Campgrounds near Laurel, Maryland provide convenient access to both urban attractions and natural environments. The region receives about 43 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures averaging 78-88°F. Most campgrounds in the area offer year-round camping with winter temperatures typically ranging from 26-46°F, allowing for four-season outdoor recreation.
What to do
Hike woodland trails: Prince William Forest Park offers multiple hiking paths through mature forests. "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H. about the Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Explore water activities: Bush River provides fishing and kayaking opportunities. "Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," shares Janet P. about Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina.
Visit historical sites: The area offers access to numerous Civil War battlefields and monuments. "Register any visitors!! Clean, reasonable rates & quiet. Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby," explains a visitor to Prince William Forest.
What campers like
Metro access to DC: Greenbelt Park Campground provides easy city access. "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 Laura M. about Greenbelt Park Campground.
Natural settings near urban areas: Despite proximity to cities, campgrounds maintain wooded environments. "This is a small facility that is well maintained. The staff is amazing. The showers are clean/hot and the playground is in very good condition," shares Rebecca E. about Prince William Forest.
Well-maintained facilities: Cherry Hill Park receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "Clean, nice people, and nice sites," reports Richard W., while another camper notes, "Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk."
What you should know
Varying site privacy: Site spacing differs significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are pretty staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space," explains Megan K. about Prince William Forest.
Urban noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or airports. "You can barely hear the traffic from the road outside the park," notes Miranda M. about Greenbelt Park, while another camper mentions, "The planes from the airport kept flying over, which made it hard to sleep" at Patapsco Valley State Park.
Bridge closures: Check current infrastructure status before visiting. "There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC, but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm, and by the looks of it it's been out a while," warns a Greenbelt Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for playground access: Several campgrounds feature children's play areas. "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids," shares Jennifer S. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Consider activity-rich campgrounds: Ramblin' Pines offers numerous family amenities. "It has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds. I really like all the trees," notes Sean M.
Check family program schedules: Many campgrounds run seasonal activities. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," reports Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Watch for height restrictions: Some parks have low clearance entry points. "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park)," warns a visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park.
Consider site levelness: Bring leveling equipment for uneven sites. "Some sites are a bit unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable," notes Mike H. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
Check site dimensions for RV sites near Laurel, Maryland: "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. This is close to us so it was an easy trip. Full hookup but we're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing. They do fill up propane but there's a Tractor Supply about 20min away that will also fill them," explains Laure D. about Bar Harbor RV Park.
