sports fields" making it an activity-rich destination just 30 minutes from Germantown.
Historical exploration: From Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA, campers can easily access significant historical sites. "The best part about this site is the location. We could walk or easily drive to Harper's Ferry NP visitor center, from where we could take a bus into downtown," shared one visitor who appreciated the historical access.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the vegetation at Little Bennett that creates natural separation. According to one review, the sites are "quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup."
Urban accessibility: Greenbelt Park Campground offers camping with easy access to Washington DC. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods," remarked one visitor.
Cleanliness of facilities: Bull Run Regional Park receives consistent praise for its bathhouses. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," noted a camper, while another claimed "I'll go again just for the showers" describing them as "locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during peak season from May to September. Some maintain minimum-stay requirements.
Primitive options available: For those seeking a more rustic experience, Button Farm offers secluded primitive camping. A visitor noted, "The sites are both grassy, level and well maintained. Both are easy to get to, although I wouldn't recommend attempting to drive to either in a small car."
Weather considerations: The region experiences high humidity in summer months with average temperatures reaching 85-90°F. Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently, particularly in July and August, so proper rain gear is essential.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby facilities or transportation. At Bull Run, campers mention "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Cherry Hill Park offers numerous amenities for children. A visitor shared, "They have so much going on! Playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride."
Nature exploration for children: Several campgrounds offer structured nature activities. At Ramblin' Pines, campers appreciate the "lots of free activities for children" while another mentioned the "bounce pillow" that children enjoyed.
Campsite selection for families: When camping with children, consider proximity to bathrooms and amenities. At Button Farm, a camper noted, "We choose site 1 due to its proximity to the bathroom and picnic tables because we were camping with small kids."
Wildlife encounters: Kids often enjoy spotting local wildlife. One Button Farm camper mentioned, "Nearby chickens, geese and pigs" that entertained their family, though they cautioned "We did find a snake skin, but you are out in nature."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: RV campers should inquire about site conditions. A Lake Fairfax visitor shared, "The outer loop campsites are easily more level than the center loop. If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited in the immediate Germantown area. At Ramblin' Pines, several reviewers noted the "nice large sites with friendly staff" and that it remains "open all year" for those needing year-round RV access.
Site width considerations: Many reviewers note tight spacing at popular campgrounds. As one Cherry Hill visitor described, "The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side. The landscaping, trees and site placement does help the esthetics."
Frequently Asked Questions
What fishing opportunities are available at campsites near Germantown?
What fishing opportunities are available at campsites near Germantown?
Several campgrounds near Germantown offer good fishing opportunities. Brunswick Family Campground provides direct access to the Potomac River, where campers can fish right from the shoreline. Greenbrier State Park features a 42-acre man-made lake ideal for fishing, with species including trout, bass, and bluegill. Both locations offer a pleasant combination of camping and fishing experiences, though you'll need a Maryland fishing license. The parks typically provide fishing access year-round, with seasonal variations in catch rates.
What amenities like showers are available at Germantown area campgrounds?
What amenities like showers are available at Germantown area campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Germantown offer varying levels of amenities. Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park provides clean bath houses with showers, set in a peaceful, shaded environment. For more luxurious facilities, Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA offers full-service bathrooms with hot showers, along with amenities like a pool and laundry facilities. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide at minimum flush toilets and drinking water, though amenities tend to be more basic at primitive sites like those along the C&O Canal.
Where can I find camping spots near Germantown, MD?
Where can I find camping spots near Germantown, MD?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive from Germantown. Greenbelt Park Campground offers a convenient bare-bones National Park Service option with tent sites just 25 miles away, making it perfect for quick getaways. For families seeking a more private setting, Little Bennett Regional Park provides wooded sites with good privacy. Other solid options within reasonable driving distance include Cedarville State Forest and Swains Lock on the C&O Canal for those preferring something more rustic and natural.
Is Little Bennett Regional Park a good camping option near Germantown?
Is Little Bennett Regional Park a good camping option near Germantown?
Yes, Little Bennett Regional Park is an excellent camping option near Germantown, offering one of the closest developed campgrounds to the area. As part of Montgomery County's park system, it features wooded campsites with good privacy, hiking trails, and family-friendly amenities. The campground is typically open April through November, making it a convenient option for Germantown residents looking for a quick camping getaway without traveling far. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends and holidays.
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