Best Campgrounds near Kensington, MD
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.
