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.
Camping near Greenbelt Park
Greenbelt Park in Maryland provides a unique camping experience just minutes from Washington DC, offering an urban forest retreat with multiple camping loops. The National Park Service operates the main Greenbelt Park Campground with tent and small RV sites across four distinct loops, while nearby Cherry Hill Park and Washington DC/Capitol KOA offer more developed options with full hookups and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in this region maintain year-round or extended seasonal operations, though Greenbelt's primitive-style camping contrasts with the resort-like amenities found at commercial facilities within a 20-mile radius.
Reservations are required at most established campgrounds near Greenbelt, with advance booking strongly recommended during peak travel seasons. The area experiences typical mid-Atlantic climate conditions with hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping. Greenbelt Park Campground offers limited amenities with no electrical hookups, though bathhouses with showers are available throughout the camping loops. Cell coverage remains strong across most campgrounds due to their proximity to urban areas. As one camper noted, "When I was checking out this site I wasn't sure how it would work out exactly. It seemed close to the METRO, which made for a great option when exploring the DC area."
The most distinctive feature of camping in this region is the surprising tranquility found within an otherwise heavily developed metropolitan area. Campers consistently highlight the convenience of using public transportation to access Washington DC attractions while maintaining a natural overnight experience. Though road and air traffic noise is occasionally mentioned in reviews, most visitors find the wooded settings provide adequate buffer from urban sounds. Several visitors mentioned encountering deer and other wildlife within Greenbelt Park despite its urban setting. A recent review explained, "It's a little strange to be in the middle of a suburban area and suddenly in a gigantic green space." Sites at Greenbelt Park tend to be relatively close together with variable privacy, though the surrounding forest creates a sense of seclusion in many camping loops.
Best Camping Sites Near Greenbelt Park (81)
1. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD4 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. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
32 ReviewsGreenbelt, MD0 milesWebsite+1 (301) 344-3948$20 / night
"The bathhouse situation. "
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
3. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
16 ReviewsMillersville, MD15 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."
"We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful."
4. Lake Fairfax Campground
25 ReviewsReston, VA23 milesWebsite+1 (703) 471-5414$30 - $70 / night
"We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."
"For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground."
5. Pohick Bay Campground
37 ReviewsLorton, VA26 milesWebsite+1 (703) 339-6104$37 - $170 / night
"We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
6. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
20 ReviewsCatonsville, MD22 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."
7. Adventure Bound Washington DC
9 ReviewsUpper Marlboro, MD16 milesWebsite+1 (443) 607-8609"We had a fantastic time our 1st time at #AdventureBoundCampingResort in Lothian, Maryland."
"This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest"
8. Hollofield Area Campground
18 ReviewsWindsor Mill, MD22 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."
9. Cedarville State Forest
17 ReviewsBrandywine, MD23 milesWebsite+1 (301) 888-1410$30 / night
"We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."
"Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
10. Camp Meade RV Park
2 ReviewsOdenton, MD12 milesWebsite+1 (888) 722-4237
Recent Camping Photos near Greenbelt Park
166 Photos of 81 Greenbelt Park Campgrounds
amanda A.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Evelyn T.
Cherry Hill Park
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Manager P.
Pinetree Associates
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Jarmonay N.
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Jennifer S.
Hollofield Area Campground
adrian F.
Lake Fairfax Campground
Recent Reviews near Greenbelt Park
534 Reviews of 81 Greenbelt Park Campgrounds
- 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
John M.
GuideMatoaka Beach Cottages
Fantastic location with winderful hosts
Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.
Beth B.
LegendPrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Nice clean Campground
Stayed here for a week while working nearby. Easy to get to and set up. Office was closed when we arrived but arrival paperwork was posted outside office door. Even with busy road nearby, park was quiet and felt private. Sites were level and paved making setup easy. Sites had 1/2 site extra paved for vehicle with extra parking nearby. There was no litter in park, we observed a staff member daily making the rounds to keep everything clean. There was walking access into the park on wide private roads without traffic. With park access you are able to walk into national forest park from RV camp. National Forest visitor center close by, 1 exit away going south I95. Amenities in RV park included swimming pool, chess board with extra large pieces, playground and clean bath house. Firewood and ice on site.
- CCaitlin R.Scout
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great Campground
Our family loved this campground. It was entirely wooded with plenty of shade, sites were close but separated enough to feel like you were in your own site. Our kids and others rode their bikes around the loop all weekend long. Bathrooms could have been a little cleaner and all the entrances except one were closed, but that’s what happens when you cut budgets for public lands.
- 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!
Ashley T.TravelerGoose Bay Marina
Jeepers Creepers meets Catalina Wine Mixer
When we first arrived it was late (we are either late or not coming as always!) the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will love it tomorrow… welp he knows me! All the boat storage and walking around it so fun looking at all the boat names… they are remodeling the bathhouses now they look nice so far on the inside. Everyone is working really hard a staying busy tending to the boats or landscaping or docks… Vicki is super friendly she works practically everyday… but hopefully one day she will trust someone enough to delegate her duties to…
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!
Guide to Greenbelt Park
Greenbelt Park camping offers a distinctive overnight experience near the nation's capital, with temperatures typically ranging from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer with high humidity. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 200 feet above sea level in Maryland's Coastal Plain physiographic province. Campgrounds near Greenbelt operate on various reservation systems, with many requiring booking 6-12 months in advance during peak season.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Pohick Bay Regional Park features an 18-hole course through wooded terrain. "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," notes Rachel L.
Water activities: Cherry Hill Park provides multiple water-based recreation options for campers. "They have so much to offer. 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer, Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," explains Beth R., highlighting the variety of activities available after a day exploring DC.
Mountain biking: Lake Fairfax Campground offers extensive trail systems for bikers. "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)," reports Amy B., noting the diverse terrain suitable for different skill levels.
What campers like
Urban forest experience: Greenbelt Park Campground provides a natural retreat with surprisingly diverse wildlife viewing. "It is a super large park that runs 32 miles along the Patapsco River. Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking/multi-use trails," shares Travyl Couple, describing the extensive trail system that connects various recreation areas.
Public transportation access: Several campgrounds provide connections to Washington DC transportation systems. "This camp has a lot to offer - mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early and late. Just can't be beat. Great sites. 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," explains Jennifer H.
Wildlife encounters: Despite urban proximity, many campers report surprisingly rich wildlife viewing opportunities. "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates. Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC," notes Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: The region experiences typical mid-Atlantic temperature swings. "It's a little strange to be in the middle of a suburban area and suddenly in a gigantic green space," explains one review about the urban forest contrast at many sites.
Tick awareness: Multiple campgrounds report tick issues, especially in summer months. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J., emphasizing proper preparation when hiking trails near Washington DC/Capitol KOA.
Site selection: Campsite spacing varies significantly between locations. "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover. NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," advises Timothy C.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature exceptional playground facilities. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. 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.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities for children. "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," explains Jennifer S.
Water features for cooling off: Many campgrounds have swimming options for hot summer days. "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," notes Angel G. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Many campgrounds have variable terrain requiring leveling equipment. "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure). Plenty of playgrounds and trails nearby to keep the family busy," shares Kristen M.
Electric and hookup options: Electrical service varies significantly between parks. "The inner circle has electric but no water or sewer. The outer circle is primitive. There is a dump station," notes Rebecca C. about the Hollofield Area of Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area.
Arrival timing: Many campgrounds have specific check-in procedures. "They have a bus stop for metro service to the city, but we took the 20 minute drive. They have a nice looking pool area, but it was too cold. The shop was cute and staff nice. Sites were pretty level," reports Joe R., explaining the transportation options available at Cherry Hill Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Greenbelt Park?
Which is the most popular campground near Greenbelt Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Greenbelt Park is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 42 reviews.
What parks are near Greenbelt Park?
What parks are near Greenbelt Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Greenbelt Park that allow camping, notably Rock Creek Park and Fort Dupont Park.
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