RV camping options surround Hardesty, Maryland with varied terrain from wooded settings to waterfront locations. Campsites typically fill 2-3 weeks in advance during summer months, though midweek availability remains more flexible outside holiday periods. Most grounds enforce quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM with increased ranger patrols on weekends and holidays.
What to do
Hiking at Prince William Forest Park: The adjacent national park offers miles of trails accessible from Prince William Forest RV Campground. "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.
Water recreation on the Potomac: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp provides direct river access for fishing and paddling. "The park outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river. There is a pier out into the river to fish on. The outdoor recreation center has bait, snacks, and drinks," according to Jack R.
Metro access to Washington DC: Greenbelt Park Campground serves as an affordable base for capital exploration. "Take the METRO if you are going into the District. There are two stations very close to camp. This worked very well for us. Everyone over age 5 needs their own card, no sharing one card. The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min," explains Laura M.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Bar Harbor RV Park offers premium waterfront locations with fishing access. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. Fire pit was nice and situated near the water. Picnic tables at each site. Many sites are on the water. No swimming in the Bush River but you can fish from the pier or right from your site," shares Laure D.
Swimming amenities: Cherry Hill Park provides multiple water features for summer recreation. "Just can't be beat. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early and late! Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!" writes Jennifer H.
Pull-through convenience: Many campers appreciate the easy access at Prince William Forest RV Campground. "Easy entry after dark. Sites were mostly level," notes Bille W., while another camper adds, "Almost all sites are pull through and are close together. Most have some tree cover."
What you should know
Security considerations: Several campgrounds near Hardesty feature secure grounds with controlled access. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, "You need military credentials" according to Mike H., while Camp Meade RV Park offers similar security: "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post. I forgot all about revielle. They reminded me," shares Elvin J.
Seasonal pest management: Tick prevention is essential in wooded camping areas. Cedarville State Forest requires preparation: "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it!" warns one reviewer, while another notes, "I've never left this park without at least one tick."
Bathroom facilities: Facility maintenance schedules vary by campground. At Cedarville, "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm," while Bull Run Regional Park receives praise for its "locking doors, individual stalls. Best camping showers I've ever had."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Bull Run Regional Park offers numerous family activities throughout the camping season. "This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," reports Bridget H.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites surrounding the camping areas provide learning experiences. "Civil War National Parks nearby. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," which makes for easy day trips from several campgrounds.
Budget considerations: Greenbelt Park Campground offers affordable rates close to attractions. "It is not free but very reasonable considering the area. The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods," notes one camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, location matters for different RV types. "It's a gated park and nestled at the back of a quiet neighborhood. It seems like a great overnight as you're passing through the area. It's 5 min. from Interstate 95," advises Laure D.
Connectivity planning: Cell service varies significantly between rv sites near Hardesty, Maryland. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, "Att coverage is good," while at Cherry Hill Park connectivity is rated as excellent with "Verizon and ATT have great service."
Seasonal preparations: RVers should plan for weather adjustments. "They do fill up propane but there's a Tractor Supply about 20min away that will also fill them. We were told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing," notes a Bar Harbor RV Park camper, highlighting the need for winter preparation at campgrounds that remain open year-round.
