Camping spots near Temple Hills, Maryland offer diverse options within 40 miles of the area, with opportunities ranging from waterfront access to nature trails. Summer temperatures typically average 85-90°F during peak season, with higher humidity levels from June through August. Most campgrounds in the region experience their busiest periods on holiday weekends and during summer months when school is out.
What to do
Water activities at Pohick Bay: The regional park offers boating options from kayaks to motorboats, with direct access to the Potomac River. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" noted Kathie M. about the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Outdoor recreation at Lake Fairfax: The park features mountain biking trails, skateboard park, BMX park, and fishing opportunities. As Amy B. points out, "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."
Disc golf at Bull Run: The park has an 18-hole disc golf course for casual players and enthusiasts. Rachel L. mentions, "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course."
Nature scavenger hunts: Some campgrounds provide organized activities for children. At Bull Run Regional Park, "There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," reports Bridget H.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate sites that offer separation from neighbors. At Cedarville State Forest, "The loop is very small, with all the sites pretty close together. The forest behind the site was sparse, enough so that it was hard to find fuel for the fire," notes Chris F., highlighting the natural setting despite proximity to others.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high in camper satisfaction. Nurse N. mentions about Louise Cosca Regional Park, "Great campground hidden away in the city. Clean sites include table and fire pit. Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm."
Waterfront access: Sites near water are particularly popular. According to Drew H. at Lake Fairfax Campground, "i wouldn't take my camper here personally but it's great for tent camping especially with a group. lake is beautiful!"
Organized activities: Campgrounds offering scheduled programs receive positive reviews. "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shared Ben G. about Pohick Bay.
What you should know
Flight noise: Due to proximity to military installations and commercial airports, several campgrounds experience regular air traffic. One visitor at Greenbelt Park Campground noted, "It was quiet aside from occasional air traffic noise, and while there wasn't much spacing between some camp sites everyone was respectful."
Long-term residents: Some campgrounds cater to extended-stay campers. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, "Lots of long term residents in dirty rundown campers. Trash dumpsters are always full. Bathrooms and showers are always clean. Full hookups at most sites," reports Matthew S.
Limited level sites: Terrain challenges affect tent placement at some locations. Erin W. mentions about Lake Fairfax, "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."
Seasonal amenities: Not all facilities operate year-round. "There is a pool/water park in the park as well as a nice network of trails. There is plenty of things to do here to keep a family occupied," reports Ben G. about waterpark availability during summer months at Pohick Bay.
Tips for camping with families
Check campground programs: Some sites offer organized children's activities. Bridget H. shares about Bull Run, "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground."
Look for playground access: Campgrounds with play areas provide added value. Ben G. notes about Pohick Bay, "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious."
Consider bathroom proximity: Facilities with showers make family camping more comfortable. "Decent campground! It was quiet despite being in a city. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge," notes a visitor about Lake Fairfax.
Test mini trips first: For new camping families, Bull Run offers an accessible experience. As one camper shares, "I like to take new families that have not camped before to this campsite, its close to home and if anyone decides to bail out there is a hotel 5 min away."
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Many campgrounds have varied terrain that impacts RV setup. At Cherry Hill Park, "The sites were pretty level but did have some rocks in the area where my pad would be so I had to do a little clearing," mentions one camper about site preparation.
Available hookups vary widely: Not all sites provide full connections. At Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, "This campground is about 25 sites. Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," notes Tye S. about the specific utility options.
Site size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. Nurse N. reports, "Site 6 was good but not for larger rigs. We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs. Site 5 or 7 wouldn't have that problem."
Night arrival challenges: Some properties have lighting limitations. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, "Do not try and come in after dark. Very tight and very dark," warns Matthew S. about navigational difficulties.
