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 Odenton, MD
Camping options in the Odenton, Maryland area include several established campgrounds within 30 miles of the city. Cherry Hill Park in College Park and Washington DC/Capitol KOA in Millersville offer full-service facilities with amenities for tent campers, RV users, and cabin stays. Greenbelt Park Campground, operated by the National Park Service, provides a more natural setting with fewer amenities but greater proximity to wooded areas. The region supports various accommodation types from basic tent sites to glamping options and cabin rentals.
Most campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though some like Patapsco Valley State Park's camping areas operate seasonally from April through October. Reservations are typically required at all established campgrounds, with availability becoming limited during summer weekends and holidays. The terrain throughout the region is generally flat to gently rolling, making most sites accessible without specialized vehicles. Cell service is reliable at most locations, though coverage may vary in more wooded areas of Greenbelt Park and Patapsco Valley. According to one visitor at Greenbelt Park, "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground."
Campers consistently mention the strategic location of these campgrounds for accessing Washington DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis as a primary advantage. The Washington DC/Capitol KOA provides family-friendly amenities including swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)," noted one reviewer. Greenbelt Park offers a more natural setting with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities despite its proximity to urban areas. Pine Tree Associates provides a unique option as a nudist club that welcomes tent and RV campers with access to both indoor and outdoor pools. Most campgrounds feature basic amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings, with varying levels of hookups for RVs depending on the facility.
Best Camping Sites Near Odenton, Maryland (78)
1. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD14 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, MD12 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"
3. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
16 ReviewsMillersville, MD2 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. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
20 ReviewsCatonsville, MD15 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."
5. Hollofield Area Campground
18 ReviewsWindsor Mill, MD17 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."
6. Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club
2 ReviewsCrownsville, MD6 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."
7. Camp Meade RV Park
2 ReviewsOdenton, MD3 milesWebsite+1 (888) 722-42378. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
8 ReviewsGibson Island, MD16 milesWebsite+1 (888) 432-22679. Adventure Bound Washington DC
9 ReviewsUpper Marlboro, MD17 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"
10. Ramblin' Pines
17 ReviewsWoodbine, MD26 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 ❤️"
Recent Camping Photos near Odenton, MD
196 Photos of 78 Odenton Campgrounds
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Manager P.
Pinetree Associates
Becky
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Evelyn T.
Cherry Hill Park
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Richard B.
Hollofield Area Campground
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Michelle L.
Ramblin' Pines
Candice N.
Lacy Oasis Campground
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Recent Reviews near Odenton, MD
624 Reviews of 78 Odenton 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
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.
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!
- CCheryl D.Scout
Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Beautiful views - steep sites
caution though, the back row is steep. We were unable to get our Super C level. The rain created red clay mud so the dogs were a mess - actually became sort of comical. All in all it was a beautiful and clean location. Try and reserve row E if you need full hook up
Guide to Odenton
Camping near Odenton, Maryland offers access to both natural settings and urban amenities within a 30-mile radius. The region features mostly deciduous forest terrain with elevations ranging from 50 to 300 feet above sea level, creating moderate hiking conditions. Most campgrounds remain open from March through November, with limited winter availability due to the area's seasonal temperature fluctuations that average 25-45°F in winter and 75-90°F in summer.
What to do
Hiking trails at Greenbelt Park: Explore over 9 miles of trails through hardwood forest just 25 minutes from Odenton. "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. from Greenbelt Park Campground.
Swimming and beach time: Sandy Point State Park offers Chesapeake Bay swimming opportunities about 35 minutes from Odenton. "My family and I have been coming to Sandy Point my entire life. It is a great little spot on the Chesapeake river. Our favorite thing to do is to fossil hunt for sharks teeth. In late spring while school is still in session it's less crowded," shares Angel G.
Fishing and crabbing: Ramblin' Pines provides a stocked fishing pond 30 minutes from Odenton. "There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow," according to Michelle L. The site requires no special fishing permit for guests.
What campers like
DC-area access with nature: Campers appreciate having forest settings within reach of urban attractions. "This is an urban oasis. Plenty of space between camp site clusters. The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods... The other great thing is that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods," explains a visitor at Greenbelt Park.
Site privacy levels: Hollofield Area Campground offers varying degrees of seclusion. "Nice wooded sites set far apart from each other in two concentric circles. The inner circle has electric but no water or sewer. The outer circle is primitive. There is a dump station," notes Rebecca C. The outer loop's tent-only sites provide more privacy than the electric sites.
Recreation variety: Washington DC / Capitol KOA provides multiple on-site entertainment options. "We stopped at the DC KOA as a base to visit the Capitol. This is not a site for nature lovers but is perfect for kids. 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," explains Liz F.
What you should know
Seasonal jellyfish concerns: When planning Chesapeake Bay swimming, note that jellyfish populations peak in August. "August is the worst month to visit if you like the water. Jellyfish take over with a vengeance!" warns Angel G. about Sandy Point State Park.
Bridge access limitations: Some parks have infrastructure issues affecting transit to public transportation. At Greenbelt Park, "There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC, but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm, and by the looks of it it's been out a while," reports Laura M. Alternative transit options include driving to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away.
Limited shower facilities: Many campgrounds have minimal shower facilities relative to capacity. "There's only one large shower per bath house, and you only have a curtain (no door and no lock). Sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill," explains Laura M. about Greenbelt Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive child-oriented facilities. "They have a nice looking pool area, but it was too cold. The shop was cute and staff nice. Sites were pretty level. Be weary of decent highway noise, but easily drowned out with the AC," notes Joe R. The park also includes mini golf, a splash pad, and paved roads for scootering.
Natural playground options: Patapsco Valley State Park features nature-based play areas. "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," explains Angel G. The sensory trail provides educational opportunities for children to engage with nature through touch, smell, and sight.
Site selection for families: Sites with tree cover offer better comfort in summer heat. "We were at site 430. It was a perfect spot tucked away from the others and a short walk to the restrooms. You can purchase firewood from the camp hosts nearby as well," shares Andrea S. about Hollofield Area Campground.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: Many campgrounds have specific check-in windows. "The keycard entry system is pretty inconvenient though ($40 cash only deposit!) and the hours are are inconvenient as well. You can only check in between 2 and 4!" notes Sean M. about Ramblin' Pines. Call ahead to confirm current check-in procedures.
Height restrictions: Some park entrances have low clearance limitations. "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.
Utility connections: Most campgrounds offer limited hookup options. "There is only 20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer- although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank. No washer or dryers," explains Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area. Plan to arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Odenton?
Where are the best campgrounds near Odenton?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within a 30-40 minute drive of Odenton. Greenbelt Park Campground offers a convenient bare-bones National Park Service option with easy access to DC. The campground provides basic amenities though you may hear occasional urban sounds. Cedarville State Forest is another popular choice, offering clean campsites and a peaceful forest setting. Other notable options include Patapsco Valley State Park with multiple camping areas, Louise F. Cosca Regional Park with both electric and non-electric sites with water hookups, and Cherry Hill Park which provides numerous amenities and convenient access to DC attractions. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons from late spring through early fall.
What tent camping options are available near Odenton?
What tent camping options are available near Odenton?
Tent campers near Odenton have several excellent options. Hollofield Area Campground offers beautiful tent sites within Patapsco Valley State Park, providing access to 70+ miles of multi-use trails along the Patapsco River. For a unique experience, Button Farm offers private farm camping with clean facilities and the ability to drive right up to your campsite. Each site can accommodate up to 12 campers. Additional tent-friendly options include Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite along the C&O Canal with nearby parking, and Tuckahoe State Park on Maryland's Eastern Shore with diverse camping environments. Most tent sites in the region feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities vary by location.
Are there RV-friendly campgrounds in the Odenton area?
Are there RV-friendly campgrounds in the Odenton area?
Cherry Hill Park is one of the most RV-friendly campgrounds near Odenton, offering full hookups and numerous amenities. The park provides a thorough orientation to DC attractions and is located about 6 miles from the nearest Metro station. Prince William Forest RV Campground is another excellent option within an hour's drive, featuring clean facilities, a pool, and convenient access to shops and restaurants. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park offers limited electric sites (specifically sites 2, 5, 18, 24, and 25) with water hookups at all sites. Additional RV-accommodating options include Washington DC/Capitol KOA near Millersville and Camp Meade RV Park in Laurel, both offering full hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. Reservations are strongly recommended for RV sites, especially during peak seasons.
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