Several recreational vehicle campgrounds near Olney, Maryland offer waterfront locations along rivers and lakes within easy driving distance. The Potomac and Patapsco Rivers provide scenic backdrops for multiple camping options, with elevations ranging from near sea level to approximately 300 feet in the rolling Maryland countryside. Weather ranges from humid summers with temperatures in the 80s to mild spring and fall conditions ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Explore historical sites: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides access to significant historical attractions. "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H.
Enjoy water activities: Waterfront camping at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers multiple water-based recreation options. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," reports Casey L.
Take river excursions: Harpers Ferry Campground provides river access and organized activities. "The campground offers adventures like rafting, biking, tubing and zip lining to name a few. If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry," explains Maggie A.
What campers like
Convenient location: Cherry Hill Park receives consistently high ratings for its proximity to Washington DC. "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. Our uber rides ranged from $20-45 for a family of 5," shares Jennifer H.
Privacy features: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage. There is a large seasonal section and lots of activities," notes Laure D. about Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathroom facilities. "Bathhouses are clean and well maintained. Our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that," advises Roberta K. about Bull Run Regional Park.
What you should know
Military base access: Some campgrounds require military credentials. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting," explains Mike H.
Train noise considerations: Proximity to railroad tracks affects some camping areas. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will," warns Sherri C.
Water systems vary: Water issues occur at some sites. At Round Top Campground, one camper mentioned, "Electric went out 3 times, once for over 24 hrs. It was in the high 90°. The sewer consisted of a storage tank less than 10 ft from our picnic table. It stunk."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to play areas when booking sites. At Round Top Campground, "In my opinion as a mom of small kids maybe the worst part was that there was only 1 playground, it was all the way at the front of the campground (we had to drive to it) and it was very junky and run down," reports Chelsea.
Mini golf options: Several campgrounds feature mini golf for family entertainment. "They have a nice looking pool area, but it was too cold. The shop was cute and staff nice," notes Joe R. about Cherry Hill Park.
Water features: Pools and splash pads enhance the family camping experience. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, "The campground offers free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area," according to Laure D.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require additional leveling equipment. 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," explains Drew M.
Sewer hookup placement: Check the position of sewer connections before booking. Nancy W. notes at Drummer Boy Camping Resort: "The biggest complaint about our site was that the sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly (even with a slinky placed under it)."
Wi-Fi considerations: Internet access varies significantly. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, a camper advised: "If you, like me, hate making reservations over the phone, it was worth it! Quick, simple, painless process. Wifi: don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter. Cell service: I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service."
