Best Campgrounds near Harwood, MD
Camping near Harwood, Maryland encompasses a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and waterfront sites within easy reach of both Washington DC and Annapolis. The area features established campgrounds like Adventure Bound Washington DC in Lothian and Cedarville State Forest, which provide varying levels of amenities for tent and RV campers. Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis offers youth group camping with Chesapeake Bay views, while smaller private operations like Lacy Oasis Campground provide more intimate camping experiences with just six sites. Cherry Hill Park in College Park stands out as a highly-rated option with full hookups and amenities for those visiting the DC area.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Cedarville State Forest typically opens in April and closes in October, while Sandy Point State Park operates from March to October. Some facilities like Adventure Bound Washington DC and the Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp remain open year-round. Summer humidity and mosquitoes can be significant, particularly in wooded areas near water. According to reviews, Cedarville State Forest can experience severe mosquito activity in summer months, with one camper noting they "had to buy 100% deet so we could be outside."
The camping options near Harwood reflect the region's position between urban centers and natural areas. Greenbelt Park provides a National Park Service camping experience surprisingly close to DC, though campers note the proximity to civilization is evident. As one visitor observed, "Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring College Park." For RV travelers, several campgrounds offer full hookups, though not all accommodate large rigs. Cherry Hill Park provides extensive amenities and even offers "a lengthy orientation to Washington, tours, restaurants, Metrorail, parking, museums, and monuments" according to one reviewer, making it particularly suitable for tourists using the campground as a base for DC exploration.