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Best Campgrounds near Poolesville, MD

1,006 Reviews

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 (131)

    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

    40 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

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

    $43 - $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

    13 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

    $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

    42 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

1006 Reviews of 131 Poolesville Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2026

    Skyline Ranch Resort

    Good

    This camp ground is very nice with a rustic vibe

  • D
    Apr. 28, 2026

    Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    Not as advertised on website. Loose dogs. Sites not as advertised.

    Less amenities than advertised. We usually camp in more rustic locations and planned this trip simply for the fun of the amenities. Their website claims that the pool is seasonal but doesn't list anything else as seasonal. There was supposed to be mini golf, a giant bounce pillow, indoor basketball, an arcade with air hockey and a pool table. Mini golf was fine. The bounce pillow was deflated and full of water. The arcade/pool table/air hockey building was locked and the maintenance guy(who locks it up) was outside smoking before leaving early for the day. The employee at the camp store said it was supposed to be open until the store closed but that he probably just closed it early.

     The rules state that dogs need to be on a leash at all times and, in the two hours we actually stayed, we saw four that weren't. One was staying near us and started chasing us when we rode our bikes by. One was wandering about 4 campsites down from it's owner. We mentioned it to the person at the camp store before we were chased and she just shrugged it off. 

    The map is incorrect. It lists site numbers that don't exist and doesn't list some sites that supposedly do. We spent a fifteen minutes trying to find a non-existent site before going back to the camp office and getting assigned a new site. They acted like it was a new thing caused by maintenance but we just looked and saw a review from ten months ago saying the map was messed up then. 

    The description of the site we paid for was non electric tent with a sand tent pad. The site we got was on a hill(no actual flat spot) overgrown with weeds, no tent pad, a slanted picnic table, and no actual parking spot. You had to drive over a drainage ditch and park on the hill. If our car didn't have high clearance we wouldn't have made it. There was also a hole in the middle of the site. And the map showed that number site on the corner where another unmarked site was. Our originally assigned site was supposedly in the same group of sites, so it would've been similar. Also don't believe the claim that they're"large sites." Most of them are crammed together. There are a few that look decent sized and flat, but they want you to pay an extra$30 to pick your own site. 

    We didn't even look in the bathrooms. 

    We left after two hours. Definitely a waste of$60+ dollars. 

    Next time we'll go over to the Brunswick Family campground. Their owners are lovely people who care about their customers.

  • Adam and Suzanne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 18, 2026

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Beautiful setting

    It is NOT closed for 2026! Spent the weekend here as it is only an hour from home. There are 4 large camping loops. Only loop C- cedar has electric. None of the loops have water hookups but all have spigots to fill your rig. There are also 3 fill stations at check in (which we missed). The campground is on a hill and the loop roads are narrow, hilly, and winding. We had no trouble with our 23 ft TT and saw some bigger rigs. There are some tight angles to get into a few sites. But, once you are in, the sites are spacious and mostly private. It is wooded without feeling overgrown. Loop D has some sites that are good buddy campsites. There are many hiking trails and a lovely lake. The only bad thing are the dated bathhouses. Mostly clean but there are only 2 showers for each fenced for each loop and they were yucky enough that we showered at our rig. It was busy but pretty quiet. It’s close to I-70

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2026

    Prince 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.

  • C
    Apr. 12, 2026

    Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    Great Campground

    Our family loved this campground. It was entirely wooded with plenty of shade, sites were close but separated enough to feel like you were in your own site. Our kids and others rode their bikes around the loop all weekend long. Bathrooms could have been a little cleaner and all the entrances except one were closed, but that’s what happens when you cut budgets for public lands.

  • M
    Apr. 5, 2026

    Jellystone Park™ Williamsport

    Easter Trailer Trash

    We chose this campground expecting a family-friendly environment for Easter weekend, but unfortunately our experience was significantly impacted by repeated disturbances from a group of adults in nearby campsites. There was excessive screaming, loud music, and disruptive behavior that continued well past midnight, making it extremely difficult for families and young children to enjoy the holiday weekend. Even more concerning was the apparent lack of response to enforce quiet hours or address the ongoing noise issue. This does not reflect the family atmosphere many guests would reasonably expect during a holiday weekend. I strongly encourage management to take these complaints seriously and enforce campground rules consistently to ensure all guests can enjoy their stay. Families considering visiting during Easter weekend should be aware that this has been an ongoing issue.

  • Dani The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2026

    Gooney Creek Campground

    New owners

    New owners just bought this place. There are upgrades and cleaning needed, but owner was friendly and helpful. Creek and trail is gorgeous. Highway can be loud at times. Surrounding town gorgeous and dog friendly.

  • V
    Apr. 1, 2026

    Brunswick Family Campground

    Lovely campground on the C&O. Beware the trains!

    This is a lovely campground that I recommend and would stay again.  We have been twice:  once as a family and once with a Scout troop.  The RV sites are fairly large and clean.  The tent-only sites are smaller and have a metal fire ring with a grate (nice!).  The  RV sites have mostly brick rings without grates.  The bathrooms are fairly small (two showers on the female and one on the male) which might be an issue on busy weekends.  The only real water entrance is the boat ramp, but you can climb down a cliff in other places.  A, D, and E are sunnier.  B and C and Nottingham are mostly wooded with mature trees.  We used the site as a base for a bike trip along the C&O to go to Harper’s Ferry (14mi round trip along a gravel path).  The staff were friendly and there is a small camp store.

    But the trains!  THE TRAINS!!!  Every review will mention them for a reason.  The site is adjacent to a rail yard that runs all day.  Not just a passing train, but clanging car and engine changes.   It’s LOUD.  I slept with earplugs, but could still hear the noise.  The yard really starts going around 5am and goes all day.  It slows down after 8/9pm, but never stops entirely.  The trains are the only reason for the removed star and it’s not the campground’s fault.  But almost all of the real complaints are about the noise.  If you want an extra quiet campground with only birds and running water, this is not the place for you.  But if you don’t mind the loud bangs and low rumbles, this place is fine!

    The entrance is beyond the train yard and about a mile down a widened part of the C&O.  It is possible to be trapped inside or outside if a train is stopped at the crossing (30min for us, once).  

    In short, it’s a great campground if you bring ear plugs!

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 131 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.

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