Camping sites near Brentwood, Maryland offer year-round options with several locations accommodating campers during winter months. The region sits at low elevation around 150 feet above sea level, creating mild camping conditions compared to more mountainous areas. Annual rainfall averages 43 inches spread fairly evenly throughout the year, making rain gear essential for camping trips regardless of season.
What to Do
Disc golf adventures: Pohick Bay Regional Park has an 18-hole disc golf course accessible from the campground. "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes Rachel L.
Water activities: Lake Fairfax Park Campground offers fishing, canoeing, and a water park for summer visitors. "There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids," says Erin W., while another camper mentions that the "lake is beautiful" for recreation.
Public transportation to DC: Greenbelt Park Campground provides excellent access to Washington DC via nearby metro stations. "The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods. Can't beat the close proximity to DC," writes one reviewer.
Historical sites: The region around camping areas contains significant Civil War battlefields and historical structures. Bull Run Regional Park connects to local history with several reviewers mentioning "check out the old battle fields and buildings that housed troops during civil war."
What Campers Like
Urban proximity with forest setting: Cherry Hill Park provides a balanced experience with city access and outdoor amenities. "Surprisingly nice campground in a city. Lots of things for kids to do and access to bike trails outside of the complex," notes one camper.
Clean bathroom facilities: Lake Fairfax earns praise for exceptional shower buildings. "Bathrooms are well maintained and huge," notes Erin W., while another camper emphasizes they're "the nicest I've ever seen."
Wildlife viewing: Despite urban locations, several campgrounds offer wildlife encounters. At Cedarville State Forest, one visitor reports, "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates," while others mention deer sightings at multiple locations.
Evening activities: Bull Run Regional Park offers structured evening entertainment. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," writes Bridget H.
What You Should Know
Noise considerations: Traffic and aircraft sound affects several campgrounds. At Greenbelt Park, "You can barely hear the traffic from the road outside the park," while at Washington DC Capitol KOA, reviewers note "Talk about being right up the butt of watching other people."
Tick prevention: Cedarville State Forest requires special attention to ticks. "I've never left this park without at least one tick," warns a regular visitor, while another refers to it as "Tickville" despite otherwise enjoying their stay.
Price variations: Costs range significantly between locations, with Bull Run Regional Park described as "a bit spendy for being government sponsored," while Greenbelt Park offers more affordable rates at $20 per night according to multiple reviewers.
Reservation requirements: Most locations require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Greenbelt Park has transitioned to "NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online."
Tips for Camping with Families
Water park access: Lake Fairfax Campground includes a paid water park facility adjacent to camping areas. "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)," says Amy B.
Activity planning: Washington DC Capitol KOA provides structured children's entertainment. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)," notes Elise M.
Playground proximity: Select campsites near play areas for convenience. At Bull Run Regional Park, families mention "Only drawback is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located," suggesting booking sites accordingly.
Scavenger hunts: Pohick Bay Regional Park organizes nature-based activities for children. "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shares one happy parent.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Adventure Bound Washington DC requires preparation for uneven sites. "The site was part Gravel and mostly mud/grass. Sites were very close," notes Cynthia D.
Electric hookup options: Cosca Regional Park offers limited electric sites. "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," advises a camper, suggesting booking well in advance for these premium spots.
Pull-through availability: Cherry Hill Park provides pull-through sites ideal for larger RVs, though some campers note these offer less privacy: "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dump stations, with Greenbelt Park noting "There's a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C (sorry tenters who wanted to avoid RVs). The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down."
