RV campgrounds near Glenwood, Maryland sit within Howard County's rolling countryside at elevations ranging from 450 to 650 feet. The area experiences humid summers with temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s and cold winters where overnight camping requires proper insulation. Most campgrounds in this region remain accessible from April through October with several offering year-round camping options.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Bull Run Regional Park offers extensive trail systems for day hikes. "The park is nice, but if youre looking for fishing don't go here, but you can in fact kayak down the creek," notes a visitor to Bull Run Regional Park.
Historic sites: The region provides excellent access to Civil War battlefields and monuments. "DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," explains a camper at Prince William Forest RV Campground. Many historical attractions are within 30-40 miles of the Glenwood area.
River activities: The Potomac River offers fishing, kayaking, and boating opportunities. "The river is beautifully clean clear and cool," reports a visitor to Brunswick Family Campground. Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away via the C&O Canal towpath from Brunswick.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness ranks high on campers' priority lists. "Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk," shares a reviewer about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Natural surroundings: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campgrounds maintain natural settings. "Our campsite was right along the water (all spots are along the water). We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus," notes a visitor to Harpers Ferry Campground.
Recreational amenities: Swimming pools and recreational facilities enhance many campsites. "Playground is nice," mentions a reviewer about Prince William Forest RV Campground, while another camper at Lake Fairfax Campground appreciates that "There's a water park, paddle boats, playgrounds, trails, skate park, sports fields, and the bathrooms are the nicest I've ever seen."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Glenwood are located near active rail lines. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The train which was 12 feet up a hill across the road from the site. Only had a couple come through the night our 1 yr old slept perfectly through it so it isnt too bothersome."
Military access requirements: Some campgrounds restrict access to military personnel. "You need military credentials," notes a reviewer about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, adding it has a "Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting."
Site levelness varies: Come prepared with leveling blocks. At Fort Belvoir, "our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
Limited privacy: Many rv campgrounds in the Glenwood region have closely spaced sites. At Cherry Hill Park, "Sites are pretty close together but very big and clean park," while Brunswick Family Campground notes that sites "on the ends are by far larger than the center."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Children have plenty of recreational options at many campgrounds. Bull Run Regional Park "has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds."
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences. "The C&O Canal towpath cuts right through to allow for some great walks," mentions a reviewer about Brunswick Family Campground, which offers access to historical sites.
Swimming access: Water features rank high for family satisfaction. "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," shares a visitor about Harpers Ferry Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking at rv campgrounds near Glenwood, Maryland, location within the campground matters. "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side," advises a visitor to Cherry Hill Park.
Hookup availability: Various levels of service are available. "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained," notes a camper at Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Transportation options: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to DC attractions. Cherry Hill Park has "On-site bus shuttle" service, while Fort Belvoir offers access to the "DC Metro Transit system."
Budget planning: Prepare for various fees beyond the base camping rate. At Bull Run Regional Park, a reviewer warns about "occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights."
