Glamping near Brandywine, Maryland offers convenient access to Washington DC, approximately 20 miles away, while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere of Maryland's woodlands. The area features several campgrounds within Prince George's County and neighboring counties, with summer humidity levels often reaching above 80% during peak camping season. Most luxury camping options in this region sit at elevations between 200-300 feet above sea level.
What to Do
Hiking trails and wildlife viewing: Pohick Bay Regional Park features multiple trail systems where visitors can observe local wildlife. "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," shares Rachel L. from Pohick Bay Campground.
Water recreation opportunities: Several campgrounds offer boat rentals and water activities throughout summer months. At Burke Lake Park, "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground. There is a carousel and a kiddy train, frisbee golf, a regular golf course - all a short drive from DC," notes Alexis.
Historical exploration: The area provides access to significant historical sites and museums. "Stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat," explains Josh J. about winter visits to Pohick Bay.
What Campers Like
Proximity to DC attractions: Many campers appreciate the ability to visit DC while staying in natural surroundings. "This was a great stop to take the kids to visit the city. Easy access and well laid out sites. They have a bus stop for metro service to the city, but we took the 20 minute drive," notes Joe R. about his experience at Cherry Hill Park.
Family activities: Campgrounds in this region frequently offer organized activities for children. "The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. They gave us a great intro to the park as we were first timers. They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shares Ben G. about Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Seasonal variations: The area offers different experiences throughout the year. "Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends. Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends," mentions Josh J. regarding Pohick Bay.
What You Should Know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues that require preparation. At Bull Run Regional Park, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," reports Drew M.
Electric hookup availability: Not all sites provide power connections, requiring advance planning. "This campground is about 25 sites. Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," explains Tye S. about Louise F. Cosca Regional Park.
Noise considerations: Some locations experience occasional noise disruptions. "Camp ground is nice. Check in was a breeze. The only drawback is that it is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," notes Drew M. regarding Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Waterpark amenities: Several parks feature water recreation specifically designed for children. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," mentions Anne K. about Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Playground accessibility: Consider campsite proximity to play areas when booking. "We got a site on thr inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious. We are tent campers but almost all our neighbors were in an RV or trailer," explains Ben G. about his family camping success at Pohick Bay.
Scheduled activities: Look for campgrounds offering organized programs. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," shares Bridget H. about her experience at Bull Run.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in privacy levels across campgrounds. "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," advises Elise M. about her stay at Washington DC / Capitol KOA.
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of service. "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs," shares Jonathan B. about Cherry Hill Park.
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round with heated facilities. "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year. Definitely gets windy near the river. Bath houses are heated which is amazing," reports RL about Westmoreland State Park Campground.
