Maryland is a wonderful place to visit. Its history, terrain, and friendly people make it a favorite destination for many RV travelers. Besides the typical rural camping opportunities, four significant cities host urban campgrounds—Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, and Silver Spring, meaning you can enjoy camping near many of the state’s attractions.
Wondering where to go urban camping in Maryland? Here are our favorite spots.
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.
Things to do in Baltimore include:
- National Aquarium
- Fort McHenry National Monument
- Baltimore Museum of Art
- Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
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.
Looking for things to see in Columbia? We recommend:
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.
More things to do in Columbia include:
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.
There are a huge number of things to do in Washington, DC, including:
- Walking the National Mall
- Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
- National Gallery of Art
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History
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.
More things to do while in Washington, DC include:
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- International Spy Museum
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- Touring the White House
Where to Urban Camp in Maryland
- Baltimore is a wonderful city and a great place for Maryland urban camping.
- Maryland also plays host to some urban camping near Washington, DC, a great destination for all kinds of travelers.
- There are also 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.
Ease of Urban RV Camping in Maryland
Parts of Maryland are relatively RV-friendly. That said, you will likely want to avoid driving your RV directly into busy downtown areas. Instead, park your rig in one of the campgrounds on the outskirts of the city and use public transit or a smaller car to drive in to see the sights. You may also want to avoid driving during rush hour, as the traffic around bigger cities can be horrendous.
RV parks are easy enough to find in popular tourist destinations across the state. You also should not have a problem finding rest areas and parking lots that allow RV parking, at least during the day. There are a few steep grades across the state, so be sure to look out for those as you plan your route.
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.
