Camping options around Glenn Dale, Maryland include several RV parks set within the wooded landscapes of the Chesapeake region. Located within a 30-mile radius of Washington DC, the area sits at approximately 150 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild to cool winters. Winter camping remains viable at many area campgrounds, though some seasonal closures occur from late fall through early spring.
What to do
Hiking near camp: Bull Run Regional Park offers several miles of trails accessible directly from campsites, with one reviewer noting, "There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Historic sites: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides convenient access to regional attractions. "Prince William Forest National Park is a fantastic National Parks forest," notes a camper, while another mentions, "Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner."
Water recreation: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers waterfront activities for campers. "Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," writes one visitor. Another adds, "No swimming in the Bush River but you can fish from the pier or right from your site."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers at Bull Run Regional Park frequently mention the bath facilities. "I'll go again just for the showers. Locking doors, individual stalls. Best camping showers I've ever had," states one reviewer.
Proximity to DC: Greenbelt Park Campground earns praise for its location. A visitor explains, "What we did, since we don't have a tow car, is we packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town." Another notes, "The great thing about it is that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods."
Wooded settings: Despite being near urban areas, campgrounds maintain forested environments. At Hollofield Area Campground, a camper appreciated "the quiet, understated beauty of the forestry around the perfectly level campsite," while another mentioned, "when you are at your campsite, you really are in the middle of the woods."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most rv parks near Glenn Dale, Maryland require advance bookings, especially during peak seasons. At Hollofield Area Campground, "The campground and park fill up on the weekends but are nearly empty during the week."
Weather considerations: Spring camping can bring challenges at some locations. At Bar Harbor RV Park, campers should prepare for seasonal conditions: "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. We're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing."
Access restrictions: Several campgrounds have specific entry requirements or restrictions. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp requires "military credentials" according to reviewers, while Bull Run Regional Park enforces a "2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week. In APRIL for gosh sakes!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Cherry Hill Park offers multiple recreation areas for children. A camper lists the amenities: "Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Nightly hayride," making it ideal for families with various interests.
Educational activities: Scheduled programs enhance family camping experiences. At Bull Run, "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," while Patapsco Valley State Park features a "natural playground aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it."
Security features: Parents appreciate safety measures at campgrounds near Glenn Dale. Cherry Hill Park is noted as "Gated" in reviews, while Camp Meade RV Park offers peace of mind because "you are securely on post."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Prince William Forest RV Campground, "lots are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space."
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. A reviewer at Bull Run noted, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," while at Fort Belvoir, "our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
Seasonal utilities: RV parks around Glenn Dale vary in water availability during colder months. A Bar Harbor RV Park visitor advised, "They do fill propane but there's a Tractor Supply about 20min away that will also fill them," providing alternatives for winter campers.
