Best Campgrounds near Riverdale, MD
The Riverdale, Maryland area contains multiple developed campgrounds serving campers within close proximity to Washington DC. Greenbelt Park Campground, located just 3 miles from Riverdale, provides year-round tent and RV camping with basic amenities in a forested setting. Cherry Hill Park in nearby College Park offers more extensive facilities with electric hookups, sewer connections, and cabin accommodations approximately 5 miles from Riverdale. The eastern portion of the region features Washington DC Capitol KOA in Millersville, which supports tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals. This mix of public and private camping areas creates diverse opportunities for overnight stays within 25 miles of Riverdale.
Road access to campgrounds in the region remains straightforward with most sites accessible via paved roads. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for camping. Many developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly on weekends and during peak summer season. Primitive camping options are limited in this urbanized region, with most overnight stays occurring at established campgrounds. Cell service is generally strong throughout the area due to proximity to urban centers. A camper noted that "this is a fairly nice, bare bones NPS campground. If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
Mixed-use campgrounds near Riverdale typically receive positive reviews for their convenience to Washington DC attractions. Several visitors highlight the ability to camp while accessing urban amenities and cultural sites. Campgrounds offering electric hookups tend to fill quickly, especially those featuring cabin rentals and additional amenities like showers and flush toilets. Patapsco Valley State Park, located northwest of Riverdale, receives favorable mentions for its trail systems and natural setting. A recent review described one campground as having "sites that are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland, and are quite secluded in comparison." Noise from nearby highways, air traffic, and urban areas represents a common concern in reviews of camping areas closest to Riverdale, with more secluded experiences available at campgrounds farther from the metropolitan core.
