Top Tent Camping near Kensington, MD

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Kensington? We've got you covered. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Kensington. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Kensington, Maryland's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Kensington, MD (32)

    Camper-submitted photo from Patapsco Valley/Hilton Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Patapsco Valley/Hilton Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Patapsco Valley/Hilton Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Patapsco Valley/Hilton Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Patapsco Valley/Hilton Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Patapsco Valley/Hilton Area

    1. Patapsco Valley/Hilton Area

    18 Reviews
    94 Photos
    156 Saves

    Tent camping only. Pets are prohibited in the Hilton Area campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $19 - $51 / night

    • No image available

      2. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring

      1 Review
      8 Saves

      The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is Maryland's biggest climbing and ziplining adventure!

      We have 5 campsites on site. Please note, these campsites are only available for scout troops and youth groups who are also taking part in park activities.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $150 - $200 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Marsden Tract Group Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Marsden Tract Group Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Marsden Tract Group Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Marsden Tract Group Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Marsden Tract Group Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Marsden Tract Group Campsite

      3. Marsden Tract Group Campsite

      1 Review
      22 Photos
      71 Saves

      Overview

      The Marsden Tract Group Campground was built by scouts to provide access to larger campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area. It is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area and Anglers Inn. The group campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, rock climbing, paddling and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Marsden Tract.

      Recreation

      The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.

      Natural Features

      Marsden Tract Group Campsite is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.

      Nearby Attractions

      Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located about 14 miles outside of Washington, D.C., providing affordable camping near the nation's capital. Many campers will base out of Marsden to see the sites such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Mall, Capitol and The White House.

      Charges & Cancellations

      Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer. Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $20 - $40 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Leesylvania State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Leesylvania State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Leesylvania State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Leesylvania State Park

      4. Leesylvania State Park

      6 Reviews
      4 Photos
      115 Saves
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Tent Cabin
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Firewood Available
      Camper-submitted photo from Horsepen Branch
      Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping

      6. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping

      8 Reviews
      8 Photos
      38 Saves

      The park has two Youth Group Camping sites that are strictly for official youth groups only. The youth group camping sites are open from the beginning of April through the beginning of November. These rustic camping sites overlook the Chesapeake Bay. Each site has a small picnic shelter with two tables and a grill. Download a Youth Group Pass application online. If your youth group would like to do a service project during your stay, please call the park two weeks before the date of your arrival and speak with the volunteer coordinator to set up a project. Make youth group camping reservations on-line for Sandy Point State Park or call 1-888-432-CAMP (2267).

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

      7. Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

      11 Reviews
      24 Photos
      117 Saves

      Overview

      The Antietam Creek Campground is located at Mile 69.4 on the C&O Canal Towpath, a few miles south of Shepherdstown on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, boating and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Antietam Creek Campground.

      Recreation

      Popular activities at Antietam Creek include boating and fishing. Kayaking the creek and surrounding areas during various times of the year are scenic and ever changing. Nearby boat ramps at Dargan Bend and Snyders Landing provide motor boat access to the river. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the watered sections of the C&O Canal the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older. West Virginia Licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.

      Natural Features

      Antietam Creek Campground is just south of Sharpsburg, MD. Antietam Creek is a typically mild and slow moving creek which feeds into the much larger and faster Potomac River directly adjacent to the campsite. River rise and floods can modify conditions quickly here.

      Nearby Attractions

      Antietam Battlefield, South Mountain Recreation Area and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park all provide additional hiking and history adventures specifically about the Civil War Era.

      Charges & Cancellations

      Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer. Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $10 - $20 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park

      8. Sky Meadows State Park

      11 Reviews
      35 Photos
      127 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Lacy Oasis Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Lacy Oasis Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Lacy Oasis Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Lacy Oasis Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Lacy Oasis Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Lacy Oasis Campground

      9. Lacy Oasis Campground

      2 Reviews
      33 Photos
      14 Saves

      Lacy Oasis is a land that is encompasses a history of women who loves nature, family and heart of gold who wants to share her property with others to embrace the benefits of nature specifically clarity of life.

      Learn more about this land:

      *Welcome to a place that allows you to be in pure tranquility with nature and yourself. Come to connect, share laughter and create endless memories with your family, friends and your pets. The sunlight bursting through tree leaves, to the sound of frogs dancing along the streams to fluttering butterflies of amidst buzzing bees and the birds that whistle will encourage you to embrace the journey that you will embark on at Lacy Oasis. *

      *Our space is private property within a tight knit, friendly, family oriented neighborhood. We encourage our guest to wave or simple double tap on the horn on your way in and out of the space. It truly means a lot to our neighbors at the entrance of the property. *

      *All parking is provided on our property not at our neighbors house or community. We have ample amount of parking and drive up campsites for you and your guest. *

      *We look forward to seeing you soon. *

      Come Adopt The Pace Of Lacy Oasis: Patience

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $90 - $190 / night

      • No image available
      Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Kensington

      696 Reviews of 32 Kensington Campgrounds


      • dito S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
        Oct. 17, 2024

        Pohick Bay Campground

        Pohick Bay Campground

        Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers. Don’t forget to register dito sim to stay connected during your visit!

      • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Aquia Pines Campground
        Oct. 1, 2024

        Aquia Pines Campground

        So convenience campsite, right up the Rt 95, 36mile from Washington DC.

        And the host are very kind and very friendly, event near Rt. 95, not very loud noise with big tall trees, happy stay!

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hollofield Area Campground
        Oct. 1, 2024

        Hollofield Area Campground

        Closed

        We arrived at 1am, hadn’t made a reservation, and it was closed and the gates locked. No where on the website does it say it’s closed. Very frustrating, especially as a weary traveler.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Camp Meade RV Park
        Sep. 23, 2024

        Camp Meade RV Park

        Great RV park to stay near Vicksburg

        Did stay here after visting Vicksburg. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F.

      • Rob  O.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Campground - Prince William Forest Park
        Sep. 20, 2024

        Oak Ridge Campground - Prince William Forest Park

        Great family campground with trails and HOT showers

        Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 1 nights, park ranger met me at the entrance to ensure i could find my site. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked with HOT water in the private showers. This is a great base camp for getting out to hike the various trails in Prince William Forrest. Firewood is gather your own from fallen limbs in the park.

      • Rob  O.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park
        Sep. 20, 2024

        Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

        So peaceful, free split firewood, close to Gettysburg

        Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 2 nights and found a pleasantly prepared raised bed area to pitch my tent on. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. This is a great base camp for getting out to the Gettysburg National park and battlefield. town is less than 10 miles away that has a grocery store and restaurants. FREE split firewood. So quiet i swear i heard a squirrel burp.

      • Judy W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Bull Run Regional Park
        Sep. 19, 2024

        Bull Run Regional Park

        Noisy but Nice

        Pros - Clean Bathrooms, Camp store open 8am - 8pm, Sites 62 - 92 (except #74 and 88) are all pretty  good.  Security was great, patrol throughout the night.  Quiet hours are enforced and campers are polite.  Lots of activities, and nice hiking trails. Fabulous historical attractions, great visitor center. 

        Cons - Campground is in the flight path of Dulles Airport, so planes are flying over head at all hours of the day and sometimes late at night/morning.  There is a shooting range nearby. Some noise during range hours. (Not late at night!)  Because there had been so little rain, there was not great fishing in the park.  (I went to Silver Lake, that was great!)

        Traffic! Lots of local traffic on the main roads. (to be fair, it IS a suburb of DC ). Stores are all approx. 20 mins away. (Head towards Haymarket)

      • K
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Bennett Campground
        Sep. 15, 2024

        Little Bennett Campground

        Great for families

        Fun weekend trip very close to DC. Well kept park with lots of activities for kids - jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal carts, arts and crafts. Nice little game room and some outdoor games at the activity center as well. Full hookup spots in the D loop were pretty nice. The spots in the first half of the loop felt a little close together for my taste, but our spot (D61) was nice as we didn’t have any neighbors on one side. Only complaint is that it’s pricey and has a two night minimum on weekends, but felt worth it with all the activities that were available.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Brunswick Family Campground
        Sep. 12, 2024

        Brunswick Family Campground

        Nice campground

        The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It’s not bothered me but you should be aware.

        The campground is also right on the Potomac, easy to get to, reasonably priced, and the sites are spacious. The loops are small, each containing a dozen or fewer spaces. Many sites share a power pole and water faucet, but they are well situated.

        There is a small camp store, but the campground is convenient to ample grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants as well as many local historic attractions.

      • Germ E.
        Camper-submitted photo from Horsepen Branch
        Sep. 11, 2024

        Horsepen Branch

        Good

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      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders
        Sep. 10, 2024

        Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

        Loud with trains and car horns

        Busiest train corridor I’ve ever experienced, with several every hour all night. To add to the noise, there is a one-way tunnel a few feet from the campground. The practice is for cars to stop, blow their horn to announce their presence, then proceed into the tunnel.

        I have a 14’ trailer, and it wouldn’t fit into my site perpendicular to the road. I had to pull past then back in so that I was parallel to the road. Ordinarily no big deal, except that the road isn’t a loop. It’s a single lane straight road in. No place to turn around, no way out except to back all the way out.

      • Germ E.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park
        Aug. 30, 2024

        Sky Meadows State Park

        Great

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      • Richard B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hollofield Area Campground
        Aug. 11, 2024

        Hollofield Area Campground

        Nice place to camp

        This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another. The camping area is away from the main parts of the park through gates, so you won't be bothered by non-camp traffic. A few hiking trails lead to many more extended trails, but it is a steep slope down to the river.

      • Craig F.
        Camper-submitted photo from Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
        Jul. 31, 2024

        Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

        Nice Amenities but poor sites

        Great location, amazing amenities(huge pool, game room, snack bar, camp store, coffee shop etc.), and friendly employees, but these are where the positives end. I've never stayed at a KOA/campground where the sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair. 

        The Historic trench section is nice in the trees, but the roads are crumbling and too small for most RV's. If the person across from your site is already parked, good luck having enough room to back into your site. Our site was so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend. Looking at the surrounding sites most campers were jacked high on blocks or sloping significantly. The section of sites were on a curve/semi-circle, which caused the site beside ours to be even smaller. We had to move our picnic table to give space for this person to back his camper on the site. They were unable to get even close to level so they didn't put out their slide. There is a new section to the campground out in the open whose sites are more level, but they are even closer together than the section we stayed in. 

        In addition to the poor sites, little enforcement was done regarding monitoring the number of people on the sites and the partying going on. A nearby site had 15+ people on Friday night partying and carrying on until 1:30AM until a fight broke out. They had a boombox on the bumper of the camper and blasted music all evening. After hours any vehicle can enter the campground as there is no gate. Cars/trucks pulled up to the party sites, who just drove in to party. I know calls were made to the office as neighboring campers stated to us. On Saturday night, the group wasn't quite as rambunctious, due to a visible presence of staff driving by, but with a campground this size, regular monitoring and shutting down of quiet hour violators should occur pre-actively. Harpers Ferry KOA could be so much more if they would invest in site upgrades and rule monitoring. We will not return.

      • Terrance D.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lacy Oasis Campground
        Jul. 30, 2024

        Lacy Oasis Campground

        Serenity, serenity, serenity!

        If you are a nature lover, a person who loves peace, serenity, and, tranquility, or just need some respite, Lacy Oasis is the place to be. Whether you are an adult or a child, this place will have a positive effect on you. The owners are involved and designed this space with the visitors pleasure in mind. This space is about healing and being grounded with yourself. My agency took about 25 children there last week and they did not want to leave, neither did I. The rates are very economical for what is being provided on the space. There is not enough I can say about this place. It was definitely more than I expected. But my agency has worked with the owner in the past on other community support initiatives and she has always been an overachiever. Please come and enjoy this space. You will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to return.

      • Trees F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
        Jul. 16, 2024

        Pohick Bay Campground

        Excellent spot

        We loved staying at Pohick. We were here to visit DC and it was an excellent spot to stay. It was extremely hot as it was July but the sites had a lot of shade. Site 46 where we stayed was close to the bathrooms and nice and flat. The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in and they have laundry and a nice stainless sink and counter for washing dishes if needed. About a 40 minute drive into DC and definitely worth it. Also, campers get a discount at the water park which was a very reasonable 5 dollars per person. The weekend tends to be a bit louder but during the week was very quiet.

      • KThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Greenbrier State Park
        Jul. 1, 2024

        Greenbrier State Park

        Great MD State Park Campground

        We love this campground. The staff really make sure the traffic is circulating and organized during the weekend when it’s crazy busy!! The only negative that stinks is that campers have to drive down and park their cars in the parking lot by the lake EARLY or you won’t get a spot (especially for the campers in the further camp loops like Dogwood, where we stay). I wish the campground had their own access to the lake like at Rocky Gap State Park. Other than that, we love the park. The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly and park rangers are present and helpful.

      • T
        Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park
        Jun. 24, 2024

        Cherry Hill Park

        Great park and amenities

        We stayed a week at Cherry Hill and it had everything we needed for visiting DC. Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well. We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit We also did 2 tours with Cherry Hill, which were good overviews of the featured sites. Nicely stocked store, great cafe onsite, and clean bathrooms and showers were great features. Swimming pools pretty crowded so we didn't use. Still, very happy with site, partial shade too. Would return to Cherry Hill.

      • jThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Bennett Campground
        Jun. 10, 2024

        Little Bennett Campground

        Level site with privacy

        We were going to a family reunion. So we brought our "mobile hotel room" with us. In D loop, they were long sites, clean, and a nice woods buffer between sites. Also, full hookups. We were quite pleased for a reagenal park.

      • Chris S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Fairfax Campground
        Jun. 1, 2024

        Lake Fairfax Campground

        Nice spot, friendly park rangers, clean bathrooms

        Chicken was easy and the Rangers were helpful. We stopped here to go tour Washington DC. We tried both sides 46 and 44 and both were not level.

      • j
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Fairfax Campground
        Jun. 1, 2024

        Lake Fairfax Campground

        Crowded but nice

        Great bathrooms all singles w showers. Lots of fun things to do. Pretty peaceful despite being crowded and not overly scenic campsites. A bit on top of each other. Site 43 had good location, electric and trees. But was a very pokey gravel pad, a bit uncomfortable if you don’t have good mattress. Interior sites, less scenic but some have more grass. But also more slope. 43 was pretty flat.

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
        May. 29, 2024

        Pohick Bay Campground

        Good trip

        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. The waterpark is new and loud so we avoid but nice if you have young kids. Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95. Go around to next exit. The check in at the cap store is crowded and narrow even with renovations but our 34 ft makes it okay. Bring bikes. Long bike trail along road. Farmers markets in Lorton and things to do in DC. Park at Huntington or Springfield metro. Short boat ride straight across from Ft Belvoir new family campground. Ice cream shop in season by water docks. Bathrooms clean always hot water three stalls each. Sink outside for dishes. Playground buts up against inner circle which are the only sewer sites. Others are electric water. Careful some near steep drop off. Stick to main road or inner circle or first circle if in big unit. Must go round circle to get to those spots which can be annoying. Two speed bumps. Camp store sells smores ingredients, limited candy, no eggs or bacon get those off Rte 1. Past entrance on Rte 1 is a Food Lion, McDonalds. Gas stations along Rte one are tight so fill up before exiting to campground. If you are desperate there is gas 7/11 at corner of Pohick and Rte 1 but its sketchy. Up the road off Rte 1 is Fort Belvoir Access w a drivers license however cant shop without military sponsored ID. Great bbq at Telegraph Rd and greek at Olympians family restaurant. Movie theater on Telegraph is nice. Springfield Mall close. Take Onville Rd which is a backroad by Pohick Church to shortcut to Rte 1. Pohick Rd past camping turn deadends into private neighborhood. Do not pass camp entrance. Hard to turn around if you do. Near End of Pohick is a small walk with overlook. See birds at point. Drive a car not RV. Park at lot on right before road split deadend. Gunston Hall on left can see from campground and water. Tours are nice.

      • Martin T.
        Camper-submitted photo from Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
        May. 28, 2024

        Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

        Depends on What You Are Looking For

        This is a fairly nice, bare bones NPS campground. If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it. Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring college park. The campsites are pretty close together, we could see probably about 10 or so other campsites from our campsite. And there is not a ton to do within the park itself -- there are a few picnic areas, a pretty unimpressive small playground, some nature/walking trails, and that's about it.

        But it is a pretty nice campground -- campsites and showers seem clean and well maintained, bathrooms are fine and you're never far away from one. Rangers come around regularly to check on things and every one we interacted with was extremely friendly. I don't think there's anything comparable so close to DC, so if you're in the DC area and just want someplace close by for a short camping trip, or are looking for an affordable outdoors-y option to stay while you're visiting DC from out of town, this probably fits the bill. As soon as you leave the park you are in College Park with Metro access close by, and very close to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.



      Guide to Kensington

      Camping near Kensington, Maryland, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: Explore the trails at Greenbrier State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!"
      • Fishing and Kayaking: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, you can fish in the lake or paddle the Tuckahoe River. A visitor shared, "We had our own yaks, but the park will rent them."
      • Historical Sites: Visit the nearby Harpers Ferry area, rich in Civil War history. One camper noted, "Great location, amazing amenities... the historic trench section is nice in the trees."

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Cherry Hill Park stated, "The bathrooms/showers are very clean and modern."
      • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground said, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hook up sites which is nice."
      • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One review for Pohick Bay Campground highlighted, "The check-in at the camp store is crowded and narrow... but our 34 ft makes it okay."

      What you should know:

      • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near highways. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park warned, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place... like sleeping on the side of the highway."
      • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Owens Creek Campground noted, "The sites are very clean but close to each other... the bathrooms are very clean and there’s some trails around the creek."
      • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. One camper at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "It stays booked because it is such a well-maintained campground."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A review for Westmoreland State Park Campground said, "Great playground with plenty of other kids."
      • Plan for Nature Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. One camper at Tuckahoe State Park Campground shared, "There are a lot of walking trails, and a pond to fish in."
      • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained with snacks and games during downtime. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "The camp store is very well stocked with camping stuff, food, and beer."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A review for Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."
      • Use Public Transport: If visiting DC, consider using public transport to avoid parking hassles. A camper at Cherry Hill Park said, "We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit."
      • Be Prepared for Crowds: Weekends can get busy, so plan accordingly. One visitor at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "The weekend tends to be a bit louder but during the week was very quiet."

      Camping near Kensington, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kensington, MD?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kensington, MD is Patapsco Valley/Hilton Area with a 4.2-star rating from 18 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Kensington, MD?

        TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Kensington, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.