Greenbelt, Maryland sits within the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain at 157 feet above sea level, experiencing hot, humid summers and mild winters typical of the region. Campgrounds near Greenbelt generally maintain year-round operation, with most sites situated among deciduous forest that provides ample shade during summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F. Local camping regulations typically restrict stays to 14 consecutive days during peak season.
What to do
Trail access from camp: Greenbelt Park Campground connects directly to 9 miles of hiking trails through mature hardwood forest. "There is plenty of space between camp site clusters. The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods," notes one Greenbelt Park camper.
Water activities: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers direct river access for boating and fishing. "Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," reports a visitor. The marina includes a boat ramp and dock facilities.
Historical exploration: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct access to the C&O Canal towpath. "Situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," according to one camper. The towpath offers 184.5 miles of unpaved trail following the Potomac River.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp provides Potomac River views. "Great Potomac river views. The outdoor recreation center has bait, snacks, and drinks. There is a pier out into the river to fish on," shares a military visitor. The fishing pier extends approximately 75 feet into the river.
Outdoor recreation amenities: Lake Fairfax Campground combines camping with extensive recreation options. "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, fishing, & canoeing)," reports one visitor. The water park carries a separate admission fee of $12-16 per person.
Metro access to DC: Several campgrounds advertise metro accessibility, but Greenbelt Park Campground remains most convenient despite temporary issues. "There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall), but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm," reports a recent camper who found alternatives. "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."
What you should know
Military-only options: Several rv sites near Greenbelt, Maryland restrict access to military personnel. "This is a State Park campground. Have a nice pool and bathrooms. On a major road not far from the freeway. Very close to Washington DC. About 17 miles to the closest Rail station to bring you to the mall in Washington DC," explains a visitor to Prince William Forest RV Campground, which offers military rates.
Site leveling challenges: Many regional campgrounds report uneven sites requiring preparation. "My site was a little difficult to find because the online park map was incorrect, and the spot was basically an extended shoulder of the road," notes one Greenbelt Park visitor. "Many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant," reports another camper at Lake Fairfax.
Seasonal restrictions: Water availability varies seasonally at most campgrounds near Greenbelt. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. Full hookup but we're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing," reports a Bar Harbor RV Park visitor, indicating the winterization requirements common throughout the area.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused parks: Bull Run Regional Park offers extensive programming for children. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," notes a visitor. The park's interactive nature scavenger hunt rewards completers with prizes.
Pool access: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools for summer relief. "Super clean, very well maintained, pet friendly... kinda," notes one Fort Belvoir visitor, while Bull Run provides a small pool and Cherry Hill Park offers both adult and children's pools with defined swimming hours from 10am-8pm during summer.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds report regular deer sightings near campsites. "I set up my small cooker on the picnic table and while cooking dinner noticed a family of deer grazing close by, a great way to settle in for the evening," describes one Brunswick Family Campground visitor, indicating the wildlife viewing opportunities common throughout the area.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: RV sites near Greenbelt, Maryland often involve driving through residential areas. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," warns one camper. Brunswick Family Campground similarly reports "the road into the campground was badly in need of repair."
Site selection importance: Campground layouts vary significantly with end sites generally preferred. "This is incredibly important. I'm sure in peak season or holidays it can be very busy and then you'd be very tight to your neighbor especially in the A loop. Sites on the ends are by far larger than the center," advises a Brunswick Family Campground visitor.
Cellular connectivity: Most campgrounds maintain adequate coverage for digital nomads. "Cell service is pretty good for Verizon and ATT," reports a Greenbelt Park visitor, while Cherry Hill Park visitors note that WiFi strength varies by location within the campground and works best near the office and central facilities.
