Tent camping and RV parks near Chevy Chase, Maryland provide access to both the Potomac River watershed and Chesapeake Bay region, with campgrounds situated between 15 and 45 minutes from the city. The area experiences humid subtropical climate with hot summers reaching 90°F and mild winters, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 250-400 feet above sea level, providing moderate terrain for camping.
What to do
Hiking on the C&O Canal: Brunswick Family Campground connects directly to the 184.5-mile C&O Canal towpath. "The C&O canal towpath cuts right through to allow for some great walks. Close to Harpers Ferry and tubing. Close to the Monocacy River (great for kayaking!)," notes a camper at Brunswick Family Campground.
Fishing from designated piers: Fort Belvoir Travel Camp offers shoreline fishing access along the Potomac. "Very clean and great Potomac River views. There is a pier out into the river to fish on. The outdoor recreation center has bait, snacks, and drinks," explains a reviewer from Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
Wildlife observation: Prince William Forest provides opportunities to spot local birds and wildlife. "Prince William Forest which is a fantastic National Parks forest. Att coverage is good. Playground is nice," mentions a visitor to Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Water activities: Many campgrounds feature river or lake access for swimming, tubing, and boating. "Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site," reports a Brunswick Family Campground visitor.
What campers like
Proximity to historic sites: Multiple campgrounds serve as gateways to important historical landmarks. "DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," shares a camper at Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Balanced urban-nature experience: Many campsites offer natural settings with urban conveniences nearby. "Campground is close (ish) to the DC area. It is easy and convenient to get to. Almost all sites are pull through and are close together. Most have some tree cover," explains one Prince William Forest visitor.
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathroom facilities are frequently mentioned in reviews. "Bathrooms are well maintained and huge," notes a camper at Lake Fairfax Campground.
Recreational variety: Many campers appreciate the range of activities available at a single location. "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing, & canoeing)," writes a Lake Fairfax Campground visitor.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Chevy Chase are positioned close to active rail lines. "The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It's not bothered me but you should be aware," warns a reviewer at Brunswick Family Campground.
Limited privacy: Many campgrounds feature relatively close spacing between sites. "The sites are pretty close together. If you like being around people and don't mind seeing 3-4 other sites around you, then this place is a really nice and easy campsite," explains a Lake Fairfax camper.
Military credentials required: Some campgrounds restrict access to military personnel. "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river," notes a Fort Belvoir visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns and crowd levels vary significantly by season. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous," shares a visitor to Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water park options: Several campgrounds feature water recreation facilities for children. "They have a nice looking pool area, but it was too cold. The shop was cute and staff nice," notes a Cherry Hill Park visitor about Cherry Hill Park.
Playgrounds and activities: Kid-friendly features enhance camping experiences for families. "This park has too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," reports a camper at Bull Run Regional Park.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences at historically significant locations. "Register any visitors!! Clean, reasonable rates & quiet. Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby," suggests a Prince William Forest RV Campground visitor.
Shaded camping spots: Protection from summer heat makes a significant difference for family comfort. "Best quality: totally in the woods so summer sun doesn't affect you," reports a Lake Fairfax Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varying site conditions across different RV parks near Chevy Chase, Maryland. "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable. You really need a toad since supplies are not very close to the camping area," advises an RVer from Fort Belvoir.
Electrical connections: Electrical specifications vary by location. "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained," notes a camper at Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Advance reservations: Booking ahead is essential, especially for specific site preferences. "Great site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks," recommends a Fort Belvoir visitor.
Water access locations: Not all sites have direct water hookups. "All of them have water hookup but not sewer so remember that," explains a Bull Run Regional Park visitor.
