Camping options near Upper Marlboro put visitors within 30 minutes of Washington DC while providing wooded retreats with varying levels of amenities. The area sits at elevations between 150-250 feet above sea level in Maryland's coastal plain region, creating relatively flat terrain ideal for both tent and RV camping. Summer months average 80°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Hiking at Cedarville State Forest: Cedarville offers multiple trail options directly accessible from the campground loop. "There are decent trails to hike here too. There's a sacrifice of space here- I'd like to see it expand a bit, as the campground can fill quickly, especially if RV's are involved," notes Bill G. from Cedarville State Forest.
Metro access to DC museums: Proximity to DC allows for day trips to the Smithsonian. "The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods. Can't beat the close proximity to DC," explains a camper at Greenbelt Park Campground.
Disc golf at Pohick Bay: The 18-hole disc golf course provides recreational opportunities between trips to DC. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests Rachel L. from Pohick Bay Campground.
What campers like
Urban escape with forest feel: Despite being close to population centers, the campgrounds maintain wooded settings. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," shares Becky from Greenbelt Park Campground.
Clean, functional facilities: Many campgrounds maintain reliable bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms and showers are basic and clean," notes one Greenbelt camper, while another at Cosca Regional Park states, "Bathrooms are clean, their are 2 stalls and 1 shower, cleaned daily by park rangers."
Family-friendly activities: Several parks offer dedicated recreational areas. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," explains Elise M. at Washington DC Capitol KOA.
What you should know
Wildlife management needed: Raccoons can be problematic at some campgrounds. "Raccoons run wild at night flipping trash can lids on your campsite hunting for food. Use repel spray to keep the raccoons off your site," advises a camper at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park.
Air traffic noise: Many campgrounds experience overhead flights. "There is plenty of space between camp site clusters. The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods...Can't beat the close proximity to DC," notes a Greenbelt camper, though others mention "occasional air traffic noise."
Level site considerations: Site conditions vary significantly. "Sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill. Driveways are all very narrow," reports Laura M. at Greenbelt Park, while at Cosca Regional Park, a reviewer notes "6 of the 25 sites are unleveled so tent camping is probably the only option."
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to attractions: Dog friendly campgrounds near Upper Marlboro provide easy access to both natural and urban experiences. "We stayed here on a road trip from MA to PA to DC. Was nice to sleep in the 'woods' for a night," shares Kim O. about Greenbelt Park.
Seasonal water activities: Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds offer water recreation options. "They have a nice looking pool area, but it was too cold. The shop was cute and staff nice. Sites were pretty level," explains Joe R. at Cherry Hill Park.
Playgrounds and recreational facilities: Family-oriented amenities vary by location. "The campground has so much to offer... Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," lists Beth R. about Cherry Hill Park, making it a good option for those traveling with children and pets.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing limitations: Many campgrounds have constraints on larger rigs. "Loop A is for organized groups/youth/scouts, Loop B is for tents and RVs under 30 ft, Loop C is for tents, and Loop D is for tents and RVs under 35 ft. No hookups at any of the sites," explains Laura M. at Greenbelt Park.
Water and electrical availability: Hookup options vary widely at pet-friendly campgrounds near Upper Marlboro. "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," notes a reviewer at Cosca Regional Park.
Dump station access: For those needing to empty tanks, several campgrounds offer this service. "There's a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C (sorry tenters who wanted to avoid RVs). The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down," shares a Greenbelt Park camper.
