Best Campgrounds near Crofton, MD
Crofton, Maryland sits at a strategic location for campers seeking diverse overnight options within reach of both Washington DC and Baltimore. State parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius provide everything from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. Cherry Hill Park in College Park offers highly-rated facilities with amenities like full hookups and a camp store, while Patapsco Valley State Park provides a more natural setting with both Hilton and Hollofield areas featuring electric sites and hiking trails. The Washington DC/Capitol KOA in nearby Millersville serves as another popular option with tent sites, RV spaces, and glamping accommodations.
Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during the April-October peak season when humidity and temperatures rise. Many campgrounds near Crofton experience weekend crowding due to their proximity to major metropolitan areas. As one camper at Greenbelt Park noted, "Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring College Park. But it is a pretty nice campground with clean, well-maintained facilities and friendly rangers." Weather considerations include summer thunderstorms that can cause temporary flooding at some sites, particularly in low-lying areas of Patapsco Valley State Park where campers have reported that "when it rains it really flushes through the grounds."
The camping experience around Crofton balances natural settings with urban proximity. Patapsco Valley State Park receives praise for its trail system, with one visitor commenting that "this is where this campground shines. It has access to many trails and the Patapsco River." Cherry Hill Park stands out for its convenience to DC attractions, with staff providing "a lengthy orientation to Washington, tours, restaurants, Metrorail, parking, museums, and monuments." Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular ranger patrols. Cell service remains reliable throughout the area, making these campgrounds suitable for travelers who need to stay connected while enjoying outdoor recreation opportunities.