Simpsonville camping options extend beyond traditional RV parks, with facilities throughout central Maryland that offer alternatives to the RV parks near Simpsonville, Maryland. Situated between Baltimore and Washington D.C., the region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers where temperatures reach 90°F and winter lows around 30°F. The relatively flat terrain provides accessible camping with minimal elevation changes, though flooding can occur in low-lying areas after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Waterfront fishing access: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, campers can fish directly from their sites. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. We are here visiting family for the holidays and it's serving us well... fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," reports Casey L.
Historical tours: Explore Civil War history from Round Top Campground, located near Gettysburg. "We were there to relax but also to explore the town and battlefields. Again the drive into town was short and had enough road side visuals to keep you from dwelling on the drive," shares Dave R., who mentions visiting "Battlefield audio tour, Nighttime walking ghost tour, Battlefield Brew Works, visited shops around the square."
Potomac River recreation: Military families can use Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp as a base for water activities. "This campground is aboard Fort Belvoir, a US Army base in Northern, VA. 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," notes Jack R.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Harpers Ferry Campground offers waterfront sites with direct river access. "Great place! Lots to do on-site. Tent camped and really had a great time. Harper's Ferry is a beautiful place to hike, camp and visit," shares Annie S. Another camper, Mikala S., notes: "Our campsite was right along the water (all spots are along the water). We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus."
Easy DC access: Proximity to Washington D.C. makes Cherry Hill Park popular for sightseeing. "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," reports Jennifer H., who adds, "The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early and late!"
Clean facilities: Many campers mention well-maintained facilities at multiple campgrounds. At Bull Run Regional Park, Roberta K. appreciates that "Bath houses are clean and well maintained," while another camper raves, "The best review I can give is of the bathrooms. They're worth staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
What you should know
Train noise: At Harpers Ferry Campground, the proximity to train tracks affects sleep. "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night," warns Sherri C.
Seasonal operations: Some campgrounds close during winter. Drummer Boy Camping Resort operates from April 1 to October 31, while others remain open year-round but may limit services during colder months.
Site spacing varies widely: At Prince William Forest RV Campground, Kristen M. notes: "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)." At other facilities, privacy can be limited between sites.
Weather considerations: Summer camping brings high humidity and temperatures in the 90s. Spring brings occasional heavy rainfall that can cause site flooding at some campgrounds, particularly at lower elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming pools for children. One camper at Prince William Forest RV Campground mentioned, "This is a small facility that is well maintained. The staff is amazing. The showers are clean/hot and the playground is in very good condition."
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule family-friendly events. At Bull Run Regional Park, Bridget H. reports: "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. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides."
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with play areas. A camper at Drummer Boy Camping Resort notes: "This is only our 2nd trip with our camper but this was an awesome camping resort. There seem to be a lot of seasonal campers but everyone was extremely nice and welcoming."
Tips from RVers
Utility locations: At some campgrounds, hookups are positioned inconveniently. One reviewer at Round Top Campground observed: "Water and electric are in award spot on our site," while at other parks, connection points are properly positioned for easier setup.
Leveling requirements: Site grading varies considerably between parks. At Bull Run Regional Park, Drew M. notes: "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level."
Dump station availability: While most RV parks near Simpsonville offer dump stations, their design and ease of use differ. At Cherry Hill Park, the full hookup sites include sewer connections, and several campers note the well-maintained utilities as a highlight of their stay.
