The Fulton, Maryland area offers numerous campground options within 30-40 minutes of the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Most campgrounds in this region operate from April through October, though several remain open year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 75°F to 90°F with high humidity, making shaded sites particularly valuable.
What to do
Hiking trails with varied difficulty: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers extensive trail networks accessible directly from campsites. "The trails we have been on are all pretty moderate to hard but offer beautiful waterfalls and river views. This definitely is a park that takes a while to explore all of it," notes one visitor who appreciates that the park's multiple entrances can't be fully explored in a single day.
Fishing opportunities: Ramblin' Pines features a fishing pond on premises. "There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs," according to one camper, making it convenient for anglers who don't want to travel far from their site.
Nature exploration for children: The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring combines camping with outdoor adventures. "Groups only- no individual campsites," mentions one reviewer, noting it's "very convenient for before or after your time in the largest aerial challenge course in North America."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature pools, but Lake Fairfax Campground offers multiple water recreation options. "There's a water park, paddle boats, playgrounds, trails, skate park, sports fields, and the bathrooms are the nicest I've ever seen," reports one enthusiastic visitor who gave the facilities five stars.
What campers like
Convenient DC access: Cherry Hill Park provides exceptional transportation options to Washington DC attractions. "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," explains one visitor who found this approach more convenient than driving.
Privacy between sites: Little Bennett Campground offers well-separated sites for those seeking more seclusion. "Lots of vegetation between sites providing privacy from neighbors," notes one camper who appreciated the natural buffers. Another mentioned, "This place is quiet, the spaces are big. They can accommodate large campers, ours is 35 ft."
Urban escape atmosphere: Greenbelt Park Campground creates a surprising wilderness feel despite its urban location. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," writes one regular visitor who appreciates the convenient "getaway" feeling without traveling far from home.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms, with Lake Fairfax earning particular praise. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," reports one camper, though noting the trade-off is that "this place gets crowded."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, with some implementing strict check-in policies. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, "This was also the first time we have ever had to wait till exactly 3pm to check in. So if you arrive early expect to wait until 3," warns one camper.
Site conditions vary significantly: Ground surfaces differ between campgrounds, affecting tent camping comfort. "The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent to the ground," advises a Patapsco Valley visitor.
Weather impacts: Summer storms can create challenging conditions. One camper at Patapsco Valley noted, "When it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm."
Alcohol policies: Rules regarding alcohol consumption vary between parks. Many Maryland state parks prohibit bringing alcohol, while private campgrounds often permit it. Patapsco Valley reminds visitors: "No alcohol or firewood can be brought into the park. Firewood can only be purchased on site due to harmful insects."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Patapsco Valley State Park Hollofield Area offers natural play spaces for children. "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," shares one parent, adding details about "large rocks and overturned trees" that their children enjoyed.
Swimming restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific pool policies regarding children. One camper noted at Ramblin' Pines: "I didnt like that non potty trained kids are not allowed to swim in their pool. Luckily we only have a 9 month old currently that isn't potty trained."
Educational activities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs. At Greenbelt Park, a regular visitor mentions, "There are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," providing enrichment opportunities for children.
Activity variety: Washington DC Capitol KOA provides multiple entertainment options. "We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends," reports one parent who found it "perfect for kids" though "not a site for nature lovers."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full RV services. Hollofield Area Campground has "only 20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer- although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank," according to one RVer who noted the absence of laundry facilities.
Leveling requirements: Site grading varies considerably between campgrounds. At Little Bennett, one camper reports, "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have specific approach requirements. For Hollofield Area, RVers should note: "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)"
Site selection strategy: At Cherry Hill Park, a reviewer advises, "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."
