85 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds surrounding Jessup, Maryland provide varied options within 30 minutes of the city, including developed facilities with full hookups and more rustic tent camping experiences. Cherry Hill Park in College Park and Greenbelt Park Campground offer mixed-use campsites accommodating both tent and RV camping, while Patapsco Valley State Park provides cabin lodging options. Several campgrounds in the area feature family-friendly amenities with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails, particularly along the Patapsco River corridor that runs through multiple recreation areas.
Road conditions and accessibility remain consistent year-round with most campgrounds situated near major highways, though sites fill quickly during peak camping season from April through October. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially at popular locations like Patapsco Valley State Park and Hollofield Area Campground. "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," notes one camper about Greenbelt Park. Several state parks have seasonal operating schedules, with Patapsco Valley State Park operating from April 1 to October 30. Cell coverage is generally good throughout the region, though helicopter and airplane noise can impact some camping areas near military installations.
The proximity to Washington DC represents a major draw for campers seeking outdoor experiences while staying near urban amenities. Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park specifically cater to visitors exploring the capital, offering orientation services for museums and transportation. Several visitors mentioned hiking trails as key highlights, particularly at Patapsco Valley State Park which features 70 miles of multi-use trails. A visitor commented that "We enjoyed hiking the trails directly from our campsite that led us down to the Patapsco River." Sites vary considerably in privacy and spacing, with some tent-only areas offering more seclusion than RV-oriented loops. While most developed campgrounds provide electrical hookups, water access, and bathroom facilities, amenities vary significantly between state, county, and private campgrounds throughout the region.
"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."
from $999 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD.""Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."
from $20 - $51 / night
Check Availability"They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."
"It has 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April- one of our first experiences in a Maryland State Park. Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking /multi use trails."
"This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another."
from $19 - $27 / night
Check Availability"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 ❤️"
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability"My wife and I were trying to find an RV location near the Annapolis city dock for a boat show and found Pine Tree Associates."
"Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers."
from $30 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $150 - $200 / night
Check Availability
GuideIf you want to be near Annapolis, right on the Severn River...this is it. About 15 RV spots nestled in the woods...with full hook ups. A couple of primitive spots as well. Just a quick 5 min walk to the river...right across from the Academy. NEX, gas within 10 min walk, and 15 min drive to downtown Annapolis. Staff is always great here, and the park is clean....for a park on the woods.
TravelerBased on my stay 3 nights and what I read of Greenbelt Park (the other closeby to Washington campground) I would say this has to be much better and I will stay here again on a future visit. Campground sits inside of a much larger park with great trails, amenities and well maintained. Campground is quiet, lots of trees, forest and yet each space is very large with good spacing and privacy to adjacent sites. High tree canopy at your site so lots of room to spread out. Sites themselves are a little rustic - a mix of grass, gravel and dirt, but not muddy (it rained a good bit prior to my stay) - but in good condition. Shower/toilet block is clean and good hot water and good water pressure. Most sites are flat or near flat and the ones that aren't need minimal levelling blocks. Campground apparently is never full and there was only 1 other when I was there - really hard to believe. There is a neighborhood road up by the sites near the shower block but it is low speed and lightly travelled and I had no disturbance from it. Nice surrounding neighborhood. No signs of vagrants. Park police patrolled multiple times per day and report very little non-camper entry to ther facilities. I felt very safe.Easy access to Eashington - bus stop outside the campground to metro or just drive to the metro (free parking weekend, $6 midweek) and then train (about 8 per hour) into the sites - an hour or less total to get there. For more local people, this seems like a good escape "to the woods" without travelling forever.
GuideWhat a gem! We found this place as an alternative to staying in DC during 4th of July festivities. Nice spacious sites, cabins were super clean and smelled great! Did I mention they were air conditioned during the hotest week of the summer!
Bathrooms and showers were spotless.
Many things to see and do there. Historic property, big lake (no swimming), boating, fishing, hiking. There is an Art Center with juried displays for sale.
ScoutThe park is very well maintained, and the campsites have clean fire pits and cooking grills. The restrooms are clean, spacious, and well maintained, and my campsite was large enough to comfortably fit a 6-person tent and a canopy.
However, there were a few concerns during our stay. Despite the campground’s quiet hours policy starting at 10:00 PM, many campers continued to make noise well past that time. I did not notice any campground staff or maintenance personnel making rounds to enforce the quiet hours.
I also felt concerned about security. One of my neighboring campers, who was visiting from South Carolina, told me that his generator had been stolen during the night. He reported the theft to the police, and an official report was filed. Incidents like this made me feel unsafe while camping.
I recommend increasing staff or security patrols, especially during the evening and overnight hours, to enforce quiet hours and improve the safety and security of campers and their belongings. With better enforcement and security, Burke Lake Campground would provide an even better camping experience.
TravelerOne of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
GuideA beautiful, well maintained park with lots to do, great bathroom facilities and extremely nice people. The electric sites aren't all together, so you don't have RV's lined up but maybe annoying for folks who are tent camping. Avoid the locations in the mid-30's by the dumpster, both staff and campers start shaking the lid around 6:30. Between 5 AM and noon staff were driving big trucks and ATV's around with loud reverse horns, and slamming the fire pit grills, which they store sideways. Overall I had a really wonderful time, but that's largely down to good sound reduction inside the van. Almost zero cell service. I was able to get a couple of text messages in and out, but seemed to be a fluke.
ScoutThis campsite was amazing for our first tent camping experience. The park was a godsend for keeping our toddler occupied and we felt very safe overall. While the beach is pretty, be careful about the water condition. We were warned before entering and informed of the risks. They were very clear on the condition of the water that day which was a yellow, slight risk. But normally it should be okay. We would definitely camp here again.
ScoutFor $90 per night the WiFi should work better. Didn’t connect at all. Had to use the antenna pointed East to get local Baltimore news.
ScoutThis camp ground is like a resort with 2 pools mini golf splash pad and many other amenities
Camping sites near Jessup, Maryland offer a mix of secluded woodland retreats and convenient base camps for exploring nearby urban attractions. Located in the Patapsco Valley region at elevations between 200-300 feet, campsites in this area provide access to over 100 miles of trails through deciduous forests. Summer humidity can make July and August camping challenging without proper ventilation or electrical hookups.
Explore historic trails: At Patapsco Valley State Park's Hilton Area, hikers can access numerous routes with unique natural features. "We enjoyed hiking the trails directly from our campsite that led us down to the Patapsco River. There is a lot of history associated with the River and the area. You can even swim in this river," notes one visitor to Hollofield Area Campground.
Visit Washington DC affordably: Greenbelt Park Campground serves as an economical base for DC sightseeing, just 13 miles from the capital. "It's a great place to camp if you want to make a visit to D.C. very affordable, as it's located just 1.5 miles from the nearest Metro Station. You can leave your car behind and visit the sites on foot or bike," explains a camper at Greenbelt Park Campground.
Enjoy water activities: The Patapsco River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking during summer months. "Roland Lake in Baltimore County is a great place to kayak on the Patapsco River. Tons of wildlife, facilities, and amenities for you and your family," reports a visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park.
Seclusion amid development: Despite urban proximity, many campsites maintain a natural atmosphere. "What a crazy, but well-placed spot for a campground! This mid-sized campground is just 2 miles from Washington D.C. area traffic, shopping centers, etc. Honestly, we didn't hear the traffic at night and just a bit when we woke up in the morning," shares a camper from Greenbelt Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings offer chances to spot local fauna. "We saw deer in the mornings and had an overall great experience," mentions a visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area. The park's ecosystem supports diverse wildlife despite urban encroachment.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good hygiene standards despite high usage. "The bathroom is relatively clean, but very old and needs some maintenance. There is one hot shower per bathhouse," notes a Greenbelt Park visitor, while another mentions that at Ramblin' Pines, "Sites are pretty close together, but otherwise nice and well maintained."
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds near Jessup require advance booking, especially on weekends. "Reservations are required for this campground, no more iron ranger on site as of 2018," warns a visitor to Greenbelt Park.
Site spacing considerations: Campsite proximity varies widely between parks. At Ramblin' Pines, a camper notes, "The most crowded uncomfortable campsites I have ever seen," while another says, "Nice large sites with friendly staff."
Noise factors: Highway sounds affect some campgrounds more than others. At Hollofield Area, "Weekends are noisy way past 10 pm with kids etc. plus the interstate traffic noise," according to one reviewer, though many mention the surprising quiet given urban proximity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Jessup, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jessup, MD is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 44 reviews.
What parks are near Jessup, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Jessup, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.
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