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Camping near Riderwood, MD

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    Camping near Riderwood, Maryland spans tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins across several state parks within short driving distance. Patapsco Valley State Park is particularly notable, with both the Hilton and Hollofield Areas offering developed camping facilities less than 10 miles from Riderwood. The park features traditional tent sites, RV hookups, and small cabins. Other options within 30 miles include Greenbelt Park Campground, Cherry Hill Park, and several privately managed campgrounds offering varying levels of amenities from basic to full-service facilities.

    Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with most state park facilities like Patapsco Valley open from April through October. "When it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower half of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm," noted one visitor about terrain challenges. The proximity to Baltimore and Washington DC makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations for urban residents seeking nearby outdoor experiences. Campsite reservations are recommended, especially for electric sites and cabins which fill quickly during summer months. While some areas permit RVs up to 40 feet, others like the Hilton area of Patapsco Valley are better suited for tent camping with no RV access permitted.

    Campers consistently mention the extensive trail networks as a highlight of camping near Riderwood. The Patapsco River provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking at various access points. "We've gone to Patapsco Valley State Park many times for hiking as it's close by where we live. It was one of our more restful camping trips where we spent more time at the campsite," shared one visitor. Family-friendly amenities are frequently noted in reviews, with multiple campgrounds featuring playgrounds and nature centers. The mix of heavily wooded sites and proximity to urban conveniences makes these developed campgrounds particularly appealing to new campers or those seeking weekend getaways without lengthy travel times. Visitors note that despite nearby neighborhoods and highways, many camping areas maintain a surprisingly secluded forest atmosphere.

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    Best Campgrounds near Riderwood (107)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

      4.1(20)11mi from RiderwoodTents, Cabins

      "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

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      2. Hollofield Area Campground

      3.9(18)11mi from RiderwoodRVs, Tents

      "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

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      3. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

      4.0(19)20mi from RiderwoodRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."

      "Large campground with some good trails.  Will definitely return!"

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      4. Ramblin' Pines

      4.4(17)20mi from RiderwoodRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      5. Codorus State Park Campground

      4.3(42)29mi from Riderwood187 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland, so if they have room and we want to go spur of the moment, this one is a good choice.  "

      "The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail.  The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some.  "

      from $20 - $249 / night

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      6. Cherry Hill Park

      4.8(42)31mi from Riderwood1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      7. Washington DC / Capitol KOA

      3.8(16)24mi from RiderwoodRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

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      8. Elk Neck State Park Campground

      4.4(61)36mi from RiderwoodRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
      The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

      "Surrounding area
      There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

      from $21 - $55 / night

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      9. Susquehanna State Park Campground

      4.1(25)29mi from RiderwoodRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland (Cunningham Falls, Ft. Frederick, Pt. Lookout), and are quite secluded in comparison."

      "I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"

      from $21 - $50 / night

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      10. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

      4.2(32)32mi from Riderwood173 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Riderwood, MD

    348 Photos of 107 Riderwood Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Riderwood, MD

    940 Reviews of 107 Riderwood Campgrounds

    • Brian M.
      Jun. 28, 2026

      Elk Neck State Park Campground

      Good experience

      Great campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles

    • Matt S.
      Jun. 24, 2026

      Gettysburg Campground

      Great Location in Gettysburg

      We spent 4 nights at Gettysburg Campground to attend the AIM Club Rally(Lincoln’s Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event. 

      WHAT I LIKED: 

      • Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenience—just 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town. 

      • The Atmosphere: The staff gave us a warm reception at check-in, and the site itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to back up to a running creek. Lots of mature trees offer lots of shade and character. 

      • Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver. 

      WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

      • Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the day—but it had to shut off our power 7 different times due to low voltage. Aside from losing a few hours of sleep to the chorus of appliances cycling off and on, no harm was done. I recommend using a surge protector/voltage regulator if you stay here. 

      WOULD WE COME BACK? 

      • Absolutely! Minor power hiccups aside, this is a beautiful, clean park situated right in the middle of everything you'd want to see and do in the area.
    • J
      Jun. 21, 2026

      Gettysburg Campground

      Everything clean

      Flat grounds, level campsites, nice pool, kids have tons of fun!

    • Patrick Z.
      Jun. 19, 2026

      Granite Hill Camping Resort

      Campground is poorly maintained

      The grounds are poorly kept. It is mostly occupied by what appears to be abandoned seasonal sites. There is no WiFi. Service is spotty. Management seems inconsistent on enforcing rules and tends to be less favorable to campers visiting for a weekend.

    • MsTrailBlazer 🏔.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 6, 2026

      Codorus State Park Campground

      Top Tier

      I love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.

    • Jeff F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 4, 2026

      koa Gettysburg battlefield

      Nice spot to experience Gettysburg

      Friendly staff, well shaded, good size site 23 with easy in and paver patio and sturdy furniture

    • M
      Jun. 4, 2026

      Codorus State Park Campground

      Excellent campground!

      The sites offer plenty of space and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is conveniently located near the lake, with beautiful views and easy access to the water. There is also a nice swimming pool, which is a great bonus. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake and spending time outdoors. Overall, it's a wonderful place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. We would definitely come back!

    • Matt S.
      Jun. 1, 2026

      Bay Shore Campground

      What stands out about this campground? The view!

      We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view! 

      For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection. 

      THINGS I LIKED:

      — Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening

      — Friendly staff

      — Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge

      — They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free 

      THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:

      — Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.

      — Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.

      — There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days. 

      WOULD WE COME BACK? 

      Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.

    • c
      May. 9, 2026

      Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

      Hilton area

      Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.

    Guide to Riderwood

    Camping areas near Riderwood, Maryland feature diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 300 to 600 feet across the Piedmont region. The area experiences humid subtropical climate conditions with mild winters and hot summers, making April through October prime camping season. While daytime summer temperatures often reach 85-95°F, wooded sites provide essential shade that moderates temperature extremes.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Codorus State Park offers lake fishing with multiple species. "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground," explains Catherine H.

    Historic exploration: 3 miles from Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, campers can visit the preserved mill town. "The hike I did was not very long but was well worth it. The trail was well marked but there was some confusion at one point on where we were suppose to go. There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall," notes Anthony S.

    Trail running: Multiple loops at Hollofield Area Campground feature varying difficulties for runners. "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," shares Travyl Couple.

    What campers like

    Sensory trails: At Hollofield Area Campground, specialized nature paths appeal to children and adults. "The sites feel private, the camp hosts are lovely and they provide good firewood (instead of those preset bundles). There is a 'natural' playground in the loop," notes Jennifer S.

    Year-round accessibility: Ramblin' Pines maintains facilities during all seasons. "This is our local campground and our second time here and we really like it. It has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds. I really like all the trees," recommends Sean M.

    River swimming holes: Look for designated spots at Susquehanna State Park. "We found a small river and swimming hole at the bottom of the hill off to the side opposite the cabins/park. All sites had a picnic table and fire ring," notes Alexandra T. from another nearby park with similar features.

    What you should know

    Tent pad variations: Some sites at Patapsco Valley have challenging surfaces. "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 Sean M.

    Seasonal bathhouse operations: Most facilities close in winter. "Bath house was old, small, and not exceptionally clean, but adequate for our needs. Did not use the showers this time. However, there are only 4 restroom stalls and 2 showers on the ladies side, so I can imagine the lines would be pretty crazy during the summer time," warns Jen V.

    Tree fall risks after storms: Monitor for hazards. "Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby. Where we were hiking," cautions Alexandra T., highlighting safety concerns after heavy rains.

    Tips for camping with families

    Mini cabin options: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm offers alternatives to tent camping. "We stayed in one of the cabins, which had 2 beds and a bunk bed, sink and toilet, refrigerator, microwave, dining table and sofa. There was also a front porch with picnic table and fire pit," describes Wendy W.

    Nature discovery centers: Several parks feature educational facilities. "The Hilton entrance of PSP is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," shares Angel G.

    Weekend activity planning: Book during scheduled events. "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family," recommends Melissa E.

    Tips from RVers

    Approach directions matter: At Cherry Hill Park, plan your route carefully. "This was a great stop to take the kids to visit the city. Easy access and well laid out sites. They have a bus stop for metro service to the city, but we took the 20 minute drive," advises Joe R.

    Leveling challenges: Bring adequate blocks and levelers. "The site we originally picked was advertised as 'partially shaded' but when we got there we found one small tree per site in a grass field. But on the way in we noticed there are lots of wooded sites, and asked to move," shares Sarah L.

    Height restrictions: Watch for low bridges at Greenbelt Campground. "ALSO- 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.)," cautions Travyl Couple in a review of another nearby park.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular campground near Riderwood, MD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Riderwood, MD is Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area with a 4.1-star rating from 20 reviews.

    What parks are near Riderwood, MD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Riderwood, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.

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