Camping near Montgomery Village, Maryland provides access to wooded natural areas just minutes from the DC metropolitan area. The region sits in the Piedmont Plateau, characterized by rolling hills and stream valleys that create diverse camping terrain between 300-600 feet elevation. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 68-88°F, with thunderstorms possible throughout the peak season.
What to do
Waterpark access: Lake Fairfax Campground offers campers proximity to its onsite water park for an additional fee. "This park had everything you could want while maintaining a good distance from civilization, which was a smooth transition for me... Definitely bringing the kids back to this one," notes Jason F.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect directly to many campsites in the region. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, "The hike I did was not very long but was well worth it. The trails were well marked but there was some confusion at one point on where we were suppose to go. Luckily I had an app that kept me on trail," reports Anthony S.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer access to fishing. At Ramblin' Pines, "There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs," according to Michelle L. Some locations permit swimming in the same bodies of water where fishing is allowed.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campsites maintain wooded privacy. At Camping by the Creek in Woods, campers enjoy an "Awesome site tucked away in mature woods. Quiet. Easy paved access. Near C&O Canal, biking, hiking across street in Block House Park," according to Sylvia J.
Campsite spacing: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. At Bull Run Regional Park, "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone," explains Roberta K.
Bathhouse quality: Clean facilities rank high in camper satisfaction. At Lake Fairfax, one camper raved, "I'll go again just for the showers. They're worth staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," says Yvonne B.
What you should know
Weekend availability: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with full hookups. At Greenbelt Park Campground, "There are lots of campsites so finding one last minute shouldn't be a problem. The mosquitoes were biting but could have been worse. You can barely hear the traffic from the road outside the park," notes Miranda M.
Site conditions: Many campgrounds use gravel tent pads. "The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent to the ground," advises Sean M. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Aircraft noise: Several campgrounds mention proximity to flight paths. One camper at Hollofield Area notes, "The things I didn't like about it were the old bathrooms- they were clean, but very outdated-, and the fact that the planes from the airport kept flying over, which made it hard to sleep."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds, but locations vary. At Ramblin' Pines, "There's a water park, paddle boats, playgrounds, trails, skate park, sports fields, and the bathrooms are the nicest I've ever seen," says Brittany V.
Nature activities: Some campgrounds offer structured programs for children. "The best quality: totally in the woods so summer sun doesn't affect you," notes Amy B. about Lake Fairfax. Bull Run Regional Park offers "a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," according to Bridget H.
Swimming options: Pools and natural swimming areas provide cooling options during summer heat. Patapsco Valley campers mention, "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.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Campground topography varies across the region. At Lake Fairfax Campground, "The outer loop campsites are easily more level than the center loop. If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask before committing to the inner loop," advises Corey B.
Water fill stations: Not all campgrounds with electric hookups offer water at each site. "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 Travyl Couple about Hollofield Campground.
Metro access: For RV campers visiting DC, public transportation access can be crucial. At Greenbelt Park, "There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall), but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm," warns Laura M.
