RV parks near Marriottsville, Maryland offer convenient access to major cities while providing natural surroundings for outdoor recreation. Located in Howard County at approximately 500 feet above sea level, the area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and moderate winters. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, though several facilities operate year-round for winter camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Fishing options: At Gettysburg Farm RV Campground, campers can fish in stocked ponds just steps from their sites. "Great place to go fishing!" notes one visitor, while others appreciate the hiking trails through cornfields that provide views of nearby farms and rivers.
Historic exploration: Within a 30-minute drive of most Marriottsville RV parks, visitors can explore Gettysburg National Military Park. "Visiting the outlets or Gettysburg battlefield is close by," mentions a camper at Drummer Boy Camping Resort. The battlefield is approximately 10 minutes from several campgrounds in the area.
Water recreation: Many campsites provide direct water access for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "you can go swimming right from your campsite" and "the only downside is you are directly next to train tracks." The Potomac River runs alongside several camping areas, offering fishing and boating opportunities.
What campers like
Convenient DC access: Cherry Hill Park receives high marks for its proximity to Washington DC attractions. "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," shares one reviewer. Many campers appreciate the transportation options that eliminate the need to drive into the city.
Farm experiences: Several Marriottsville-area campgrounds feature working farms where guests can interact with animals. "What's better then hanging out camping on a working farm? Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas," writes a camper at Gettysburg Farm.
Waterfront sites: The scenic river views rank highly among visitor preferences. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, "the daily waterfront sites are pricy but right on the water with great views." Campers note that these premium sites fill quickly, especially during summer months.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Prepare to bring leveling blocks as many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Round Top Campground, visitors report sites "on a significant hill" and recommend equipment for leveling. One camper notes "sites are tight, Water pressure is low, road traffic noise. Water and electric are in award spot on our site."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds around Marriottsville operate seasonally from April to October, with reduced services during shoulder seasons. Camp Meade RV Park remains open year-round, providing an option for winter camping, though with limited amenities during colder months.
Train noise: Several campgrounds, particularly those near rivers, experience regular train noise. At Harpers Ferry Campground, trains pass "almost hourly" with campers reporting that "if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night." Light sleepers should consider earplugs or white noise machines.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families should research playground availability before booking. "In my opinion as a mom of small kids maybe the worst part was that there was only 1 playground, it was all the way at the front of the campground (we had to drive to it) and it was very junky and run down," notes a visitor to Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Swimming pools: For summer camping, prioritize RV parks with pools to keep children entertained. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, families appreciate the "super clean, very well maintained" facilities and river views, though some note pet restrictions may limit options for those traveling with animals.
Organized activities: During peak season, many Marriottsville-area campgrounds offer scheduled events. "We came amidst COVID-19, so the many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," reports a family staying at Gettysburg Farm.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Experienced RVers recommend requesting end-of-row sites when possible. At Cherry Hill Park, campers suggest to "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."
Sewer connection placement: Check sewer hookup locations before arrival as some campgrounds have unusual configurations. One reviewer at Drummer Boy mentioned "the sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly (even with a slinky placed under it)."
Reservation timing: For RV camping near Marriottsville, make reservations 3-6 months in advance for premium sites, especially during fall foliage season. At Ben Franklin RV Park, visitors note the limited availability of electric sites that "were super tight with no landscaping" and advise early booking for better placement options.
