c
cara S.
Scout
ScoutPatapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hilton area
Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
Find the Best Camping Near Rockville, Maryland
Camping options near Rockville, Maryland range from full-service RV parks to primitive tent sites within a 30-mile radius of the city. Cherry Hill Park in College Park provides comprehensive amenities including electric hookups, water, sewer connections, and accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping setups. Greenbelt Park Campground offers a more rustic experience with tent and RV sites but fewer hookups, situated just 15 miles from downtown Rockville. The region includes several state and county parks with varying levels of development, from basic facilities at Adventure Park at Sandy Spring to the more developed Little Bennett Campground in Clarksburg. Visitors searching for campgrounds near Rockville can find options for every camping style, from family-friendly sites with full amenities to more secluded campsites offering a closer connection to nature.
Many campgrounds in the Maryland-Virginia corridor require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer season when sites fill quickly. "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," noted one visitor about Greenbelt Park. Weather conditions remain relatively mild year-round, though summer humidity can be significant. Most established campgrounds in the area provide at least basic amenities like drinking water and toilets, while several offer showers and electric hookups. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to proximity to urban areas, though some campgrounds like Marsden Tract offer a more secluded experience with fewer amenities.
Campers frequently mention the convenience of camping near Washington DC while still enjoying outdoor recreation. Several campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, with Little Bennett featuring boat access and Patapsco Valley State Park offering extensive trail networks. A reviewer highlighted that Cherry Hill Park serves as an excellent base for exploring the capital: "A lady with the staff gives visitors a lengthy orientation to Washington, tours, restaurants, Metrorail, parking, museums, and monuments." Noise from nearby urban areas, including air traffic, is commonly noted in reviews of campgrounds closest to the city. The most highly-rated sites tend to be those with water features, such as Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite along the Potomac River, where campers appreciate the flat, dispersed sites adjacent to the water.
Best Camping Sites Near Rockville, Maryland (113)
1. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD12 milesWebsite+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."
2. Lake Fairfax Campground
25 ReviewsReston, VA12 milesWebsite+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. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
32 ReviewsGreenbelt, MD16 milesWebsite+1 (301) 344-3948$20 / night
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"
4. Little Bennett Campground
23 ReviewsClarksburg, MD13 milesWebsite+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"
5. Ramblin' Pines
17 ReviewsWoodbine, MD20 milesWebsite+1 (410) 795-5161$30 - $70 / night
"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
"We love this home away from home ❤️"
6. Bull Run Regional Park
43 ReviewsIron Gate, VA26 milesWebsite+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."
8. Pohick Bay Campground
37 ReviewsLorton, VA29 milesWebsite+1 (703) 339-6104$37 - $170 / night
"We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
9. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
1 ReviewSandy Spring, MD7 milesWebsite+1 (240) 389-4386$150 - $200 / night
10. Camping by the Creek in Woods
2 ReviewsGreat Falls, VA8 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."
Recent Camping Photos near Rockville, MD
335 Photos of 113 Rockville Campgrounds
Alan H.
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Artemis A.
Cherry Hill Park
Jason F.
Lake Fairfax Campground
Ethel B.
Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Ch. A.
Little Bennett Campground
amanda A.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
James W.
The Garden
Jarmonay N.
Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Shari G.
Marble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Michelle L.
Ramblin' Pines
Recent Reviews near Rockville, MD
882 Reviews of 113 Rockville Campgrounds
- FFredrick K.
TravelerMarble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Great place to get some peace and quiet
If youre looking for fun and people, go to the south campground. But if youre looking for true quiet and have a tent, check out the dispersed campsites. Good shower and bathroom setup that i bet would fare well in a tornado, its got that solid storm shelter feel. Next to a quiet airport, plenty of free firewood to gather
- DDebbie W.Scout
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.
GuideGreenbrier 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.
LegendPrince 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.
- CCaitlin R.Scout
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.
- MMary J.Scout
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.
- VVaught M.Scout
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!
Ashley T.TravelerGoose Bay Marina
Jeepers Creepers meets Catalina Wine Mixer
When we first arrived it was late (we are either late or not coming as always!) the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will love it tomorrow… welp he knows me! All the boat storage and walking around it so fun looking at all the boat names… they are remodeling the bathhouses now they look nice so far on the inside. Everyone is working really hard a staying busy tending to the boats or landscaping or docks… Vicki is super friendly she works practically everyday… but hopefully one day she will trust someone enough to delegate her duties to…
Guide to Rockville
Camping spots near Rockville, Maryland provide access to outdoor recreation while remaining within 30 miles of urban conveniences. The region features rolling Piedmont terrain with elevations typically between 300-500 feet above sea level. Fall camping is particularly popular with nighttime temperatures dropping to the 40s while summer brings humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F.
What to do
Aerial adventures and activities: The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring features the largest aerial challenge course in North America. "Very convenient for before or after your time in the largest aerial challenge course in North America," notes a visitor to this group-only campground that accommodates tents only with basic amenities.
Trail exploration: Lake Fairfax Campground provides access to multiple trail types. "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, Water Park near the campground, fishing, & canoeing). Best quality: totally in the woods so summer sun doesn't affect you," explains one reviewer.
Urban day trips: Cherry Hill Park serves as a convenient base for exploring the capital with specialized services. "The staff are nice here. They have so much going on! Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" according to one camper.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Little Bennett Campground offers well-separated sites under forest cover. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," reports one camper who stayed at site D72, noting "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly."
Clean bathroom facilities: Bull Run Regional Park earns consistent praise for its sanitation. "The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," writes one tent camper who visited with two other families during a rainy Memorial Day weekend.
Accessibility to metro areas: Greenbelt Park Campground provides an urban oasis with public transportation access. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," explains one reviewer who adds, "There is a dump station and water available at spickets throughout the campground."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance booking, with Bull Run Regional Park requiring a two-night minimum. "We have found municipal campgrounds in Northern Virginia are a bit spendy for being government sponsored. Not as bad as South Carolina, but way more than Florida. Fine. Comes with the territory. But Bull Run manages to goose you even more. There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights. But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week."
Site leveling challenges: Lake Fairfax Campground has variable site terrain. "This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant."
Urban noise factors: Despite forest surroundings, some parks experience noise pollution. "This place is packed full of people who like to stay up late and make lots of noise. Park rules aren't very well enforced," notes one visitor to Pohick Bay Campground, though they add that "Showers were clean and campsites seemed well maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Look for scheduled activities: Pohick Bay Campground organizes family-friendly programming. "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning. This was music to our ears as we camp with our 3 and 1 year old."
Consider water features: Ramblin' Pines offers multiple family amenities beyond standard campground facilities. "Nice large sites with friendly staff. Lots of free activities for children and it's close to home," writes one camper. Another mentions, "The camground offers a lot for the money. There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow."
Check campground layouts: Some sites offer family-friendly positioning. "We got a site on thr inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," notes a family that stayed at Pohick Bay, adding, "Plenty of playgrounds and trails nearby to keep the family busy."
Tips from RVers
Water and electric access: Pohick Bay Regional Park provides hookups with mixed site quality. "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)," notes one RV visitor. Another mentions, "Not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help."
Cellular reception considerations: Little Bennett Campground offers limited connectivity under dense tree cover. "No WIFI. 1 bar Verizon," reports an RV camper, while another notes, "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."
Site selection strategy: Cherry Hill Park offers premium sites with additional amenities. "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs. I wish there was a little bit more room in between the campers for privacy but it did not hurt our stay."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any lakeside camping options near Rockville?
Are there any lakeside camping options near Rockville?
Greenbrier State Park Campground offers excellent lakeside camping within driving distance of Rockville. The park features a small lake perfect for paddling and fishing, with camping spots nearby. Though temporarily closed for renovations, it's worth monitoring for reopening. Another option is Lake Fairfax Campground near Reston, which provides drive-in access with water and toilet facilities. For water views without a lake, Brunswick Family Campground sits along the Potomac River, offering mesmerizing water views while remaining relatively close to Rockville. Most lakeside options in the region are best visited from late spring through early fall when swimming and water activities are most enjoyable.
What are the best tent camping sites around Rockville?
What are the best tent camping sites around Rockville?
Tent campers near Rockville should consider Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park. This peaceful campground offers private tent sites with creek access and full shade—perfect for summer camping when temperatures rise. Sites like #14 provide good privacy while remaining close to bathhouses. Another excellent option is Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite along the C&O Canal, which offers a more rustic experience while still being accessible with nearby parking for about 8 vehicles. For families, Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area provides tent sites with playground access for children. Most tent sites in the region are best from April through October, with summer bringing higher demand requiring advance reservations.
What are the best campgrounds near Rockville, MD?
What are the best campgrounds near Rockville, MD?
Rockville campers have several excellent options within easy driving distance. Greenbelt Park Campground offers a convenient escape with basic amenities just minutes from the city. This National Park Service campground provides a wooded setting despite being close to urban areas. For those willing to drive a bit further, Cherry Hill Park offers extensive amenities including clean facilities and excellent orientation services for visitors planning to explore DC. Other solid options include Cedarville State Forest for a more secluded experience and Prince William Forest for those willing to venture into Virginia. Most campgrounds in the area are open year-round, though facilities may be limited in winter months.
Keep Exploring