Best Campgrounds near Poolesville, MD

Camping areas around Poolesville, Maryland include established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius offering various accommodation types. Little Bennett Campground in Clarksburg serves as one of the closest options with tent, RV, cabin, and yurt camping opportunities. The C&O Canal corridor provides primitive camping sites at locations like Horsepen Branch and Chisel Branch hiker-biker overnight campsites for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Most campground options maintain seasonal operations, with many facilities closing during winter months. Little Bennett Campground operates from April 1 to October 30, while nearby Brunswick Family Campground runs from March 25 to November 1. "Little Bennett has spacious RV and tent sites as well as cabins and yurts. It's very clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking within the park and many activities for kids," noted one visitor. Water access represents a key feature in the region, with several campgrounds situated along the Potomac River. Reservations are typically required at established campgrounds, while hiker-biker sites along the C&O Canal operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

The mixed-use campgrounds near Poolesville cater to diverse camping preferences. Button Farm offers secluded tent camping with primitive facilities in a pastoral setting. According to a camper, "We really enjoyed this private farm campground. The fire pit area and port-a-potty were both very clean and you can tell that they are taken care of well." Family-friendly amenities distinguish Little Bennett Campground, featuring a jumping pillow, pedal carts, and weekend activities for children. Trail access represents another highlight, with hiking paths available at most campgrounds. Cell service varies throughout the region, with limited coverage in some areas. Temperatures typically remain moderate in spring and fall, making these seasons ideal for camping, while summer months can become hot and humid.

Best Camping Sites Near Poolesville, Maryland (127)

    1. Little Bennett Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 528-3430

    "Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."

    "PROS  Very nice small Montgomery County Park 

    No reservation fee to make on-line reservations 

    Reserved 137 days prior to arriving 

    Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"

    2. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    39 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-6895

    $40 - $80 / night

    "We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "

    "It’s very close to Harper’s Ferry (almost worth the hike into town rather than the difficulty finding parking in a town with one parking lot)."

    4. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."

    "We booked site 136 due to proximity of the playground (traveling with a 5 & 10 yr old). The site was great except the weird parking stops on every site but the pull throughs."

    5. Brunswick Family Campground

    12 Reviews
    Brunswick, MD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 834-9950

    $10 - $90 / night

    "Picked this location because it is close to our home in Silver Spring, MD but far enough to make us feel like we were leaving town."

    "Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home."

    6. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $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."

    7. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    24 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-2663

    "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 (If you’re facing the river then the trail is to the right of"

    "Harper's Ferry is a little town in WV nestled right next to the Potomac River. It's also a convenient halfwayish point on the Appalachian Trail."

    8. Button Farm

    1 Review
    Poolesville, MD
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (240) 579-5112

    $30 / night

    "You are able to drive right up to the camp area and we kept our car right next to our tent. There are nearby chickens, geese and pigs. "

    9. Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    41 Reviews
    Boonsboro, MD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $23 - $29 / night

    "This park just is near enough to Baltimore and DC to allow for a quick getaway and offers a lot to do."

    "Maryland has some great state parks and this is one of them. Decent sized sites, clean bath houses. Swimming lake is excellent. Only basic amenities, but dump station."

    10. Camping by the Creek in Woods

    2 Reviews
    Great Falls, VA
    7 miles
    +1 (240) 595-5000

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Awesome site tucked away in mature woods. Quiet. Easy paved access. Near C&O Canal, biking, hiking across street in Block House Park. Lovely attentive host."

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Recent Reviews near Poolesville, MD

993 Reviews of 127 Poolesville Campgrounds


  • Amanda S.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    Got bed bugs? They do.

    Stayed in cabin 202 for a Fri- Sun and on our last morning we found a bed bug on our clothing. While they gave a refund it does not come close to cover the time and energy of remediating all of our clothing, sheets, and blankets. We also had to throw out items that could not be cleaned properly and now have to replace them(pillows, shoes, etc). My husband has 23 bites over the course of 2 nights. They burn and itch very badly. I truly hope this was a hiccup for them and they go through correct methods of having the cabin treated properly. 

    UPDATE: A recount of the bites- my husband has 31 bites so far. The remediation of all of our items is exhausting. All the blankets, clothing, suit cases, all the other items we used in the cabin needs to be cleaned. We had to throw out our shoes because they shrunk in the dryer. Spent$$$ replacing shoes for a family for 4. Pillows are not cheap to replace either. I bought a new corset at the renfest this weekend that I'm hoping doesn't get ruined when it goes through the dryer. That too was expensive. So if you're looking to have to spend a bunch of extra money to replace items you didn't want to replace in the first place- I recommend staying here.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

    Great non-electric site, no dumstation

    This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill. Surprised there’s no place for someone to park next to the bathhouse - only trails to it- so if you have accessibility needs, consider choosing a site that’s lower in the loop. The site is level and was raked by the hosts before we got there. Really clean and quiet except for some road noise. Showers are SO nice compared to other campsite. Hot water is hot, no push buttons, and there is a shower wand in both stalls. No dump station though!! Dump before you get here. Also if you work remote and depend on service, it’s spotty. Very wooded so Starlink can’t help much. OH- Don’t bother visiting the winery down the road. Ew. Just don’t.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA

    Dense and chaotic, but great breakfast

    We got here late on a Friday and boy was it packed. It was a pretty tight fit and at a perpendicular. Not sure why campsites do that. We didn’t use the bathroom or showers because it was so late and honestly because they only had one bathroom location for all those people and it was on the opposite side of the campsite. They have SO many activities going on for kids and families including crafts and a magic show. They also had a diner and general store. Didn’t go into the store but did get breakfast from the diner and the breakfast was honestly delicious. It was about a 20 min wait at 8:15 but the quality of the food totally makes up for that. I recommend the sausage gravy and biscuits. Overall, great spot if you’ve got kids. Pretty packed if you’re just traveling or looking for some outdoor time.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Adventure Bound Washington DC

    Nice

    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 Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Watermelon Park Campground

    Beautiful setting!

    This camping ground is for RVs only. It's right on the Shenandoah River so it's a quiet peaceful setting. However it's a long way from any town, has terrible wifi, (the mobile data was slightly better) & doesn't hav a laundry room. The road in is very narrow so our moterhome had a little difficulty getting in, but we made it! There is only a dumping station. This is just info, not a bad review :) they have showers & firewood & the staff is very friendly & helpful! Tubing on the river was closed for the season but that wud have been a great pass time!

  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.


Guide to Poolesville

Camping sites near Poolesville, Maryland offer access to scenic landscapes where the Potomac River forms natural boundaries with neighboring Virginia and West Virginia. The area sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level within Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring more moderate 50-70°F conditions with colorful foliage changes.

What to do

Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Sites near Boonsboro provide direct access to challenging sections of the AT. "The nearby trails are great and the lake is a good place to swim or laze on a warm day," notes a visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground, which offers connections to the famous trail.

Water activities on the Potomac: The river provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling. "The Shenandoah River is beautifully clean clear and cool," writes a camper at Brunswick Family Campground, which sits right on the water with a boat ramp for easy access.

Mountain biking: Trails in the area range from beginner to expert level. A visitor at Lake Fairfax Campground notes, "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."

Historical exploration: The region's Civil War history is accessible through several parks and monuments. "Harpers Ferry is a cute little historic town and the hiking is amazing, being right on the Appalachian Trail," explains one camper about nearby attractions.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer good separation between camping areas. At Little Bennett Campground, a camper observed, "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup."

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses make for more comfortable stays. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," shared a visitor at Bull Run Regional Park, adding that it's "very convenient and plenty of activities for the kids."

Natural settings: Despite proximity to urban areas, many sites maintain a natural feel. "We have a 34' travel trailer and although the site was narrow, it was easily long enough to fit our needs. If we hadn't had an end spot, I would have felt a little crowded with my next door neighbor," noted one camper about their experience.

Waterfront access: Sites along rivers are particularly popular. One camper at Brunswick Family Campground shared, "Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site."

What you should know

Train noise: Several riverside campgrounds are located near active rail lines. A camper at Harpers Ferry Campground warned, "The river views were amazing, but face the other way and you're looking at a 15 or so foot CSX rail line berm. The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains."

Seasonal crowding: Summer months bring high visitor numbers, especially at swimming areas. "The beach by the lake is PACKED every weekend with day trippers - we avoided it since we are careful due to COVID," noted a camper at Greenbrier State Park.

Variable site conditions: Quality and spacing can differ significantly within the same 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 commiting to the inner loop," advised an RVer at Lake Fairfax.

Limited cell service: Connectivity can be spotty in some locations. A Little Bennett Campground visitor reported, "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna. There is no WiFi."

Tips for camping with families

Look for organized activities: Some parks offer structured programs for children. At Cherry Hill Park, "The amenities for kids were incredible, with arts/crafts, a movie theatre, an arcade, nice playground, and jumping pillow," according to one family.

Consider noise sensitivity: Young children may be disturbed by trains or traffic. A parent noted about Harpers Ferry Campground, "My 1 yr old slept perfectly through it so it isn't too bothersome," referring to the nearby train noise.

Seek shade in summer: Tree cover makes a big difference during hot months. "Almost all sites were nice and shaded," reported a camper at Greenbrier State Park, which helps when temperatures climb into the 90s.

Check bathroom proximity: When camping with small children, bathroom location matters. "We choose site 1 due to its proximity to the bathroom and picnic tables because we were camping with small kids," explained a visitor at a private farm campground.

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven sites requiring adjustments. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reported an RVer at Little Bennett Campground.

Hookup locations: Shared utilities can create challenges. A camper noted, "Many sites share a power pole and water faucet, but they are well situated," about one riverside campground.

Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. "The road into the campground was badly in need of repair," reported one RVer, suggesting larger rigs proceed with caution at some locations.

Site size limitations: Confirm measurements before booking. "We have a 45' motorhome... The nice staff kindly moved us to a FHU site without the patio and furniture. And refunded the difference in price for the lesser site," shared a visitor about adjusting to site constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Poolesville, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Poolesville, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Poolesville, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Poolesville, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Poolesville, MD is Little Bennett Campground with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Poolesville, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Poolesville, MD.

What parks are near Poolesville, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Poolesville, MD that allow camping, notably Rock Creek Park and National Mall & Memorial Parks.