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Camping near Riverdale, MD
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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 campgrounds creates diverse options 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."
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 (72)
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. Camp Meade RV Park
9. 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 Availability10. Annapolis MWR Academy RV/Campground
"If you want to be near Annapolis, right on the Severn River...this is it. About 15 RV spots nestled in the woods...with full hook ups. A couple of primitive spots as well."
from $20 - $40 / night
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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
174 Photos of 72 Riverdale Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Washington DC / Capitol KOAA
Pinetree Associates
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hollofield Area CampgroundK
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt ParkB
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Cherry Hill ParkS
Lacy Oasis Campground
Bar Harbor RV Park & MarinaL
Ramblin' PinesM
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Tuckahoe State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Riverdale, MD
554 Reviews of 72 Riverdale Campgrounds
Michael H.
GuideLake Fairfax Campground
Decent campground in the middle of a urban area
Spent 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.
Thomas B.
RangerRedemption Springs
Pleasant Stay and Hosts
We 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!
- Thomas B.Ranger
Little Bennett Campground
Great Potential?
We 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.
- JasonGuide
Annapolis MWR Academy RV/Campground
Great spot for Retirees/Active
If you want to be near Annapolis, right on the Severn River...this is it. About 15 RV spots nestled in the woods...with full hook ups. A couple of primitive spots as well. Just a quick 5 min walk to the river...right across from the Academy. NEX, gas within 10 min walk, and 15 min drive to downtown Annapolis. Staff is always great here, and the park is clean....for a park on the woods.
- SSean D.
TravelerCampsites at Watkins Regional Park
Excellent choice for a Washington visit or local getaway
Based on my stay 3 nights and what I read of Greenbelt Park (the other closeby to Washington campground) I would say this has to be much better and I will stay here again on a future visit. Campground sits inside of a much larger park with great trails, amenities and well maintained. Campground is quiet, lots of trees, forest and yet each space is very large with good spacing and privacy to adjacent sites. High tree canopy at your site so lots of room to spread out. Sites themselves are a little rustic - a mix of grass, gravel and dirt, but not muddy (it rained a good bit prior to my stay) - but in good condition. Shower/toilet block is clean and good hot water and good water pressure. Most sites are flat or near flat and the ones that aren't need minimal levelling blocks. Campground apparently is never full and there was only 1 other when I was there - really hard to believe. There is a neighborhood road up by the sites near the shower block but it is low speed and lightly travelled and I had no disturbance from it. Nice surrounding neighborhood. No signs of vagrants. Park police patrolled multiple times per day and report very little non-camper entry to ther facilities. I felt very safe.Easy access to Eashington - bus stop outside the campground to metro or just drive to the metro (free parking weekend, $6 midweek) and then train (about 8 per hour) into the sites - an hour or less total to get there. For more local people, this seems like a good escape "to the woods" without travelling forever.
Kat E.ScoutBurke Lake Park Campground
Amenities good
The park is very well maintained, and the campsites have clean fire pits and cooking grills. The restrooms are clean, spacious, and well maintained, and my campsite was large enough to comfortably fit a 6-person tent and a canopy.
However, there were a few concerns during our stay. Despite the campground’s quiet hours policy starting at 10:00 PM, many campers continued to make noise well past that time. I did not notice any campground staff or maintenance personnel making rounds to enforce the quiet hours.
I also felt concerned about security. One of my neighboring campers, who was visiting from South Carolina, told me that his generator had been stolen during the night. He reported the theft to the police, and an official report was filed. Incidents like this made me feel unsafe while camping.
I recommend increasing staff or security patrols, especially during the evening and overnight hours, to enforce quiet hours and improve the safety and security of campers and their belongings. With better enforcement and security, Burke Lake Campground would provide an even better camping experience.
- TTrevorTraveler
Bay Shore Campground
Fred’s bay shore
One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
BGuideSusquehanna State Park Campground
A little noisy - park stuff, not campers
A beautiful, well maintained park with lots to do, great bathroom facilities and extremely nice people. The electric sites aren't all together, so you don't have RV's lined up but maybe annoying for folks who are tent camping. Avoid the locations in the mid-30's by the dumpster, both staff and campers start shaking the lid around 6:30. Between 5 AM and noon staff were driving big trucks and ATV's around with loud reverse horns, and slamming the fire pit grills, which they store sideways. Overall I had a really wonderful time, but that's largely down to good sound reduction inside the van. Almost zero cell service. I was able to get a couple of text messages in and out, but seemed to be a fluke.
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 3.9-star rating from 17 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.
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