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 (126)

    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, MD
    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

986 Reviews of 126 Poolesville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aquia Pines Campground

    Good stopover near the highway but hidden between the trees

    We where forced land-inwards because of tropical storm Erin (potential hurricane hitting the Outer Banks). So we decided to visit Washington DC and had a stopover here. It was conveniently located. Terrain is not flat but our spot was well levelled. There is a big dog (and an older gentleman) in the office to welcome you. Full hook up was oké and our spot was nicly secluded between the trees.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    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. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.


Guide to Poolesville

Camping near Poolesville, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene state parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Shenandoah River State Park. One visitor shared, "Hiking, fishing, breathtaking views, tons to do in the area!" This park is perfect for those who love to hit the trails.
  • Fishing: The Greenbrier State Park Campground is near a lovely lake, making it a great spot for fishing. A camper noted, "We spent an entire day kayak fishing on the small lake and clear clean water."
  • Exploring History: Visit the historic sites around Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA. One reviewer mentioned, "The location was within distance to Charlestown and also other convenience stores."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Pohick Bay Campground, one visitor said, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Bull Run Regional Park. A reviewer mentioned, "Sites are gravel pretty level and not too close."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the playgrounds and activities available. One parent at Cherry Hill Park noted, "There is plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground complained, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7."
  • Site Proximity: Sites can be close together, especially at Matthews Arm Campground. One visitor remarked, "The sites were all small and very close together."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oak Ridge Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper noted, "Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets in all Loops. However Loop C also has showers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Greenbrier State Park Campground that offer amenities for kids. One camper said, "The kids loved the man-made beach and park."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "Spacious, beautiful, clean, quiet, easy, and lots to do and see."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks handy can keep the kids happy. A parent at Cherry Hill Park appreciated the "nicely stocked store" for quick snacks.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."
  • Use Public Transport: If visiting DC, consider using public transport. A camper at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Bull Run Regional Park said, "Came to stay for a volleyball tournament and got way more."

Camping near Poolesville, Maryland, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Poolesville, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Poolesville, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 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.