RV camping options near Glen Echo, Maryland span across three states - Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The region features forested campsites at elevations ranging from 300-400 feet above sea level in the Potomac River watershed. Summer temperatures average 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder weather. Area campgrounds often experience high weekend occupancy from April through October, with many sites situated within 45 minutes of Washington DC.
What to do
Hiking on the C&O canal: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct access to the historic canal towpath. "The C&O canal towpath cuts right through to allow for some great walks," notes one visitor, adding that it's "Close to Harpers Ferry and tubing" and "Close to the Monocacy River (great for kayaking!)."
Water activities on the Potomac: Harpers Ferry Campground offers prime river access. "Gorgeous spot on the river. As well as the people," reports one camper, while another explains, "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing."
Family recreation centers: Burke Lake Park Campground features multiple activities beyond camping. "Excellent campground and park for families. Swimming, biking, and hiking," states one reviewer. Another adds, "Nice spot with plenty to do with a little one. Train, carousel, fishing."
What campers like
River views: Many campgrounds in the area capitalize on waterfront locations. At Brunswick Family Campground, visitors appreciate the "Great Potomac river views" and note that "The river is beautifully clean clear and cool."
Convenient DC access: Cherry Hill Park ranks highly for Washington DC visitors. A camper explains, "They have a bus stop for metro service to the city, but we took the 20 minute drive," while another notes, "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."
Natural settings close to urban areas: Despite proximity to major cities, many campsites maintain forested surroundings. Lake Fairfax Campground earns praise for its "wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat)" and being "totally in the woods so summer sun doesn't affect you."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Glen Echo have railroad tracks nearby. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night." Similarly, at Brunswick Family Campground, "the Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night."
Site variability: Terrain varies widely between campgrounds and sometimes within them. At Lake Fairfax Campground, "many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant." Prince William Forest RV Campground visitors report "Sites were mostly level," but recommend seeking end sites as "lots are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space."
Seasonal amenities: Water activities and certain facilities operate seasonally. One camper at Burke Lake Park reports, "They have a nice looking pool area, but it was too cold." Harpers Ferry Campground operates "April 1 to October 31" while Lake Fairfax Campground runs from "March 22 to September 7."
Tips for camping with families
Water parks: Lake Fairfax Campground combines camping with built-in water recreation. "There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids," explains a visitor. Bull Run Regional Park also offers "a nice pool and bath house" and "have a nice pool and bathrooms."
Playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Prince William Forest RV Campground has a "playground in very good condition," while another campground reviewer noted, "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."
Kid-friendly activities: Organized recreation adds value for families. One Bull Run Regional Park camper reports, "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground." Cherry Hill Park features "nightly hayride" among its many amenities.
Tips from RVers
Military options: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers quality camping for qualified personnel. "Spent several nights here while visiting Washington DC. You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river," explains one RVer, adding, "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable."
Site selection: RV sites vary in size and leveling needs. 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." Another visitor cautions, "Our site was level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that."
Utility connections: Water and electric requirements affect site choices. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, a reviewer states, "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained." Camp Meade RV Park offers premium amenities with "Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F."
