Riverdale, Maryland camping options extend beyond full-hookup RV parks to include forested state parks, waterfront sites, and military facilities. The area sits at an elevation of around 50 feet above sea level with moderate summers reaching the mid-80s and mild winters in the 30s. Campgrounds range from basic tent-only sites to premium waterfront spots with views of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River.
What to do
Fishing access: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, campers can fish directly from waterfront sites. "You can fish from the pier or right from your site. There appeared to be a boat dock as well," notes one visitor. The campground offers access to the Bush River with designated areas for putting in small boats or kayaks.
Water recreation: Campers at Ellendale Campground enjoy views of the Chesapeake Bay from sites on a bluff. "If you enjoy beautiful sunsets, seeing bald eagles every day, having a nice breeze, not too buggy, well kept campground this is the place to go," reports one camper. The site is just 7 minutes from Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary with hiking trails.
Transportation to DC: Several campgrounds offer convenient transportation options to Washington DC. At Greenbelt Park Campground, campers can access the Metro. "What we did, since we don't have a tow car, and just have our 26ft motorhome, is we packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town." The ride from Greenbelt station to the National Mall takes approximately 30 minutes.
What campers like
Wooded settings: Many campgrounds near Riverdale offer shaded sites despite their proximity to urban areas. At Hollofield Area Campground, campers appreciate the balance of accessibility and natural surroundings. "This campground is very close to the Baltimore beltway and basically in a neighborhood but you feel like you are farther from things," writes one reviewer. The park features hiking trails accessible directly from campsites.
Military facilities: Active and retired military personnel have specialized camping options near Riverdale. "Military campground. Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap," notes a visitor to the Annapolis FamCamp. Similarly, at Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, campers value the secure environment and riverside setting. "This campground is aboard Fort Belvoir, an US Army base in Northern, VA. It is very clean and there are many amenities close by."
Waterfront views: Multiple campgrounds offer premium waterfront sites. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95," reports a camper at Bar Harbor RV Park. Another notes, "The daily waterfront sites are pricy but right on the water with great views. Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require online booking with no option for cash payment on arrival. At Greenbelt Park, "This is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online." During peak season, especially weekends, campgrounds fill quickly.
Hookup limitations: Water and electric services vary significantly between campgrounds. At Ellendale Campground, "Sewer is not there yet, but they have portables just in case you need to remove some instead of moving the entire camper." Most state parks like Hollofield offer electric-only sites with water available at central locations.
Seasonal considerations: Waterfront sites can be windy in spring and fall. At Ramblin' Pines, seasonal challenges include "water bugs are bad in the spring, no mosquitoes, acorns falling from the trees on your camper in the fall." Campgrounds with pools typically close these facilities outside summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Several campgrounds offer extensive recreation facilities. "This campground has so much to offer. We loved it. Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," reports a camper at Cherry Hill Park. Ramblin' Pines provides similar amenities with "a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds."
Natural playgrounds: State parks sometimes feature unique play areas. "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids. I've attached photos from the 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it," notes a visitor to Hollofield Area Campground.
Site selection: When camping with children, site location matters. "If you're a tent camper and don't need electric, the sites on the outer loop were quite nice and private," advises a Hollofield visitor. At Cherry Hill Park, another camper suggests to "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side."
Tips from RVers
RV size considerations: Several rv sites near Riverdale, Maryland accommodate larger rigs but require careful navigation. "Sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill. Driveways are all very narrow," notes a camper at Greenbelt Park. At Bar Harbor, "Some sites you are right on the waters edge. Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble."
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. "The site was nice and level, but a bit small, with a short driveway," reports a Hollofield visitor. Another camper at Fort Belvoir advises, "Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
Seasonal storage: Some rv parks near Riverdale offer extended services. "They even allowed us to store the camper while we took a cruise out of Baltimore!" notes a Ramblin' Pines guest. Before planning extended stays, check with campground offices as policies vary between locations.
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