c
cara S.
Scout
ScoutPatapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hilton area
Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
Best Campgrounds near Clinton, MD
Camping opportunities near Clinton, Maryland span a range of developed campgrounds within 20 miles of the metropolitan area. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park provides tent, RV, and glamping sites just minutes from Clinton, while Andrews AFB Military FamCamp offers camping for military personnel. Other options include Cedarville State Forest to the southeast and Cherry Hill Park in College Park, providing both tent camping and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, with select locations like Cherry Hill Park and Adventure Bound Washington DC operating year-round.
The camping season significantly affects availability in this region, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Many campgrounds require advance online reservations, particularly for sites with electric hookups. "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop," noted one Cedarville State Forest visitor. Road access is generally good throughout the area, with most campgrounds offering drive-in access. Visitors should note that Andrews AFB requires military ID for entry, and some campgrounds have limited staff presence on weekdays. Cell phone reception is generally strong throughout the area due to proximity to Washington DC.
Campers report mixed experiences with site privacy and noise levels at campgrounds near Clinton. Cedarville State Forest receives positive mentions for its hiking trails and wooded sites, though several reviews mention issues with ticks and mosquitoes. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park features spacious sites with water hookups at all 25 campsites and electric at 5 specific sites. A visitor noted, "Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance." Aircraft noise appears in multiple reviews due to the proximity to Andrews Air Force Base, with visitors mentioning frequent helicopter and jet activity. Bathroom facilities at most campgrounds are described as clean but basic, with some locations experiencing maintenance issues. Despite being close to urban areas, the developed campgrounds provide reasonable forest cover and access to nature trails.
Best Camping Sites Near Clinton, Maryland (86)
1. Pohick Bay Campground
37 ReviewsLorton, VA15 milesWebsite+1 (703) 339-6104$37 - $170 / night
"We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
2. Cedarville State Forest
17 ReviewsBrandywine, MD8 milesWebsite+1 (301) 888-1410$30 / night
"We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."
"Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
3. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD19 milesWebsite+1 (301) 937-7116$999 / night
"Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."
"Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."
4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
32 ReviewsGreenbelt, MD16 milesWebsite+1 (301) 344-3948$20 / night
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"
5. Adventure Bound Washington DC
9 ReviewsUpper Marlboro, MD12 milesWebsite+1 (443) 607-8609"We had a fantastic time our 1st time at #AdventureBoundCampingResort in Lothian, Maryland."
"This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest"
6. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
4 ReviewsClinton, MD1 mileWebsite+1 (301) 868-1397$10 - $45 / night
"Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance however, 6 of the 25 sites are unleveled so tent camping is probably the only option."
"Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself. Bathrooms are clean and have decent showers."
7. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
4 ReviewsFort Belvoir, VA13 milesWebsite+1 (703) 805-3081$55 / night
"Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
"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."
8. Burke Lake Park Campground
15 ReviewsBurke, VA21 milesWebsite+1 (703) 323-6600"We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."
"This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."
10. Bull Run Regional Park
43 ReviewsIron Gate, VA31 milesWebsite+1 (703) 631-0550$43 - $100 / night
"History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."
"We booked site 136 due to proximity of the playground (traveling with a 5 & 10 yr old). The site was great except the weird parking stops on every site but the pull throughs."
Recent Camping Photos near Clinton, MD
190 Photos of 86 Clinton Campgrounds
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Joe C.
Cedarville State Forest
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Angie C.
Pohick Bay Campground
Roger W.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Candice N.
Lacy Oasis Campground
Vicki L.
Cherry Hill Park
Jen V.
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Ally S.
Endeavor Point
Rachel
Burke Lake Park Campground
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Recent Reviews near Clinton, MD
552 Reviews of 86 Clinton Campgrounds
- FFredrick K.
TravelerMarble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Great place to get some peace and quiet
If youre looking for fun and people, go to the south campground. But if youre looking for true quiet and have a tent, check out the dispersed campsites. Good shower and bathroom setup that i bet would fare well in a tornado, its got that solid storm shelter feel. Next to a quiet airport, plenty of free firewood to gather
John M.
GuideMatoaka Beach Cottages
Fantastic location with winderful hosts
Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.
Beth B.
LegendPrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Nice clean Campground
Stayed here for a week while working nearby. Easy to get to and set up. Office was closed when we arrived but arrival paperwork was posted outside office door. Even with busy road nearby, park was quiet and felt private. Sites were level and paved making setup easy. Sites had 1/2 site extra paved for vehicle with extra parking nearby. There was no litter in park, we observed a staff member daily making the rounds to keep everything clean. There was walking access into the park on wide private roads without traffic. With park access you are able to walk into national forest park from RV camp. National Forest visitor center close by, 1 exit away going south I95. Amenities in RV park included swimming pool, chess board with extra large pieces, playground and clean bath house. Firewood and ice on site.
- CCaitlin R.Scout
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great Campground
Our family loved this campground. It was entirely wooded with plenty of shade, sites were close but separated enough to feel like you were in your own site. Our kids and others rode their bikes around the loop all weekend long. Bathrooms could have been a little cleaner and all the entrances except one were closed, but that’s what happens when you cut budgets for public lands.
Ashley T.TravelerGoose Bay Marina
Jeepers Creepers meets Catalina Wine Mixer
When we first arrived it was late (we are either late or not coming as always!) the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will love it tomorrow… welp he knows me! All the boat storage and walking around it so fun looking at all the boat names… they are remodeling the bathhouses now they look nice so far on the inside. Everyone is working really hard a staying busy tending to the boats or landscaping or docks… Vicki is super friendly she works practically everyday… but hopefully one day she will trust someone enough to delegate her duties to…
Thiru Moorthy G.ScoutBull Run Regional Park
⭐ 1-Star Review – Shockingly Rude, Misleading, and Embarrassing Experience
I am writing this review because what happened to me at Bull Run Regional Park Campground was not just inconvenient—it was humiliating, unprofessional, and completely avoidable.
I camp in my Tesla. I have already stayed at this exact campground before with no issue. Their online reservation system allowed me to book again—no warnings, no restrictions, nothing to indicate a problem. So I drove all the way from North Carolina to Virginia trusting that everything was fine.
When I arrived to check in, the office staff was literally handing me the paperwork. Out of nowhere, a ranger barged in and bluntly told me: “You cannot camp in a Tesla. You need a separate rig.”
His tone was rude, dismissive, and made me feel like I was doing something dirty or cheap. There was zero respect, zero empathy—just instant judgment. I felt like I was being treated as if I was trying to sneak in or break rules, even though they allowed the booking and accepted my reservation.
If they have such a rule, why wasn’t I notified during booking? Why was I allowed to stay the first time? Why let me drive for hours only to embarrass me at the check-in counter?
The office employee even tried to defend me, but he couldn’t convince the ranger. Instead, they told me I could not stay and promised an immediate refund.
After a long drive, being spoken to like that was extremely disappointing. I’ve camped all over North Carolina and never been treated with such disrespect. Camping in a Tesla is clean, quiet, zero-emission, and safe, yet I was made to feel like I didn’t belong.
To make matters worse, it has now been seven days and not a single dollar of the refund has appeared. When I called, the office representative didn’t even ask for my reservation details and seemed completely clueless. She first said she couldn’t do anything, then suddenly changed her story and said she would “leave a note.” When I asked to speak with someone who could actually help, she put me on hold and suddenly claimed the manager had “just refunded” me and that I would see the money in two business days.
After everything that happened, it felt like another layer of indifference and incompetence.
This entire experience—from the rude ranger to the unprofessional refund handling—left me feeling disrespected and upset. For a campground that charges over $75 a night after fees and taxes, the treatment I received was unacceptable.
Guests deserve honesty, clear communication, and basic respect.
- aamanda A.Scout
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Great Campsite!
The campground is well maintained. The facilities were clean, and the other campers were friendly. There was plenty of firewood (fallen tree limbs and branches on the ground to use. Overall we had a great time!
Vidalia S.LegendColes Point Marina
Marina on the Potomac
We kept our boat here, so it was no problem for us to park our van for free. But they do have lovely campsites, with toilets, showers, water, pump out, electric, and trash, right on the Potomac River. They allow tent, camping and RVs and have several cottages. Price varies depending on size and services. Tents are $20 a night. The only problem, or maybe it's an advantage, is that it is a long way to anything else. Small store onsight. Will recieve and hold packages. Great accommodating and friendly staff.
Guide to Clinton
Camping sites near Clinton, Maryland offer diverse experiences within forested settings that contrast with the surrounding metropolitan area. Most local campgrounds operate seasonally between April and October, though several facilities remain open year-round for extended camping opportunities. Aircraft noise affects multiple camping areas due to the proximity of Andrews Air Force Base and flight paths serving the Washington DC region.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Pohick Bay Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course that provides recreational opportunities beyond traditional camping activities. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes a camper at Pohick Bay, which is located just across the Potomac River from Clinton.
Waterfront activities: Pohick Bay Campground offers boating access to the Potomac River, with rentals available through the outdoor recreation center. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," reports one visitor. The campground's waterfront location allows for both fishing and water exploration.
Historic site visits: Camping near Clinton provides a base for exploring Civil War sites and other historical locations. "There are tons of amenities here. Really great for beginner campers... Lots of history near by so check out the old battle fields and buildings that housed troops during civil war," mentions a visitor to Bull Run Regional Park.
What campers like
Quiet wooded sites: Cedarville State Forest receives positive reviews for its natural setting despite suburban proximity. "Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC. There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog," writes one camper.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses at several campgrounds receive positive feedback. At Greenbelt Park Campground, "Bathrooms don't look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure," reports a visitor.
Transit connections: Campers appreciate the ability to reach Washington DC via public transit. "There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall)," explains a Greenbelt Park camper. "The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Ticks and other wildlife affect camping experiences in the area. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns a Cedarville State Forest visitor. Raccoons also pose challenges at some campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Heat, humidity and insects increase through summer months. A visitor to Louise F. Cosca Regional Park advises: "Use repel spray to keep the raccoons off your site. Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance."
Military requirements: Military campgrounds near Clinton require proper identification for entry. At Fort Belvoir Travel Camp, "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting," explains a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Cherry Hill Park offers numerous family-friendly amenities close to Clinton. "Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," lists one visitor detailing the family-oriented features.
Program participation: Some campgrounds offer structured 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 a Pohick Bay visitor.
Campsite selection: Family camping requires choosing appropriate sites. "We had site 18, one of the ones with power. Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious," advises a visitor to Louise F. Cosca Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites in the area require leveling equipment. At Fort Belvoir Travel Camp, "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable," according to one RVer.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," notes a Louise F. Cosca Regional Park visitor. This contrasts with fully serviced sites at more developed campgrounds.
Access considerations: Adventure Bound Washington DC warns about arrival timing: "Do not try and come in after dark. Very tight and very dark," according to one visitor, highlighting the challenges of navigating some regional campgrounds with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Clinton, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Clinton, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clinton, MD is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.
What parks are near Clinton, MD?
What parks are near Clinton, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Clinton, MD that allow camping, notably Fort Washington Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.
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