RV campgrounds near Riverdale Park, Maryland provide travelers access to both natural surroundings and urban amenities. The region sits at elevations between 50-300 feet with a humid subtropical climate that delivers mild springs, hot summers, and moderate winters. Camping options range from basic tent sites with no hookups to premium RV pads featuring full amenities throughout the region's varying terrain.
What to do
Explore historic attractions: The area surrounding Prince William Forest RV Campground offers access to numerous Civil War sites and museums. "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.
River recreation: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct Potomac River access for water activities. "The Shanandoah is just as beautiful. The little store has just the necessities and there is an amazing playground for the kids," writes Brian S. who visited multiple times, adding "The Shanandoah River parallels the campground. The river is beautifully clean clear and cool."
Use the C&O Canal towpath: For biking and walking excursions, many campsites connect to regional trail systems. "Situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," mentions a Brunswick Family Campground visitor.
What campers like
Urban forest settings: Greenbelt Park Campground provides a woodland retreat despite its metro-area location. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," explains Becky, adding that "Rangers keep a close eye on things, and there are monthly programs at the campfire circle."
Cleaner bathroom facilities: Bull Run Regional Park maintains well-regarded shower buildings. "I'll go again just for the showers," states one reviewer named Yvonne B. "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."
Military base camping: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers waterfront sites with security. "Very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base 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," writes Jack R.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience railway disturbances. "The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It's not bothered me but you should be aware," explains Dale Y. about Brunswick Family Campground, while adding that "the campground is also right on the Potomac, easy to get to, reasonably priced, and the sites are spacious."
Seasonal closure schedule: Lake Fairfax Campground operates with limited availability from March 22 to September 7, unlike year-round options elsewhere in the area. The facility closes completely during winter months.
Reservation requirements: Most RV campgrounds near Riverdale Park require advance bookings, particularly during peak season. Greenbelt Park Campground notes: "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online."
Tips for camping with families
Diverse recreation options: Lake Fairfax Campground features multiple activity areas beyond standard camping. "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)," reports Amy B.
Playgrounds and programs: Many campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities and structured activities. "This campground had 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," shares Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Site selection strategy: When booking at Brunswick Family Campground, position matters significantly. "Great location as long as you select the correct site as that is incredibly important. I'm sure in peak season or holidays it can be very busy and then you'd be very tight to your neighbor especially in the A loop. Sites on the ends are by far larger than the center," advises Lauren B.
Tips from RVers
Campground access considerations: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides reasonable entry for larger vehicles but has some limitations. "Almost all sites are pull through and are close together. Most have some tree cover (and some of the trees could use a trim along the roads)," notes Kristen M., who also mentions its convenience to the DC area.
Leveling requirements: Prepare leveling equipment for uneven sites at several area campgrounds. "My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk. Lots: lots are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space," writes Megan K. about Prince William Forest, while Mike H. notes about Fort Belvoir: "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable."
Public transportation access: For RVers visiting DC attractions, metro connections provide alternatives to driving large vehicles into the city. "Getting to DC: There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall)," explains Laura M. about Greenbelt Park, noting alternative options when the path is unavailable.
