Campgrounds near Hyattsville, Maryland offer diverse accommodations from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks, with most being within a 30-45 minute drive. The region features a blend of urban and natural settings, with elevations ranging from 100-300 feet above sea level across the Piedmont-Coastal Plain transition zone. Weather varies significantly with hot, humid summers and mild springs and falls creating distinct camping seasons.
What to do
Water activities on the Potomac River: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct river access. "The river is beautifully clean clear and cool. There wasn't much late night going on it seemed all the campers for the most part we're turned in by 11," notes Brian S. The campground includes a boat ramp and dock for fishing.
Historical exploration in Harpers Ferry: Harpers Ferry Campground serves as a base camp for historical sightseeing. "Downtown was a short bike ride away," reports Sabrina H. The C&O Canal towpath runs through the campground, with one camper noting "Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail."
Urban sightseeing from camp: Cherry Hill Park provides convenient transit options to Washington DC. "Easy access and well laid out sites. They have a bus stop for metro service to the city, but we took the 20 minute drive," shares Joe R. Another camper mentioned "The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min."
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Bull Run Regional Park receives praise for its amenities. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," writes Tana S. Another camper adds, "I'll go again just for the showers...They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls."
Natural surroundings close to urban areas: Greenbelt Park Campground offers woodland camping despite its urban location. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," writes Becky. Another camper notes there's "plenty of space between camp site clusters. The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods."
Military base amenities: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp provides additional recreation options. "It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river," explains Jack R. Military credentials are required to access this facility.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience railway disruptions. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will."
Reservation requirements and timing: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. At Lake Fairfax Campground, operating from March through September, weekend rates can be higher: "Only reason it's not a 5 stars is a larger RV site is $50/night on the weekends but I guess that goes in line with all things in Northern VA."
Site levelness varies significantly: Prince William Forest RV Campground has mostly level sites, but other campgrounds present challenges. At Lake Fairfax, "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 commiting to the inner loop."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and dedicated kids' activities: Lake Fairfax offers numerous family amenities. "A lot to do: mountain bike trails; wooded hikes with water along the trails, skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing, & canoeing," reports Amy B. The water park requires an additional fee.
Educational opportunities: Bull Run Regional Park provides learning activities. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," shares Bridget H. Another camper mentioned "my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Swimming options for hot days: Brunswick Family Campground allows direct river access for cooling off. "Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home," notes Nicholas S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Cherry Hill Park, position matters. "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side," suggests one camper. Premium sites include additional amenities like patio furniture.
Urban camping convenience: Camp Meade RV Park provides military members easy access to DC. "Once on the campground land, the river is mesmerizing and campground staff is welcoming and helpful with any of your needs," notes Susan K. The store remains open all day with essential supplies.
Cell service and connectivity: RV campers report varying experiences with connectivity. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, "Att coverage is good" and another camper noted "I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well."
