c
cara S.
Scout
ScoutPatapsco 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.
Best Campgrounds near Elkridge, MD
Campgrounds near Elkridge, Maryland range from full-service RV parks to more rustic tent camping areas, with several options within a 30-minute drive. Patapsco Valley State Park offers multiple camping areas including the Hilton Area and Hollofield Area, both providing tent sites, RV spots, and some cabin accommodations. Cherry Hill Park in College Park provides more amenities with electric hookups, water, sewer connections, and accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping options. Greenbelt Park Campground, operated by the National Park Service, offers a more natural setting with tent and RV sites but fewer hookups, making it popular for those seeking a more primitive experience while still being close to urban areas.
"This campground is what it is, just a camp site. It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD," noted one camper about Patapsco Valley State Park. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many sites open from April through October. Patapsco Valley State Park's camping areas typically operate from April 1 to October 30, while some private campgrounds like Ramblin' Pines in Woodbine remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend camping during summer months when sites fill quickly. Weather in the region can be humid in summer with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathrooms, though the quality and availability of showers varies by location.
Campers frequently mention the convenience of camping near urban areas while still enjoying natural surroundings. "If you are looking for an affordable outdoors-y option to stay while you're visiting DC from out of town, this probably fits the bill," one reviewer wrote about Greenbelt Park. The region's campgrounds often provide access to hiking trails, with Patapsco Valley State Park featuring numerous paths along the Patapsco River. Several campgrounds offer water-based recreation opportunities, though swimming is prohibited in some areas like Patapsco River. Sites with electric hookups tend to be more crowded and closer together than non-electric sites. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some campgrounds experiencing occasional aircraft noise from nearby military installations or airports, while others provide more secluded experiences, particularly during weekdays or off-season periods.
Best Camping Sites Near Elkridge, Maryland (82)
1. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD16 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."
2. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
20 ReviewsCatonsville, MD6 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."
3. 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."
4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
32 ReviewsGreenbelt, MD17 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"
5. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
16 ReviewsMillersville, MD10 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."
6. Ramblin' Pines
17 ReviewsWoodbine, MD18 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 ❤️"
7. Camp Meade RV Park
2 ReviewsOdenton, MD7 milesWebsite+1 (888) 722-42378. Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club
2 ReviewsCrownsville, MD15 milesWebsite+1 (410) 841-6033$30 - $55 / night
"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."
9. Little Bennett Campground
23 ReviewsClarksburg, MD30 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"
10. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
8 ReviewsGibson Island, MD22 milesWebsite+1 (888) 432-2267
Recent Camping Photos near Elkridge, MD
255 Photos of 82 Elkridge Campgrounds
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Richard B.
Hollofield Area Campground
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Manager P.
Pinetree Associates
Evelyn T.
Cherry Hill Park
amanda A.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Michelle L.
Ramblin' Pines
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
James W.
The Garden
Jarmonay N.
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Recent Reviews near Elkridge, MD
735 Reviews of 82 Elkridge Campgrounds
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
- 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!
Thiru Moorthy G.ScoutBull Run Regional Park
⭐ 1-Star Review – Shockingly Rude, Misleading, and Embarrassing Experience
I am writing this review because what happened to me at Bull Run Regional Park Campground was not just inconvenient—it was humiliating, unprofessional, and completely avoidable.
I camp in my Tesla. I have already stayed at this exact campground before with no issue. Their online reservation system allowed me to book again—no warnings, no restrictions, nothing to indicate a problem. So I drove all the way from North Carolina to Virginia trusting that everything was fine.
When I arrived to check in, the office staff was literally handing me the paperwork. Out of nowhere, a ranger barged in and bluntly told me: “You cannot camp in a Tesla. You need a separate rig.”
His tone was rude, dismissive, and made me feel like I was doing something dirty or cheap. There was zero respect, zero empathy—just instant judgment. I felt like I was being treated as if I was trying to sneak in or break rules, even though they allowed the booking and accepted my reservation.
If they have such a rule, why wasn’t I notified during booking? Why was I allowed to stay the first time? Why let me drive for hours only to embarrass me at the check-in counter?
The office employee even tried to defend me, but he couldn’t convince the ranger. Instead, they told me I could not stay and promised an immediate refund.
After a long drive, being spoken to like that was extremely disappointing. I’ve camped all over North Carolina and never been treated with such disrespect. Camping in a Tesla is clean, quiet, zero-emission, and safe, yet I was made to feel like I didn’t belong.
To make matters worse, it has now been seven days and not a single dollar of the refund has appeared. When I called, the office representative didn’t even ask for my reservation details and seemed completely clueless. She first said she couldn’t do anything, then suddenly changed her story and said she would “leave a note.” When I asked to speak with someone who could actually help, she put me on hold and suddenly claimed the manager had “just refunded” me and that I would see the money in two business days.
After everything that happened, it felt like another layer of indifference and incompetence.
This entire experience—from the rude ranger to the unprofessional refund handling—left me feeling disrespected and upset. For a campground that charges over $75 a night after fees and taxes, the treatment I received was unacceptable.
Guests deserve honesty, clear communication, and basic respect.
- 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!
- P
Peter K.TravelerArtillery Ridge Campground
Nice campground
Nice clean and open sites but we stayed in the 400 section which was separate from the main campground. Very easy check in. Did it online and just pulled up to the little shack they have and grabbed our packet. We didn’t use the bathhouse but it was very clean. A little older and could probably use a little updating. The campground is only a mile and a half from town which was awesome and direct access to battlefield trails right there. The only complaint we had was the WiFi was awful. Maybe it was because of the section we were in but once the campground filled up it was useless.
Chelsea B.
RangerManor - Cunningham Falls State Park
Hot showers! But no dump station
Campsite We stayed at M17 after staying at M26 for a night. 17 wasn’t as level and so we had to scrunch to one side of the site to get level. It was closer to the bath house. Overall cozy. Bath house It’s in need of some repairs but don’t let that scare you- these showers are hot and the shower wands are a really nice convenience after using cold push button showers. Lantern flies! Invasive Spotted Lantern Flies are everywhere. I squished as many as I could but keep an eye out and check your gear before leaving! Dump station This campsite doesn’t have a dump station so we went to the Cunningham falls site to dump after leaving and they let us dump no problem. Road noise Since you’re near the highway, there is constant road noise and it’s even worse on the trails but it’s quiet otherwise. Deducted one star for no dump station.
Eric Y.ScoutArtillery Ridge Campground
Nice Spot
Clean, friendly, nice showers and laundry. Close to battle sites.
Guide to Elkridge
Camping options near Elkridge, Maryland range from full-service RV parks to primitive tent sites within 30 miles of the city. Located in the Piedmont region with elevations between 100-500 feet, the area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F and mild springs and falls. Winter camping is available at select locations like Ramblin' Pines in Woodbine, which stays open year-round with temperatures typically ranging from 30-45°F.
What to do
Hiking trails with river access: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers 70 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. "My wife and I were trying to find a beautiful area near Annapolis and found it to be private, beautiful, well maintained," a visitor noted about outdoor recreation in the region.
Metro access to DC attractions: Greenbelt Park Campground provides urban camping with easy city access. "The green line takes you to the National Mall... This worked very well for us. You can pay for the metro with an app or get a card, either way it costs you $2 to buy the card, and then $2 each way on the train," writes Laura M..
Children's activities: Little Bennett Campground offers family-friendly recreation options. "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park. The nature center was closed when we visited, but the kids still enjoyed the sensory trail and playground," writes Angel G.
Water-based recreation: Chesapeake Bay access from nearby parks for swimming and water sports. "We found a small river and swimming hole at the bottom of the hill off to the side opposite the cabins/park," reports Alexandra T. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites in the area offer natural buffers. "Lots of vegetation between sites providing privacy from neighbors," writes a camper about Little Bennett Campground, which features spacious, wooded sites.
Convenience to urban areas: Washington DC / Capitol KOA offers proximity to major cities with camping amenities. "We only spent three nights there. Staff was friendly and helpful with any information we needed. Nice play ground for the kids. They also really enjoyed the jumping pillow," notes Stephanie H.
Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses and amenities receive regular maintenance. "The bathhouse is nothing special, but it's well maintained and clean. The best part of this campground are the neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat," reports Sean M. about Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Natural settings close to cities: The ability to camp in wooded environments minutes from urban areas is frequently mentioned. "If you are looking for an urban oasis, this is it. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," writes Becky about Greenbelt Park Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. "Reserved 137 days prior to arriving," notes one camper at Little Bennett Campground about planning ahead.
Campsite types: Cherry Hill Park offers multiple accommodation options. "There are some nice tenting sites under the trees and off by themselves for the true campers, and for the rest of us glampers there are hookups and lots to do," explains Scott C.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate from April through October with limited winter options. "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. Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby," reports Alexandra T. about weather challenges.
Noise levels: Despite wooded settings, some campgrounds experience urban noise. "The negatives are the planes from the airport kept flying over, which made it hard to sleep," Jennifer S. mentions about Hollofield Area Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area features nature-based play areas. "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids. I've attached photos from the 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it," shares Jennifer S.
Activity options: Campgrounds with recreational amenities help keep children entertained. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," says Elise M. about Washington DC / Capitol KOA.
Weekend crowding: Many parks fill to capacity during summer weekends, making weekday visits better for families. "The campground and park fill up on the weekends but are nearly empty during the week," reports Rebecca C. about camping conditions.
Mini cabins: Alternative camping options for families new to camping. "We absolutely loved this campground!! Very short drive in to Baltimore- around 30 minutes. Nice playground for the kids. Some nice scenic areas- great for pictures," writes Gayle B. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites require adjustment for proper leveling. "Site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods," notes one camper at Washington DC / Capitol KOA.
Limited hookup options: Ramblin' Pines provides full hookups for RVs. "Nice large sites with friendly staff. Lots of free activities for children and it's close to home," reports Christopher M. about the RV-friendly campground.
Approach directions: Some campgrounds have height or access restrictions. "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)," warns Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area Campground.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds with electric have sewer connections. "There is only 20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer- although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank," notes a reviewer about Hollofield Area Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Elkridge, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Elkridge, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elkridge, MD is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 42 reviews.
What parks are near Elkridge, MD?
What parks are near Elkridge, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Elkridge, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.
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