Brian M.
Scout
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Good experience
Great campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
Camping near Riverdale, MD
71 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Camping near Riverdale, MD ranges from full-hookup RV parks to forested tent sites, all within close proximity to Washington DC. Greenbelt Park Campground, located just 3 miles from Riverdale, provides year-round tent and RV camping with basic amenities in a forested setting. Cherry Hill Park in nearby College Park offers more extensive facilities with electric hookups, sewer connections, and cabin accommodations approximately 5 miles from Riverdale. The eastern portion of the region features Washington DC Capitol KOA in Millersville, which supports tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals. This mix of public and private camping areas creates diverse opportunities for overnight stays within 25 miles of Riverdale.
Road access to campgrounds in the region remains straightforward with most sites accessible via paved roads. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for camping. Many developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly on weekends and during peak summer season. Primitive camping options are limited in this urbanized region, with most overnight stays occurring at established campgrounds. Cell service is generally strong throughout the area due to proximity to urban centers. A camper noted that "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."
Mixed-use campgrounds near Riverdale typically receive positive reviews for their convenience to Washington DC attractions. Several visitors highlight the ability to camp while accessing urban amenities and cultural sites. Campgrounds offering electric hookups tend to fill quickly, especially those featuring cabin rentals and additional amenities like showers and flush toilets. Patapsco Valley State Park, located northwest of Riverdale, receives favorable mentions for its trail systems and natural setting. A recent review described one campground as having "sites that are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland, and are quite secluded in comparison." Noise from nearby highways, air traffic, and urban areas represents a common concern in reviews of camping areas closest to Riverdale, with more secluded experiences available at campgrounds farther from the metropolitan core.
Best Campgrounds near Riverdale (71)
1. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
"They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."
2. Cherry Hill Park
"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 Availability3. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
"Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD.""Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."
from $20 - $51 / night
Check Availability4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
"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 Availability5. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
6. Hollofield Area Campground
"It has 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April- one of our first experiences in a Maryland State Park. Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking /multi use trails."
"This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another."
from $19 - $27 / night
Check Availability7. Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club
"My wife and I were trying to find an RV location near the Annapolis city dock for a boat show and found Pine Tree Associates."
"Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers."
from $30 - $55 / night
Check Availability8. Bay Shore Campground
"We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view! "
"We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only 7 minutes away. Campground also close to the restaurants in Rock Hall for seafood. "
from $42 - $82 / night
Check Availability9. Camp Meade RV Park
10. Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp
"Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap"
Drive Time
- 18 min from Baltimore, MD
- 39 min from Washington, DC
- 1 hr 16 min from Dover, DE
- 1 hr 21 min from Lexington Park, MD
Recent Camping Photos near Riverdale, MD
173 Photos of 71 Riverdale Campgrounds
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Manager P.
Pinetree Associates
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Jennifer S.
Hollofield Area Campground
Becky
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Artemis A.
Cherry Hill Park
Candice N.
Lacy Oasis Campground
Lisa T.
Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
Michelle L.
Ramblin' Pines
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Jen V.
Tuckahoe State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Riverdale, MD
538 Reviews of 71 Riverdale Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendMartinak State Park Campground
Quiet camping in the woods.
This is a great little state park tucked away in the woods. Campsites are pretty spacious and have nice shade. The campground has two loops, each with a bathhouse located in the middle. Our site (Butterfly Loop #3) was long enough for our motorhome and tow car. The roads are paved, as was our camping pad. The only utility at our site was 30-amp electric. There are water spigots located throughout each loop and we were close enough to fill our water tank. For the most part, the park is big-rig friendly but we did brush against some trees on our way around the loop. Campsites do vary in length so make sure you include your length when booking. We reserved online and were instructed to just go to our site which was nice and convenient. They sell firewood onsite and have a self-pay station which we loved. There is a nice boat launch and the kayak launch has a platform to assist you getting in and out and there are plenty of places to fish from the bank. There is a nature center (which was not open during our stay), playground, picnic pavilions, amphitheater, The bathrooms could use some more attention. The shower curtains were pink meaning they have not been properly cleaned in a while. Needless to say, we did not shower there. The dump station was closed while we were there but we were told we could use the dump station at Tuckahoe State Park (about 10 miles away). We really enjoyed the short hiking trails and paved trail which allowed us to log about 3 miles without having to leave the park. The campground is a really relaxing place to be. We did drive (about 40 minutes south) to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, both of which we recommend. It is also worth a drive to St. Michaels to see the quaint seaside town and visit the maritime museum (plan on spending half a day at the museum). The only downside is that the park is not gated and open for day use so a lot of people just drive through the campground looking around.
Matt S.LegendBay Shore Campground
What stands out about this campground? The view!
We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view!
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening
— Friendly staff
— Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge
— They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.
— Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.
— There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.
- ccara S.Scout
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hilton area
Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
MBOLScoutSusquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
John M.
GuideMatoaka Beach Cottages
Fantastic location with winderful hosts
Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.
- aamanda A.Scout
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Great Campsite!
The campground is well maintained. The facilities were clean, and the other campers were friendly. There was plenty of firewood (fallen tree limbs and branches on the ground to use. Overall we had a great time!
Jeff L.ScoutWoodlands Camping Resort
Great spot in the woods!!
This place was great! We stayed here for 5 weeks while working in the area. It’s a clean, well kept space, completely surrounded by state forest, very close to shore access along the rivers/bay, hiking/biking trails right out of the campground. Half of it is long term residents, half for short term.
Amanda S.ScoutWashington DC / Capitol KOA
Got bed bugs? They do.
Stayed in cabin 202 for a Fri- Sun and on our last morning we found a bed bug on our clothing. While they gave a refund it does not come close to cover the time and energy of remediating all of our clothing, sheets, and blankets. We also had to throw out items that could not be cleaned properly and now have to replace them(pillows, shoes, etc). My husband has 23 bites over the course of 2 nights. They burn and itch very badly. I truly hope this was a hiccup for them and they go through correct methods of having the cabin treated properly.
UPDATE: A recount of the bites- my husband has 31 bites so far. The remediation of all of our items is exhausting. All the blankets, clothing, suit cases, all the other items we used in the cabin needs to be cleaned. We had to throw out our shoes because they shrunk in the dryer. Spent$$$ replacing shoes for a family for 4. Pillows are not cheap to replace either. I bought a new corset at the renfest this weekend that I'm hoping doesn't get ruined when it goes through the dryer. That too was expensive. So if you're looking to have to spend a bunch of extra money to replace items you didn't want to replace in the first place- I recommend staying here.
Guide to Riverdale
Camping spots near Riverdale, Maryland center around the confluence of the Patuxent and Anacostia watersheds, with elevations ranging from 50-150 feet above sea level. Campers access the area primarily from the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 1 corridor, creating convenient gateways to both urban and natural experiences. Summer night temperatures typically fall to 65-70°F, offering comfortable sleeping conditions after daytime humidity peaks.
What to do
Explore riverside trails: At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, visitors find multiple water-based activities within a short drive from Riverdale. "We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm and it was very wet even after the rain died down... We found a small river and swimming hole at the bottom of the hill off to the side opposite the cabins/park," notes a camper who visited with family.
Visit historic sites: The region contains several preserved buildings and working historical demonstrations within 30 minutes of campgrounds. A visitor to Susquehanna State Park Campground remarked, "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat. The views of the river are really nice from here."
Attend ranger programs: Monthly educational sessions run at several parks, often at no additional cost to campers. "Rangers keep a close eye on things, and there are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," mentions one Greenbelt Park Campground regular who lives nearby.
What campers like
Metro accessibility: Greenbelt Park Campground offers public transportation connections to Washington DC attractions. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods. Can't beat the close proximity to DC," writes one visitor who appreciated the contrast.
Kid-friendly amenities: Cherry Hill Park provides extensive recreation options for families. A recent camper highlighted: "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!!"
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds within 30 miles of Riverdale support significant wildlife populations. "I had a picnic table but no grill at this site, although others did have grills available. I set up my small cooker on the picnic table and while cooking dinner noticed a family of deer grazing close by, a great way to settle in for the evening," reports a tent camper at Greenbelt Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Riverdale have shifted to reservation-only systems. "I arrived later in the evening that I had expected and the booth was closed (something I learned is common practice since they have changed over from cash to reservations only for this site)," notes one camper about Hollofield Area Campground.
Site conditions vary: Tent campers should prepare for uneven ground at some locations. According to a visitor at Susquehanna State Park: "We had to use a paper plate to rake as many rocks and gravel from the site so we could put up our tent without ripping it."
Tree protection rules: Some parks prohibit hanging equipment from trees. "NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," advises a recent Greenbelt Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Natural playgrounds: Susquehanna State Park Campground offers both developed and natural play areas. "Patapsco Valley offers 6 different entrances. Each one provides several different trail heads and experiences. For camping or just spending a day out on the trail with the kids we prefer the Hilton entrance. There are two huge playgrounds and a youth campground as well as a family campground," writes a family who frequently visits.
Campground selection: Sites close to playgrounds fill quickly but provide convenience. "The playground was fantastic, though, it was not shaded. It is also in the middle of the Acorn and Beechnut loop. This is great if you want to be away from the playground, as you can book one of the sites further off and not have kids running about," recommends a parent about campground layout planning.
Swimming options: Water recreation varies widely between locations. A Patapsco Valley visitor mentions: "You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Washington DC / Capitol KOA provides full hookups but requires careful arrival planning. "Camp site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods," notes one RV camper who found the terrain challenging.
Site selection strategy: End sites typically offer more privacy and space. "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side. The landscaping, trees and site placement does help the esthetics," recommends an experienced RVer at Cherry Hill Park.
Bridge clearance: Some campgrounds have specific approach requirements. At Hollofield Area Campground, visitors note, "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.)" This detail is critical for larger motorhomes and fifth wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Riverdale, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Riverdale, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Riverdale, MD is Washington DC / Capitol KOA with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
What parks are near Riverdale, MD?
What parks are near Riverdale, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Riverdale, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Fort Dupont Park.
Keep Exploring