Camping spots near Highland, Maryland sit within the Piedmont Plateau region at elevations between 400-500 feet, characterized by rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests. The area experiences distinct seasons with fall camping (September-October) offering colorful foliage and moderate temperatures averaging 55-70°F during the day. Winter camping opportunities are limited in the immediate Highland area, though several campgrounds remain operational year-round.
What to do
Trail exploration at multiple locations: The extensive Patapsco Valley trail network provides varying difficulty levels for hikers and mountain bikers. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, "There are two huge playgrounds and a youth campground as well as a family campground. The trails we have been on are all pretty moderate to hard but offer beautiful waterfalls and river views."
Water activities in warmer months: Several campgrounds offer access to the Patapsco River for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. According to a camper at Patapsco Valley State Park, "You can swim in this river. Fishing looked like fun too but we didn't have time."
Public transportation to DC attractions: For urban exploration, utilize metro connections from select campgrounds. At Greenbelt Park Campground, a visitor notes: "There is 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...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."
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The region offers technical routes for cycling enthusiasts. One camper mentioned that Lake Fairfax is "a great place to mountain bike as we noticed several groups camping and biking during our stay."
What campers like
Proximity to urban amenities with forest setting: Many campgrounds provide a woodsy experience while staying close to conveniences. At Cherry Hill Park, a reviewer appreciated the "surprisingly nice campground in a city. Lots of things for kids to do and access to bike trails outside of the complex."
Variety of accommodation options: From primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cabins, the area offers multiple camping styles. At Hollofield Area Campground, "Tenters will be happy because many of the smaller sites were more secluded and had great views of the woods."
Year-round availability at select campgrounds: Some facilities operate beyond the typical camping season. According to a camper at Ramblin' Pines, the campground is "open all year" and "clean."
Wooded sites with privacy: Despite suburban locations, many campgrounds maintain natural spacing between sites. A visitor to Little Bennett Campground observed that "the sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup."
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary by season: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak periods. At Little Bennett Campground, a camper noted they "reserved 137 days prior to arriving" and found "no reservation fee to make on-line reservations."
Airport noise at some locations: Proximity to regional airports affects certain campgrounds. One camper at Patapsco Valley mentioned "the planes from the airport kept flying over, which made it hard to sleep."
Public transportation logistics: While metro access is available, connections may require planning. A Greenbelt Park visitor shared: "Everyone over age 5 needs their own card, no sharing one card. The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min."
Site levelness varies significantly: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain, particularly in tent-only areas. A Lake Fairfax camper observed: "The outer loop campsites are easily more level than the center loop. If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask before committing to the inner loop."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for summer heat relief: Several parks offer swimming options for children during hot months. At Lake Fairfax Campground, "We enjoyed the water park immensely. Ten of us in total with kids ranging from 18 months old to 13 years old. Everyone enjoyed the water park and the time we spent there."
Natural playgrounds and activity areas: Many campgrounds incorporate outdoor play spaces. One visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area described "the 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it."
Age restrictions at pool facilities: Some swimming areas have specific policies about young children. A camper at Washington DC Capitol KOA commented: "I didn't like that non potty trained kids are not allowed to swim in their pool. Luckily we only have a 9 month old currently that isn't potty trained."
Educational ranger programs: Select parks offer organized activities for young campers. At Patapsco Valley State Park, a visitor mentioned they "often attend monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here."
Tips from RVers
Electrical service without full hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric but lack water and sewer at individual sites. At Hollofield Area Campground, "There is only 20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer- although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank."
Dump station and water fill availability: Access points for RV services are sometimes located in specific loops. A Patapsco Valley visitor noted "water fill & Dump Station on the beach side of the bathhouse."
Limited turning space at some entrances: Larger rigs may face navigation challenges. At Greenbelt Park, campers were "instructed by staff via gate phone to proceed to campsite as check-in at camp store is at dead end with insufficient turning space for pickup towing 28ft bumper pull."
Tree coverage affecting solar and satellite: Dense forest canopy impacts power alternatives and connectivity. At Little Bennett Campground, "There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna."
