As one of the original 13 colonies, Maryland has one of the longest histories of states in the country. Founded in 1634, the state centers around the Chesapeake Bay and reaches westward to the Appalachian Mountains. Its location made it a leading trade center, which it remains today. Its history, terrain, and friendly people make it a favorite destination for many RV travelers. Four significant cities host urban campgrounds—Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, and Silver Spring. These cities, located throughout the state, make urban camping in Maryland a pleasure.
Urban RV Parks in Maryland
Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina
One of the favorite weekend stays of Baltimore residents is at Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina. Sitting only 24 miles northeast of Baltimore on the banks of the Bush River, this park has served RV visitors for over 55 years with 73 full hookup sites providing 30-foot-wide and 50-foot-long spaces that accommodate big rigs as well as small. Boat ramps grant easy access to the smooth waters of the Bush River, where a marina and dock provide spaces for guest’s boats to remain in the water. A game room, swimming pool, and playground help families relax after a day of fun and adventure.
Ramblin’ Pines Family Campground and RV Park
Only a 27-minute drive northwest of Columbia, Ramblin’ Pines Campground and RV Park sits amongst trees and rolling hills outside Woodbine, MD. Their 90 campsites, of which 87 have gravel pads and three have paved pads, offer a full array of amenities, including full hookups with 30-amp and 50-amp service. A well-stocked fishing pond lets anglers teach their children the art of fishing, and an aquatic complex including a heated pool and a water umbrella lets families cool down on a hot day. Every site comes with Wi-Fi and cable TV access.
Little Bennett Campground
From Germantown, the Little Bennett Campground is just a 10-minute drive. Though a county park, this campground has many more amenities than those found in Maryland’s state parks. With 91 hidden campsites available in a wooded area, this park provides full hookups with a choice of 20-, 30-, and 50-amp service. Restrooms, showers, a laundry facility, and a camp store that carries groceries, firewood, and ice make the stay pleasant and rewarding. Hiking trails wander beneath the trees and along streams, and a playground provides plenty of fun for kids.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area lies nine miles north of Columbia. The park provides 73 spaces with 30-amp electrical service. This park is a barebones RV stop with restrooms and showers, a playground, but little else in the way of amenities. Water comes from a central spigot, and a dump station is available for campers to clean their waste tanks. The views of the Patapsco River are stunning, and the fishing is fantastic.
Cherry Hill Park
Cherry Hill Park is one of the favorite locations for urban RV camping in Maryland. Located only six miles east of Silver Spring, it is the nearest RV park to Washington, DC. With its 390 all-weather, full hookup sites and a controlled gate, this park provides free Wi-Fi, cable TV, an enclosed dog run, and a dog park. An aquatic complex offers a heated swimming pool, hot tubs, a water umbrella, and a splash pad to keep guests cool during the summer.
Greenbelt Park
A 14-minute drive to the east from Silver Spring, the Greenbelt Park is another favorite for those RV travelers visiting Washington. With 174 available campsites, this pet-friendly park is set in a wooded wonderland where nature comes to you. The campsites are as bare as it gets in the RV world. The campground provides showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Kids love the ruggedness they find here, and families find time to hike the nine miles of trails away from the hubbub of the city.
160 West RV Park
Located only 12 minutes southeast of Silver Spring in Hyattsville, MD, the 160 West RV Park serves as an emergency campsite for visitors to the area who have trouble finding any other sites. Up to 30 RVs are welcome to stay overnight with 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service and water hookups. While pets are allowed, they must be leashed. A dump station is available for those wishing to clean their tanks.
Where to Urban Camp in Maryland
Many who ask where to urban camp in Maryland are shocked to find RV campgrounds close to the major cities. Most of these cities are suburban areas supporting either Baltimore or Washington, DC. However, there are other urban areas up and down both coasts of the Chesapeake Bay where campers can stay and enjoy the amenities provided by the cities and towns found there. Maryland is a unique area with hundreds of miles of shore along the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay and fantastic highlands toward the West Virginia border. RV travelers find there is no lack of urban RV camping in Maryland anywhere in the state.
Urban RV Camping in Maryland
Though Maryland is not a large state, it has a lot to offer travelers, such as French and Indian War forts, Fort McHenry, the fortification that defeated the British in the War of 1812, and the Antietam Battlefield that saw so much tragic loss on both sides during the Civil War. Don’t miss any of it. Pack up the essentials like insect repellent, fishing poles, medications, dishes, pots, pans, extra clothing, and linens so that you won’t have to waste time shopping for them while on your trip. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for more RV travel tips and ideas.
With an RV rental, your urban vacation will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day exploring the city, you can relax around the fire at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect urban getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
