Camping near Bowie, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while still being close to the city.
What to do
- Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Elk Neck State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great trails and great staff," making it a perfect spot for hiking enthusiasts.
- Fishing and Kayaking: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, you can fish in the lake or kayak on the Tuckahoe River. A camper shared, "We had a picnic table, lantern pole and fire ring in a spacious, wooded site," highlighting the great amenities for water activities.
- Visiting Historical Sites: If you’re interested in history, check out the nearby Harpers Ferry area. One camper noted, "Great location, amazing amenities," which makes it a good base for exploring historical sites.
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Greenbrier State Park Campground stated, "The bath houses & sites are always clean."
- Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds, like Cherry Hill Park, offer spacious sites. One visitor said, "The sites are all nice and level," which is great for setting up your tent or RV.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Pohick Bay Campground are known for being family-friendly. A reviewer mentioned, "The kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids," showing it’s a great spot for families.
What you should know
- Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, such as Bull Run Regional Park, do not allow alcohol. A camper noted, "This place should be free," indicating some frustration with the rules.
- Noise Levels: Be prepared for potential noise, especially at campgrounds near highways. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7."
- Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground advised, "It stays booked because it is such a well maintained campground."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds or kid-friendly activities. One family at Elk Neck State Park Campground enjoyed, "Our site was directly in front of a small playground."
- Plan for Nature Activities: Bring along bikes or kayaks for family fun. A camper at Tuckahoe State Park Campground mentioned, "We had our own yaks, but the park will rent them."
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks handy can keep the kids happy. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park appreciated the "nicely stocked store" for quick snacks.
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "The sites were so unlevel, close together."
- Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "Sites are gravel pretty level and not too close."
- Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park said, "The campground is located conveniently at the corner of I95 and the Washington DC Beltway."
Camping around Bowie, Maryland, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.
