S
Steven W.
Scout
ScoutHosack Run
Peaceful Oasis
Well kept, clean facilities, easy to work with camp staff, we stayed at site 51 a full hook up site mostly level with a gravel pad short walk to the restrooms
Best Campgrounds near Marriottsville, MD
Maryland offers a range of established campgrounds within a short drive of Marriottsville, including Patapsco Valley State Park and Ramblin' Pines. Most camping areas in this region provide a mix of accommodation types, with sites for tents, RVs, and cabin rentals. Patapsco Valley State Park spans 32 miles along the Patapsco River and contains multiple campground sections with varying amenities. Ramblin' Pines provides full-hookup sites for RVs plus cabin options, while several other mixed-use campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park and Little Bennett Campground offer similar amenities within 30-45 minutes of Marriottsville.
The camping season typically runs from April through October at most state park campgrounds in the area, with a few private campgrounds remaining open year-round. Reservation requirements vary by location, with state parks often requiring advance bookings during peak summer weekends. As one camper shared, "The campground is just a short drive to Thurmont Maryland. We were able to stop at the grocery store to pick up ice and a few other last minute forgotten items." Patapsco Valley State Park's campgrounds feature gravel sites, some with electric hookups but no water or sewer connections at individual sites. Cell coverage is generally good throughout the region, and most campgrounds are accessible via paved roads without special vehicle requirements.
Campers consistently mention the convenient proximity to urban areas while still enjoying natural settings. The camping areas provide access to extensive trail networks, particularly at Patapsco Valley State Park with its 70 miles of hiking and biking paths. A visitor commented 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." Several campgrounds in the area have access to water features, with options for fishing, paddling, and swimming depending on the specific location. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly at the more wooded campgrounds. The combination of natural settings and proximity to Baltimore and Washington DC makes these campground options popular weekend destinations for urban residents seeking quick outdoor getaways.
Best Camping Sites Near Marriottsville, Maryland (122)
1. Ramblin' Pines
17 ReviewsWoodbine, MD6 milesWebsite+1 (410) 795-5161$30 - $70 / night
"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
"We love this home away from home ❤️"
2. Hollofield Area Campground
18 ReviewsWindsor Mill, MD7 milesWebsite+1 (410) 461-5005$19 - $27 / night
"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."
3. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
20 ReviewsCatonsville, MD10 milesWebsite+1 (410) 461-5005$20 - $51 / night
"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."
4. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD23 milesWebsite+1 (301) 937-7116$999 / night
"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."
5. Little Bennett Campground
23 ReviewsClarksburg, MD22 milesWebsite+1 (301) 528-3430"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
6. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
32 ReviewsGreenbelt, MD25 milesWebsite+1 (301) 344-3948$20 / night
"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"
7. Codorus State Park Campground
40 ReviewsPorters Sideling, PA29 milesWebsite+1 (717) 637-2816$20 - $195 / night
"This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland, so if they have room and we want to go spur of the moment, this one is a good choice. "
"The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail. The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some. "
8. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
16 ReviewsMillersville, MD24 milesWebsite+1 (410) 923-2771"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."
9. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
19 ReviewsFreeland, MD26 milesWebsite+1 (410) 329-6636"It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."
"Large campground with some good trails. Will definitely return!"
10. Camp Winery
1 ReviewLibertytown, MD17 miles+1 (240) 674-1702"Close to many cool things in the area too"
Recent Camping Photos near Marriottsville, MD
424 Photos of 122 Marriottsville Campgrounds
Michelle L.
Ramblin' Pines
Richard B.
Hollofield Area Campground
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
James W.
The Garden
Ch. A.
Little Bennett Campground
Scott B.
Cherry Hill Park
Brit A.
Starry Pond
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Nick C.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Sharon L.
Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
Sammii D.
Evergreen Point Village
Manager P.
Pinetree Associates
Recent Reviews near Marriottsville, MD
1107 Reviews of 122 Marriottsville Campgrounds
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.
GuideCaledonia State Park Campground
Great Park App Trail 🤌🏼
Great Park, showers were cold and after the App Trail, A hot shower would have been awesome. Beautiful park though. My site was a little bit uneven but it looks like the park has been through an upgrade recently.
Phillip H.GuideHarpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Harper’s Ferry KOA
The sites are close together. The park was not full Mother’s Day weekend. It is a very nice park. The bathhouses were clean. The amenities were good although we didn’t utilize them. The national historic site was very close and we walked over day 1 rode our bikes day 2. The C&O canal is accessible but you must walk your bike across the lower town bridge and carry it down the stairs. This section of the trail was very good and we completed 38 miles.
- 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.
- FFredrick K.
TravelerMarble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Great place to get some peace and quiet
If youre looking for fun and people, go to the south campground. But if youre looking for true quiet and have a tent, check out the dispersed campsites. Good shower and bathroom setup that i bet would fare well in a tornado, its got that solid storm shelter feel. Next to a quiet airport, plenty of free firewood to gather
- DDebbie W.Scout
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Not as advertised on website. Loose dogs. Sites not as advertised.
Less amenities than advertised. We usually camp in more rustic locations and planned this trip simply for the fun of the amenities. Their website claims that the pool is seasonal but doesn't list anything else as seasonal. There was supposed to be mini golf, a giant bounce pillow, indoor basketball, an arcade with air hockey and a pool table. Mini golf was fine. The bounce pillow was deflated and full of water. The arcade/pool table/air hockey building was locked and the maintenance guy(who locks it up) was outside smoking before leaving early for the day. The employee at the camp store said it was supposed to be open until the store closed but that he probably just closed it early.
The rules state that dogs need to be on a leash at all times and, in the two hours we actually stayed, we saw four that weren't. One was staying near us and started chasing us when we rode our bikes by. One was wandering about 4 campsites down from it's owner. We mentioned it to the person at the camp store before we were chased and she just shrugged it off.
The map is incorrect. It lists site numbers that don't exist and doesn't list some sites that supposedly do. We spent a fifteen minutes trying to find a non-existent site before going back to the camp office and getting assigned a new site. They acted like it was a new thing caused by maintenance but we just looked and saw a review from ten months ago saying the map was messed up then.
The description of the site we paid for was non electric tent with a sand tent pad. The site we got was on a hill(no actual flat spot) overgrown with weeds, no tent pad, a slanted picnic table, and no actual parking spot. You had to drive over a drainage ditch and park on the hill. If our car didn't have high clearance we wouldn't have made it. There was also a hole in the middle of the site. And the map showed that number site on the corner where another unmarked site was. Our originally assigned site was supposedly in the same group of sites, so it would've been similar. Also don't believe the claim that they're"large sites." Most of them are crammed together. There are a few that look decent sized and flat, but they want you to pay an extra$30 to pick your own site.
We didn't even look in the bathrooms.
We left after two hours. Definitely a waste of$60+ dollars.
Next time we'll go over to the Brunswick Family campground. Their owners are lovely people who care about their customers.
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideGreenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Beautiful setting
It is NOT closed for 2026! Spent the weekend here as it is only an hour from home. There are 4 large camping loops. Only loop C- cedar has electric. None of the loops have water hookups but all have spigots to fill your rig. There are also 3 fill stations at check in (which we missed). The campground is on a hill and the loop roads are narrow, hilly, and winding. We had no trouble with our 23 ft TT and saw some bigger rigs. There are some tight angles to get into a few sites. But, once you are in, the sites are spacious and mostly private. It is wooded without feeling overgrown. Loop D has some sites that are good buddy campsites. There are many hiking trails and a lovely lake. The only bad thing are the dated bathhouses. Mostly clean but there are only 2 showers for each fenced for each loop and they were yucky enough that we showered at our rig. It was busy but pretty quiet. It’s close to I-70
- VVaught M.Scout
Brunswick Family Campground
Lovely campground on the C&O. Beware the trains!
This is a lovely campground that I recommend and would stay again. We have been twice: once as a family and once with a Scout troop. The RV sites are fairly large and clean. The tent-only sites are smaller and have a metal fire ring with a grate (nice!). The RV sites have mostly brick rings without grates. The bathrooms are fairly small (two showers on the female and one on the male) which might be an issue on busy weekends. The only real water entrance is the boat ramp, but you can climb down a cliff in other places. A, D, and E are sunnier. B and C and Nottingham are mostly wooded with mature trees. We used the site as a base for a bike trip along the C&O to go to Harper’s Ferry (14mi round trip along a gravel path). The staff were friendly and there is a small camp store.
But the trains! THE TRAINS!!! Every review will mention them for a reason. The site is adjacent to a rail yard that runs all day. Not just a passing train, but clanging car and engine changes. It’s LOUD. I slept with earplugs, but could still hear the noise. The yard really starts going around 5am and goes all day. It slows down after 8/9pm, but never stops entirely. The trains are the only reason for the removed star and it’s not the campground’s fault. But almost all of the real complaints are about the noise. If you want an extra quiet campground with only birds and running water, this is not the place for you. But if you don’t mind the loud bangs and low rumbles, this place is fine!
The entrance is beyond the train yard and about a mile down a widened part of the C&O. It is possible to be trapped inside or outside if a train is stopped at the crossing (30min for us, once).
In short, it’s a great campground if you bring ear plugs!
Guide to Marriottsville
Marriottsville camping options sit within Maryland's Piedmont region, where elevations range between 300-550 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with camping conditions best from late April through mid-October when average temperatures range from 65-85°F during peak season. Most campgrounds near Marriottsville provide water access for recreation while maintaining proximity to urban conveniences.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Marburg: At Codorus State Park Campground you can boat, fish, or relax by the water. "Nice wooded sites set far apart from each other in two concentric circles. The inner circle has electric but no water or sewer. The outer circle is primitive. There is a dump station," shares Rebecca C. about staying here while visiting nearby attractions.
Metro access to DC monuments: Greenbelt Park Campground offers urban access with forest surroundings. "The 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," notes a camper. Bring quarters for the shower facilities.
Hiking network: More than 70 miles of multi-use trails can be explored at Patapsco Valley State Park. "We enjoyed hiking the trails directly from our campsite that led us down to the Patapsco River. There is a lot of history associated with the River and the area. You can even swim in this river," reports one visitor who explored the extensive network of paths.
What campers like
Shaded camping areas: Many reviewers praise the wooded sites at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, noting "Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!" The tree cover provides natural cooling during summer months and creates separation between camping spots.
Kid-friendly amenities: Little Bennett Campground receives high marks for family features. "My family loves this camp ground. It's conveniently located, it's quite, it's beautiful and there is plenty to do to keep the kids busy," reports Ryan D. The campground includes dedicated play areas and seasonal programming.
Overnight convenience: Many campers value the location for short getaways from urban areas. "This is our local campground and our second time here and we really like it. 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. about a campsite near Marriottsville.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. At Hollofield Area Campground, "The campground was great. Pet friendly. Very quiet. I only gave it 4 stars because the camp sites are too close together. Fire pits were well designed, bathrooms were relatively clean," reports Kelly C.
Seasonal operations: Most state park campgrounds close from November through March, while private facilities may remain open year-round but with limited services. One camper at Ramblin' Pines simply noted it's "open all year" and "clean" as key advantages during off-season periods.
Site privacy varies: Expect significant differences in site spacing and layout. "The site was nice and level, but a bit small, with a short driveway. We actually brought 2 vehicles this time, and it was really tight. Fair amount of trees surrounding our site, but since there are still very few leaves, it felt way closer and less private," warns one camper about spring camping.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select a site near recreational facilities for easier kid management. "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," notes Angel G.
Swimming options: Cherry Hill Park gets high marks for water features. "They have so much to offer. We loved it... Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride, Gated, On-site camp store," reports one satisfied family. Daily pool passes often cost $5-8 per person.
Nature activities: Look for campgrounds with educational programming during summer months. "It's the perfect little getaway from the city for camping, fishing and hiking. Be aware that neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly," warns a parent about terrain limitations for very young children.
Tips from RVers
Electric-only sites: Many Maryland state parks offer electric but not full hookups. "There is only 20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer- although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank. No washer or dryers," notes one RVer about Patapsco Valley State Park sites.
Private campground amenities: Ramblin' Pines offers more extensive RV services. "This beautiful spot offers everything from live music on weekends to a beautiful pool, pond and many children activity areas. They even have an arcade and laundromat on the premises. The staff is wonderful and friendly," reports a satisfied camper.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill. Driveways are all very narrow," reports an RVer who stayed near Marriottsville. Bring leveling blocks and consider site requests when making reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Marriottsville, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Marriottsville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marriottsville, MD is Ramblin' Pines with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.
What parks are near Marriottsville, MD?
What parks are near Marriottsville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Marriottsville, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.
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