RV campgrounds near Silver Spring, Maryland range from 30-50 miles from the city center, offering varying landscapes from riverfront sites to wooded settings. Most parks operate seasonally with reduced services from November through March, though some maintain year-round operations. Cell service varies significantly by location, with stronger coverage closer to urban centers.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Prince William Forest Park offers access to excellent hiking opportunities within a National Park setting. "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. from Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Enjoy water recreation: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct river access for fishing and boating. "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. about his experience at Brunswick Family Campground. The campground includes a boat ramp and dock for easy water access.
Take public transportation to DC: Skip the hassle of city driving and parking. Cherry Hill Park offers convenient transit options. "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5," says Jennifer H., who visited the nation's capital while staying at this campground.
What campers like
River views: Waterfront camping spots provide scenic natural settings close to urban areas. "Great Potomac river views. Weather-proof cabin with comfy bunks. C and O Canal towpath cuts right through to allow for some great walks," reports Sherri C. from Harpers Ferry Campground, highlighting both the views and nearby recreation.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high among camper priorities. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," writes Tana S. about Lake Fairfax Campground. Showers receive particular attention in reviews, with campers noting their cleanliness and hot water availability.
Recreational amenities: On-site activities keep families entertained without leaving the campground. "Nice pool and bath house. Close to everything," says Mary P. from Prince William Forest RV Campground. Many parks offer swimming pools, playgrounds, game rooms, and organized activities during peak season.
What you should know
Train noise affects some locations: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night," warns Sherri C. about Brunswick Family Campground. Light sleepers should pack earplugs or choose sites farther from tracks.
Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds close during winter months. Lake Fairfax Campground operates only from "March 22 to September 7," according to its season information. Call ahead to confirm current operating dates if planning a trip outside summer months.
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain can require additional equipment. "The sites are nicely spread out. My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," explains Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park. Pack leveling blocks for RVs, especially at older campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Water parks and pools: Several campgrounds offer water features popular with children. "This campground has so much to do. 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," shares Bridget H. from Bull Run Regional Park.
Playgrounds and organized activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's recreation areas. "They have a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds," reports Sean M. from Ramblin' Pines. Many parks offer weekend activities during peak season.
Family-friendly bathhouses: Clean, accessible facilities make camping with kids easier. "Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk," notes Megan K. about Prince William Forest RV Campground. Individual shower stalls with locking doors provide privacy for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Military base camping: Active duty and retired military personnel have additional options. "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting," explains Mike H. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp. These facilities typically offer full hookups at competitive rates.
Site selection matters: Corner and end sites generally provide more space. "Sites on the ends are by far larger than the center," advises Lauren B. about Brunswick Family Campground. Request specific site numbers when making reservations.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some rv sites near Silver Spring, Maryland. "We stayed in a level pull-thru site with picnic table on a paver patio, iron table and chairs, clean gravel surface, grill, and fire pit," explains one Cherry Hill Park camper, noting the site was just large enough for their motorhome and towed vehicle.
