l
larry H.
Scout
ScoutHarpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
First trip
This is are first camping adventure in are new travel trailer. Camp ground is quiet and well maintained. Bath rooms and shower facilities are fantastic.
Camping near Poolesville, MD
135 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Poolesville, Maryland range from developed sites with tent, RV, cabin, and yurt options to primitive hiker-biker campsites along the C&O Canal corridor. 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 Campgrounds near Poolesville (135)
1. Little Bennett Campground
"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
"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."
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability3. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
"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)."
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability4. Bull Run Regional Park
"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."
from $43 - $100 / night
Check Availability5. Brunswick Family Campground
"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."
from $10 - $90 / night
Check Availability6. Cherry Hill Park
"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."
from $999 / night
Check Availability7. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders
"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
"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. "
from $30 / night
Check Availability9. Greenbrier State Park Campground
"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."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability10. Gambrill State Park Campground
"The site was very level, nicely shaded, and positioned a short distance from the bath house. There was also a water spigot located right at the entrance of the site."
"There was a walking path to the bathhouse between 13 and 14. Sites 8-11 were on a nice open field, with some smaller trees."
from $18 - $50 / night
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Drive Time
- 47 min from Washington, DC
- 53 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 56 min from Baltimore, MD
- 1 hr 11 min from Winchester, VA
Recent Camping Photos near Poolesville, MD
381 Photos of 135 Poolesville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Marble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Little Bennett CampgroundC
Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) CampsiteN
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Lake Fairfax Campground
The Garden
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Brunswick Family Campground
Evergreen Point Village
Recent Reviews near Poolesville, MD
1033 Reviews of 135 Poolesville Campgrounds
- jjohn L.
TravelerHarpers Ferry Campground - River Riders
Stunning veiws
Primitive feel with full hookups. I have a 22' trailer, and it fits fine. I hope you like trains. Plenty of them go by.
- TTyler D.
GuideGambrill State Park Campground
Great Camp Spot
This is a great camping spot. The sites aren’t too close together and the hosts are very friendly. The only reason I gave it four stars is because we are near a highway so you can hear cars throughout the night. But the crickets make up for it by being as loud as possible. With the fees, it cost $25 for a non-electric site and with access to showers after a long trek I was happy to pay.
Thomas B.
RangerRedemption Springs
Pleasant Stay and Hosts
We stayed at Redemption Springs to get relatively close to Baltimore without bringing our 30ft travel trailer into the city. Seth and the other gentlemen I spoke with were all extremely accommodating. Enjoyed learning about their approach to restorative farming and purchasing a variety of treats at the farm store. Beef, pork, chicken, seasonings, baked goods, and more. We booked on Hipcamp and recommend following his driving instructions. Our rig fit fine by tuhe main barn and they kept an eye on us going in and out to make sure we didn't have issues making any of the turns. Lots of farm life!
- Thomas B.Ranger
Little Bennett Campground
Great Potential?
We stayed at Little Bennett starting on Labor Day Monday and left before the weekend, so it is hard to say how this looks when the campground is full of life. They had quite a few activities for families and a pavilion capable of concerts and such, but there was minimal activity during our stay. My biggest complaint is that the gate code changed and we didn't get any notice--so after a long day and a dinner out near Baltimore (nearly an hour away), I had to call the police to get back to my camper. Otherwise, the campsite was relatively spacious and quiet. The bugs were a little rough. Lots of whitetail running around.
Hannah S.RangerHarpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Close to history!
This KOA offers close and cozy get away near Harper’s Ferry Virginia. Technically within walking distance to the National Park shuttle to downtown. Spots are open and spaced out and they offer private showers/bathrooms
Danny S.ScoutHarpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
It is absoluutly the worst ever experience
The staff is certainly at the office not competent. Someone ran over my house when we were away and damaged it. The WiFi didn’t work any of the day but upon assistance request no one was willing to help. It couldn’t be worse. We have no other words except never a KOA location again.
Tyler K.ScoutJellystone Park™ Williamsport
First time I ever left a campsite early , complete waste of money
Trip -week before labor day , temps 93 degrees, nothing on website when booked said about peak and non peak days on booking page. Said there were only 7 sites left(complete lie) campground was empty. First time we ever been to a place where EVERYTHING was closed. Campstore, jump pillow and the final straw was we went to go to the pool and that was closed. It was 545 pm sun still bright in the sky , nowhere near dusk( when its suppose to close) . So much conflicting info from what the paper we got handed vs what internet site said. Charged a resort fee ? for what a place to park? This is no resort. Grass was high enough to be seeding itself. My wife was so upset she was actually crying. This was supposed to be a fun trip for our da6ughter before going back to school. We decided this place over Buttonwood just because it was alittle closer. Did a full tour of the place. Realized there is nothing here. Went to dinner in town. Decided we didnt want to stay where we knew our Daughter would be bored. She's pretty easy to entertain but this was just ridiculous. 12 HOURS OF MY LIFE AND $400 BUCKS i will never get back. (Loading , driving , realizing we got screwed, driving, unloading) yup was pretty bad.
- SSean D.Traveler
Campsites at Watkins Regional Park
Excellent choice for a Washington visit or local getaway
Based on my stay 3 nights and what I read of Greenbelt Park (the other closeby to Washington campground) I would say this has to be much better and I will stay here again on a future visit. Campground sits inside of a much larger park with great trails, amenities and well maintained. Campground is quiet, lots of trees, forest and yet each space is very large with good spacing and privacy to adjacent sites. High tree canopy at your site so lots of room to spread out. Sites themselves are a little rustic - a mix of grass, gravel and dirt, but not muddy (it rained a good bit prior to my stay) - but in good condition. Shower/toilet block is clean and good hot water and good water pressure. Most sites are flat or near flat and the ones that aren't need minimal levelling blocks. Campground apparently is never full and there was only 1 other when I was there - really hard to believe. There is a neighborhood road up by the sites near the shower block but it is low speed and lightly travelled and I had no disturbance from it. Nice surrounding neighborhood. No signs of vagrants. Park police patrolled multiple times per day and report very little non-camper entry to ther facilities. I felt very safe.Easy access to Eashington - bus stop outside the campground to metro or just drive to the metro (free parking weekend, $6 midweek) and then train (about 8 per hour) into the sites - an hour or less total to get there. For more local people, this seems like a good escape "to the woods" without travelling forever.
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?
What camping is available near Poolesville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Poolesville, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 135 campgrounds and RV parks near Poolesville, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Poolesville, MD?
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 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Poolesville, MD?
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?
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.
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