Riverdale camping options sit within Maryland's Coastal Plain region, just 10 miles northeast of Washington DC at approximately 50 feet above sea level. The area experiences humid summers with temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F from June through August. Fall camping offers more moderate temperatures, typically in the 60-70°F range through October when most seasonal campgrounds in the region begin closing.
What to do
Hiking trails with water access: At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, campers can explore 70 miles of multi-use trails. "The hike I did was not very long but was well worth it. The trail was well marked but there was some confusion at one point on where we were suppose to go. Luckily I had an app that kept me on trail. There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall," notes Anthony S.
Metro access to DC monuments: The proximity to public transportation makes Greenbelt Park Campground ideal for city exploration. "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), but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm. So what we did was we packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town," shares Laura M.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and river access points provide fishing spots throughout the region. At Susquehanna State Park, "There is a little fishing pond there, which my husband and daughter enjoyed. We hiked back to the campground from here, which was a nice easy-to-moderate trail," reports Jen V.
What campers like
Convenient city access with natural setting: Cherry Hill Park offers an unusual combination of urban convenience and camping amenities. "Surprisingly nice campground in a city. Lots of things for kids to do and access to bike trails outside of the complex," notes camper Jwalker. The park provides shuttle service to DC attractions.
Playground facilities: Family-friendly amenities are plentiful at several campgrounds. According to Jennifer S. at Patapsco Valley, "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Well-maintained bathhouses: Clean facilities matter to campers in the Riverdale area. "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated," writes Jen V. about Susquehanna State Park Campground. Multiple reviewers note the attention to cleanliness at campgrounds throughout the region.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Even within the same campground, site quality differs. "Our site was supposed to have a tent pad but there wasn't a spot cleared for our tent and we had to move the heavy picnic table so we weren't putting up our tent on top of the fire ring. We also 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," reports E K. at Susquehanna State Park.
Seasonal crowds impact experience: Summer brings heavy usage to dog-friendly campgrounds near Riverdale. "Extremely over crowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall," advises Tony P. about Sandy Point State Park.
Tree limitations for hammock campers: Before setting up, check park rules about attaching to 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," shares Timothy C. at Greenbelt Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When booking at Hollofield Area Campground, consider site location relative to play areas. "I had chosen this site, based on two factors: 1. It was available and 2. It was close to the playground. Unfortunately, it was most likely available because it was overrun with roots and rocks (no pad for the tent)- and you also couldn't see the playground from the site," explains Jennifer S.
Swimming options: During hot months, campgrounds with water access provide relief. "We found a small river and swimming hole at the bottom of the hill off to the side opposite the cabins/park," mentions Alexandra T. at Patapsco Valley State Park. Several campgrounds offer pools or river access.
Road safety considerations: Be aware of vehicle traffic, especially with children playing. "Our kids are running around and playing and the only vehicle that sped past every time was the park crew vehicle. All other vehicles (belonging to visitors) were respectful and drove slowly. It surprises me that with families camping here, they wouldn't be more cautious," notes E K.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: For RVers seeking full amenities, Cherry Hill Park offers comprehensive services. "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. We loved it. Pros: 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer," shares Beth R.
Site selection strategies: When staying at pet-friendly RV campgrounds near Riverdale, position matters. "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," advises Scott C.
Storm water management: Be prepared for drainage issues during rain events. "One negative was that when it rains it really flushes through the grounds. 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," reports Alexandra T.
