106 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds around Kensington, Maryland provide multiple overnight accommodation styles within an accessible distance of Washington D.C. Cherry Hill Park in College Park serves as a premier developed campground offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals approximately 7 miles from Kensington. Other options include Greenbelt Park Campground with tent and RV sites, and Little Bennett Regional Park with mixed lodging types including cabins, yurts, and tent camping. The region's proximity to urban centers creates a unique camping landscape where visitors can access natural settings while remaining close to metropolitan amenities.
Camping in the Kensington area operates year-round at some locations, while others maintain seasonal schedules. Little Bennett Campground typically operates from April through October, while Cherry Hill Park and Pohick Bay Regional Park remain open throughout the year. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months when Washington D.C. tourism reaches its height. Most developed sites offer electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations. "For a DC RV trip, it doesn't get any better than Cherry Hill Park. Fall and Winter are excellent times to visit to avoid the crowds."
Campers consistently highlight the convenience of these mixed-use campgrounds for exploring the capital region. Cherry Hill Park receives particular praise for its shuttle services to Washington D.C., eliminating the need for urban parking. Several visitors mentioned the camp's cleanliness and range of on-site amenities, including swimming pools, mini-golf, and playgrounds as significant advantages. The campground's proximity to public transportation also draws positive comments. A camper noted, "This place had everything you would need and more at a campsite. Full hookup, huge gated property, relatively close to D.C., pool, hot tub and sauna! They also offer shuttle services to D.C." Noise from nearby highways represents the primary drawback mentioned in reviews, though most indicate this becomes less noticeable after the first 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."
from $999 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."
"It took us a couple wrong turns to find our site and when we came back, after the concert around 11, the entrance gate was closed and we had to sneak in through the exit gate."
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
"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."
from $37 - $170 / night
Check Availability"There's plenty of room around the camper, and although there are other campsites and cabins nearby, the trees provide a lot of separation."
"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."
from $43 - $100 / night
Check Availability"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
"We love this home away from home ❤️"
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $150 - $200 / night
Check Availability
TravelerClose to washington as we could get. Could also park our skoolie bus which was nice and had plenty of close by shower with bathrooms. Keep in mind only one shower per restroom house. We stayed at a pretty slow season so it wasn’t bad. Would recommend if visiting DC! They also have a dump station and water fill up.
ScoutWe stayed in site #133 with our 34'10" travel trailer/toy hauler. Overall, we really like the site. It's spacious, fairly level, heavily wooded, and feels surprisingly private. There's plenty of room around the camper, and although there are other campsites and cabins nearby, the trees provide a lot of separation. We had a nice large area for our chairs, fire pit, picnic table, and dogs. The biggest thing to know about #133 is the approach. We were instructed to pass the site, go around the loop, and then make a left turn into it. With our nearly 35' trailer, that would have required an extremely tight, almost 90-degree turn between the trees, and we did not feel we could safely make it. There is actually visible damage on one of the trees at the entrance, so it appears others may have had difficulty with the turn as well. Instead, we approached from the opposite direction and positioned the camper with our doors facing the main campsite area. That put the water and electric hookups on the opposite side, but our hoses and cord were long enough to run underneath the camper and reach without a problem. Once we figured that out, the site worked very well for us. I initially thought we probably wouldn't choose #133 again because of the awkward setup, but after spending the weekend here, I would. Now that we know how to approach and position our trailer, it really is a nice site. If you're bringing a longer travel trailer, just be prepared to do a little maneuvering and make sure your water hose and electrical cord have enough length if you decide to orient your camper the way we did.
ScoutSimple and friendly check in process. Clean and well-maintained site.
GuideSpent two nights while we saw the Avett Brothers play at Wolf Trap. Nice flat site with power. Campground was quiet and clean. The only negative is communication and signage. It took us a couple wrong turns to find our site and when we came back, after the concert around 11, the entrance gate was closed and we had to sneak in through the exit gate. Asked the next day and they said that is what campers do to access the park after 11pm.
ScoutThis is are first camping adventure in are new travel trailer. Camp ground is quiet and well maintained. Bath rooms and shower facilities are fantastic.
GuidePrimitive feel with full hookups. I have a 22' trailer, and it fits fine. I hope you like trains. Plenty of them go by.
GuideThis is a great camping spot. The sites aren’t too close together and the hosts are very friendly. The only reason I gave it four stars is because we are near a highway so you can hear cars throughout the night. But the crickets make up for it by being as loud as possible. With the fees, it cost $25 for a non-electric site and with access to showers after a long trek I was happy to pay.
RangerWe stayed at Redemption Springs to get relatively close to Baltimore without bringing our 30ft travel trailer into the city. Seth and the other gentlemen I spoke with were all extremely accommodating. Enjoyed learning about their approach to restorative farming and purchasing a variety of treats at the farm store. Beef, pork, chicken, seasonings, baked goods, and more. We booked on Hipcamp and recommend following his driving instructions. Our rig fit fine by tuhe main barn and they kept an eye on us going in and out to make sure we didn't have issues making any of the turns. Lots of farm life!
RangerWe stayed at Little Bennett starting on Labor Day Monday and left before the weekend, so it is hard to say how this looks when the campground is full of life. They had quite a few activities for families and a pavilion capable of concerts and such, but there was minimal activity during our stay. My biggest complaint is that the gate code changed and we didn't get any notice--so after a long day and a dinner out near Baltimore (nearly an hour away), I had to call the police to get back to my camper. Otherwise, the campsite was relatively spacious and quiet. The bugs were a little rough. Lots of whitetail running around.
Camping spots near Kensington, Maryland sit at an average elevation of 380 feet above sea level within the Piedmont region, characterized by gently rolling terrain and mixed hardwood forests. Seasonal conditions range from humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 85°F to mild springs and falls that provide the most comfortable camping weather. Most campgrounds in the area maintain primitive tent sites alongside developed RV spots with varying levels of hookups.
Trail exploration at Greenbelt Park: Only 10 miles from Kensington, this urban oasis offers several hiking loops through dense woodland. "The American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park," notes camper Becky, highlighting connectivity to longer routes. Greenbelt Park Campground maintains 9 miles of marked trails suitable for all experience levels.
Water activities at Lake Fairfax Campground: This 20-acre lake provides fishing opportunities alongside seasonal paddleboat rentals from April through October. "There's a water park that is an extra cost which is fun for kids," explains reviewer Erin W. The campground includes access to both fishing areas and the Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole water park with separate admission fees.
Disc golf at Pohick Bay Campground: The 18-hole disc golf course winds through wooded terrain and open fields. "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," suggests Rachel L. Course access is included with camping fees, and disc rentals are available at the park office for $5 per day.
Metro accessibility: Several campgrounds provide straightforward public transportation options into Washington DC. At Greenbelt Park, campers appreciate the proximity to transit. "The METRO (only about 10 minutes with traffic)" offers convenient city access according to reviewer Crystal C., who adds "I spent about $10 per day on METRO versus $20-$40 on parking in the district area."
Year-round camping options: Bull Run Regional Park maintains camping facilities through all seasons. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous," notes Roberta K. The park's winter camping accommodates visitors during DC's less crowded tourist months with heated bathroom facilities.
Balanced urban-nature experience: Cherry Hill Park provides a combination of natural setting with urban convenience. "Surprisingly nice campground in a city. Lots of things for kids to do and access to bike trails outside of the complex," writes reviewer Jwalker. The property maintains wooded sites while providing scheduled transportation services to Washington DC attractions.
Seasonal operations vary: Operating schedules differ significantly among area campgrounds. "Little Bennett Campground typically operates from April 1 to October 30," according to park information, limiting off-season options. Meanwhile, Ramblin' Pines stays open year-round, with one camper noting it's "open all year" and "clean."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak periods. "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online," warns Crystal C. about Greenbelt Park. Reservation windows typically open 6 months in advance for most parks in the region.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby urban infrastructure. "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," reports Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park. Similarly, at Burke Lake Park, one camper mentions "you can hear some traffic noise" due to suburban proximity.
Activity scheduling: Little Bennett Campground offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "Great campground. A bit pricey, but has a full hookup loop. Other loops are tent only. Wonderful bath house. Lots of stuff to do," shares camper PattyD T. The park maintains a scheduled activity calendar including weekend nature programs and seasonal events.
Playground proximity: When booking sites, consider locations near play facilities. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse," notes Ben G. at Pohick Bay. "The site was spacious. We are tent campers but almost all our neighbors were in an RV or trailer."
Educational opportunities: Several parks incorporate historical and environmental education components. Bull Run Regional Park offers "a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," according to Bridget H., who adds that "my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Space considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and leveling across the region. At Burke Lake Park Campground, "this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online." Sites accommodate smaller units, with most limited to 30 feet or less.
Utility hookups: Full-service sites are available at select locations. "We stayed at site D72 for 4 days. The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," shares Ray & Terri F. about Little Bennett Campground. Hookup availability differs widely between parks, with water and electric connections more common than sewer service.
Cellular coverage: Mobile service quality impacts remote work capabilities. "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," reports Ray & Terri F. Most campgrounds have adequate cell service but limited WiFi, with Cherry Hill Park offering the most reliable connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Kensington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kensington, MD is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 44 reviews.
What parks are near Kensington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Kensington, MD that allow camping, notably Rock Creek Park and Greenbelt Park.
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