Glamping near Jessup, Maryland offers elevated outdoor stays within a 30-minute drive of Baltimore and Washington DC. The Maryland region experiences humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall ideal for luxury outdoor accommodations. Winter glamping options remain available with heated units at select locations, while summer bookings should be secured 3-4 months in advance due to high demand.
What to do
Explore Washington DC attractions: Camp Meade RV Park in Laurel serves as a convenient base for DC exploration, located just 20 miles from major monuments. According to one visitor, staying here means "not having to really worry about anything because you are securely on post."
Fish at dedicated ponds: Ramblin' Pines in Woodbine offers fishing opportunities in their stocked pond. A visitor shared, "There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow."
Seasonal water recreation: Codorus State Park Campground provides lake activities from April through October. A camper noted, "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."
Trail exploration: Little Bennett Campground maintains an extensive network of wooded trails for various skill levels. One reviewer explained, "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly."
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Susquehanna State Park Campground provides tree-covered sites with natural privacy barriers. A camper described their experience: "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped."
Modern bathhouse facilities: Bull Run Regional Park maintains high-quality washroom facilities. One visitor was particularly impressed, writing, "The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
Level concrete pads: Many sites at Susquehanna State Park feature concrete platforms for easier tent setup. A camper mentioned, "Just camped here for the first time. Stayed at site #3, it had a nice huge concrete pad and fire ring."
Recreation for children: Multiple campgrounds feature specialized play areas. At Ramblin' Pines, a reviewer appreciated "a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly for summer weekends. At Codorus State Park, visitors should "reserve 137 days prior to arriving" according to one experienced camper.
Cash-only policies: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm operates primarily with cash transactions. A camper noted, "One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I know it's not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us."
Variable site conditions: Little Bennett Campground offers different levels of privacy depending on loop selection. A visitor observed, "D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C & E are tents only."
Seasonal facility availability: At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, some amenities operate on seasonal schedules. According to one visitor, "They advertise all of their activities, none of which are ever open, including the pool," suggesting checking facility schedules before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Book near playgrounds: At Washington DC Capitol KOA, families benefit from strategic site selection. One visitor shared, "We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends."
Plan for programmed activities: Bull Run Regional Park offers organized family events throughout peak season. A visitor noted, "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Consider cabin options: For families new to outdoor stays, multiple locations offer cabin accommodations. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, cabins include "2 beds and a bunk bed, sink and toilet, refrigerator, microwave, dining table and sofa. There was also a front porch with picnic table and fire pit."
Pack for pool visits: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities during summer months. At Codorus State Park, "there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Little Bennett Campground provides complete services for larger units. A reviewer confirmed, "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Little Bennett, an RVer reported, "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna."
Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies considerably between campgrounds. At Susquehanna State Park, a visitor noted they "were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back" though the site was "level side-to-side."
Honor system amenities: Firewood and ice are available after hours at some locations. Susquehanna State Park offers "an honor system with [firewood] available to you after the campstore hours. This is great so that you don't have to time things around when the campstore is open."
