Family camping options within 30 miles of Glen Burnie, Maryland include tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals at parks with easy access to both Baltimore and Washington DC. Tent camping starts at $20 per night at national parks, while full-hookup rv sites near Glen Burnie range from $45-75 nightly depending on amenities and location. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with October being a particularly popular time for weekend reservations.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Bar Harbor RV Park offers direct water access where "you can fish from your chair. Kayak rentals, boat slips" are available, making it perfect for anglers. As reviewer Lisa T. notes, "Beautiful family owned campground... surrounded by water. Fishing piers, (I love to crab) catch them and steam them in my camper (a MD thing)."
Wildlife viewing: Hollofield Area Campground has 70 miles of hiking trails with opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Every morning birds and squirrels" are common visitors according to Crystal C., while another reviewer mentioned "a family of deer grazing close by, a great way to settle in for the evening."
City exploration: Take public transportation from Greenbelt Park Campground to downtown DC attractions. Laura M. suggests: "Take the green line into town. The lot there is huge and open and free on weekends. Weekdays it's about $5/day if you take the metro... The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min."
What campers like
River access: Patapsco Valley State Park offers multiple trails leading directly to the Patapsco River. "We enjoyed hiking the trails directly from our campsite that led us down to the Patapsco River. There is a lot of history associated with the River and the area. You can even swim in this river," notes Travyl Couple.
Spacious wooded sites: Campers appreciate the natural setting at Hollofield Area Campground where "nice wooded sites set far apart from each other" provide privacy. Ricky R. mentioned, "We always have a blast at patapsco state park. Great wooded sites," making it ideal for those seeking a forest camping experience.
Location convenience: Many campgrounds offer quick access to major cities. Bay Shore Campground provides "Perfect location for relaxation... Only 3 miles to drive into town" according to Jennifer C., while another camper noted it's "convenient to DC and public transportation."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most camping areas near Glen Burnie require advance booking. At Greenbelt Park, Crystal C. advises, "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online."
Varying amenities: Facilities differ significantly between parks. As one camper at Bar Harbor noted, "Full hookup but we're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing. They do fill up propane but there's a Tractor Supply about 20min away that will also fill them."
Seasonal considerations: Weather affects camping conditions. At Bay Shore Campground, a visitor reported summer advantages: "If you enjoy beautiful sunsets, seeing bald eagles every day, having a nice breeze, not too buggy, well kept campground this is the place to go."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Ramblin' Pines has numerous amenities for children. Michelle L. shares: "The camground offers a lot for the money. There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow."
Nature playgrounds: Some parks offer unique play areas beyond standard equipment. Jennifer S. describes Patapsco's features: "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop... large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it."
Pet policies: Most campgrounds welcome pets with some restrictions. At Bar Harbor, "There was a fenced dog area and play set" according to Laure D., while Crystal C. noted another park had "No hanging things from trees. Even if you love a hammock you cannot hang them at this park."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking RV sites near Glen Burnie, consider maneuverability. At Cherry Hill Park, Beth R. notes, "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer... 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer," though she mentions "Gravel pad" as a drawback.
Location advantages: Several parks offer strategic positioning for exploring the region. One camper staying at Fort Belvoir mentioned it's "Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river... You really need a toad since supplies are not very close to the camping area."
Utility management: Water restrictions may apply seasonally. At Bar Harbor RV Park, "Sewer is not there yet, but they have portables just in case you need to remove some instead of moving the entire camper," according to Lisa V., while another camper mentioned, "Before purchasing Wifi, check your coverage. We have AT&T and had plenty of service."
