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Best Campgrounds near Laurel, MD

657 Reviews

The area surrounding Laurel, Maryland provides multiple developed campground options ranging from urban-proximate RV parks to more natural settings within state parks. Cherry Hill Park in nearby College Park offers full-hookup RV sites, cabins, and tent camping with amenities including swimming pools, showers, and picnic tables. Camp Meade RV Park in Laurel and Greenbelt Park Campground provide alternatives with varying levels of facilities. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several also offering cabin rentals and glamping options.

Camping facilities near Laurel remain accessible year-round, though some state parks like Patapsco Valley operate seasonally from April through October. Most developed sites require reservations, particularly during summer months when proximity to Washington DC makes these campgrounds popular bases for tourists. "Cherry Hill Park was easy to find and get to basically right off I-95. This was our first time RVing into the WA DC area and we were concerned about traffic getting to the campground," noted one visitor. Road access to campgrounds is generally well-maintained with paved roads leading to most facilities. Noise from nearby highways affects some campgrounds, particularly those closest to I-95 and major roadways.

The camping experience in this region balances suburban convenience with outdoor recreation. Many campgrounds feature wooded settings despite their proximity to urban areas. Patapsco Valley State Park and Hollofield Area Campground provide more natural surroundings with hiking trails and river access. Visitors frequently mention clean facilities as a highlight of camping in this area. According to reviews, Cherry Hill Park maintains "pristine" bathrooms and well-kept grounds. Several campgrounds provide transportation connections to Washington DC, making them practical bases for capitol tourism. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring offers a more primitive tent camping experience with just five sites available. Campers seeking quiet natural settings should choose sites farther from major roadways, as traffic noise is mentioned in multiple reviews of campgrounds throughout the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Laurel, Maryland (87)

    1. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "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."

    2. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "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"

    3. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    19 Reviews
    Catonsville, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $20 - $51 / night

    "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."

    4. Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    15 Reviews
    Millersville, MD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 923-2771

    "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."

    5. Hollofield Area Campground

    19 Reviews
    Windsor Mill, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $19 - $27 / night

    "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."

    6. Ramblin' Pines

    17 Reviews
    Woodbine, MD
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 795-5161

    $30 - $70 / night

    "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 ❤️"

    7. Camp Meade RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Odenton, MD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 722-4237

    8. Little Bennett Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 528-3430

    "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"

    9. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."

    "For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground."

    10. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring

    1 Review
    Sandy Spring, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (240) 389-4386

    $150 - $200 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Laurel, MD

257 Photos of 87 Laurel Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Laurel, MD

657 Reviews of 87 Laurel Campgrounds

  • Sharon L.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    Great getaway close to home!

    We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything. People didn’t like this or that, but most of it seemed as if they weren’t happy with rules! Neither of us found anything that was so terrible in the rules and truthfully, if more campgrounds had them and enforced them, it would be nice for all.

    We loved the peace and quiet, the restrooms were clean and tidy, the usable sites all looked nice. They had a tornado come through at the beginning of the season that messed some areas up, but they are working it. The pool area seemed like the place to be. We just went to rest though. Honestly, we liked the campground so much that we would consider parking our camper over the summer! There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing. Prices aren’t horrible. One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it’s not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us. The activities and store weren’t outrageous. Ready to go back!

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    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. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

  • Josey F.
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Greenville Farm Family Campground

    Wonderful!

    We are repeat customers and come here with our troops. Nice mix of RV and tent campers. Quiet. Trails, creek, pool, fishing ponds (back end), batheooms, etc, great rates. No firewood- need to bring your own.

  • L
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    Nice Little Campground

    Decent little campground! It was quiet aside from occasional air traffic noise, and while there wasn't much spacing between some camp sites everyone was respectful. My spot was a little difficult to find because the online park map was incorrect, and the spot was basically an extended shoulder of the road. Checking in was a breeze, though!

Guide to Laurel

Camping near Laurel, Maryland, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds, like Elk Neck State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "Great trails and great staff," highlighting the park's accessibility and beauty.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper shared, "We had a picnic table, lantern pole and fire ring in a spacious, wooded site," emphasizing the outdoor activities available.
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Campers often visit nearby towns for dining and shopping. One review noted, "We went to the Eastern Shore Brewing Company where dogs are allowed indoors," showcasing the local charm.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Greenbrier State Park Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor stated, "The bath houses & sites are always clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Codorus State Park Campground. One review mentioned, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hook up sites which is nice."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpful staff at various campgrounds. A review from Cherry Hill Park noted, "Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well."

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Bull Run Regional Park, do not allow alcohol. A camper mentioned, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place," indicating that noise can be an issue, especially on weekends.
  • Site Availability: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. One visitor at Pohick Bay Campground advised, "The check in at the camp store is crowded and narrow even with renovations."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Owens Creek Campground, have fewer amenities. A review noted, "The sites are very clean but close to each other," which is something to consider for privacy.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cherry Hill Park, which offers activities for kids. One family shared, "There is plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for fun family outings. A camper at Tuckahoe State Park Campground mentioned, "We saw beautiful aquatic plants, many birds, and a gazillion turtles."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. One visitor noted, "The camp store sells s'mores ingredients," which is a great treat for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA mentioned, "The sites were so unlevel, close together," which can be a challenge for larger rigs.
  • Use Public Transport: If you're visiting DC, consider using public transit. A camper at Cherry Hill Park said, "We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground noted, "The weekend tends to be a bit louder but during the week was very quiet."

Camping near Laurel, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does camping cost at sites near Laurel?

Camping costs near Laurel vary by amenities and location. At Fairfax County Burke Lake Park, you'll find affordable camping with access to numerous recreational amenities including a lake for fishing, boat rentals, a paved 5-mile path, playground, carousel, and kiddy train. For a more rustic experience, Brunswick Family Campground offers reasonably priced riverside sites with welcoming staff. The campground is situated between railroad tracks and the river, creating a unique atmosphere that feels away from the city while still being accessible from the DC metro area.

Where are the best camping sites near Laurel?

Several excellent camping options surround Laurel. Greenbelt Park Campground offers a convenient natural escape with wooded sites, though you may hear occasional urban sounds from nearby areas. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area provides beautiful riverside camping with extensive trail networks spanning 32 miles along the Patapsco River. For those seeking family-friendly options, Cedarville State Forest features clean campsites in a peaceful forest setting. Military personnel should consider Camp Meade RV Park for its convenient location and multiple access options.

What amenities do campgrounds near Laurel offer?

Cherry Hill Park stands out with extensive amenities including clean facilities, a pool, and staff who provide comprehensive orientations to Washington DC attractions, tours, and transportation. The park is conveniently located about 6 miles from the Metrorail near University of Maryland. For something more basic but well-maintained, Louise F. Cosca Regional Park offers 25 sites with water hookups at every site and electrical connections at 5 specific sites (2, 5, 18, 24, 25). The park features regular patrols by Park Police for safety and security.

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