Camping near Harwood, Maryland offers access to nature while being close to major metropolitan areas of Washington D.C., Annapolis, and Baltimore. Most RV parks in the region stay open year-round with seasonal weather that includes humid summers reaching 90°F and mild winters with occasional snowfall. The area features a mix of public parks and private campgrounds with varying levels of road noise depending on proximity to highways and population centers.
What to do
Visit historic sites: Prince William Forest Park is within driving distance of numerous historical attractions. "DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Hiking opportunities: Greenbelt Park offers wooded trails that feel removed from urban surroundings. "The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods," reports a camper at Greenbelt Park Campground. The American Discovery Trail passes directly through this park.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds offer water activities like fishing and boating. "There is a pier out into the river to fish on. The outdoor recreation center has bait, snacks, and drinks," explains Jack R. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, which sits along the Potomac River.
What campers like
Urban accessibility: The proximity to Washington D.C. attracts many campers to the area. "A very nice State Park campground... Very close to Washington DC. About 17 miles to the closest Rail station to bring you to the mall in Washington DC," mentions Ken W. at Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Water views: Waterfront camping sites are highly valued by visitors. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95... Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," shares Casey L. about Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina.
Outdoor pools: Swimming facilities are common amenities during warm months. "Nice pool and bath house. Close to everything," writes Mary P. about Prince William Forest RV Campground. Many parks maintain both adult and children's swimming areas.
What you should know
Military credentials: Some campgrounds require military ID for access. "Military campground. Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap," explains Ginny L. about Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp.
Variable campsite quality: The levelness of sites differs significantly between parks and within the same campground. "Our 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," reports Lauren S. at Greenbelt Park Campground.
Seasonal operations: While many parks operate year-round, some have limited amenities in winter. "Pool was closed but looked nice," noted one visitor at Bar Harbor RV Park, indicating recreational facilities may not be available during off-peak seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many campgrounds maintain play areas for children. "The playground is in very good condition," shares Rebecca E. about Thousand Trails Harbor View. Consider campgrounds with recreational facilities when traveling with kids.
Scheduled activities: Some parks organize regular family events. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," mentions Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park, which also offers nature scavenger hunts.
Space between sites: Family privacy varies by campground. "The sites are very close together but there were all sizes of RVs there, even large class A," notes a camper about Bar Harbor RV Park. Sites at Bull Run tend to be more spacious with forest views.
Tips from RVers
Metro access for sightseeing: RVers recommend utilizing public transportation for visiting D.C. "Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting. Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable," advises Mike H. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
Propane availability: Limited propane service exists in the region. "They do fill up propane but there's a Tractor Supply about 20min away that will also fill them," notes one RVer at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina.
Variable hookup types: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "All of them looked well maintained," mentions Megan K. about Cherry Hill Park hookups. Confirm available amp service when booking, as many parks offer both 30 and 50-amp options.
