Bethesda, Maryland is not quite a town or a city but is, instead, unincorporated and considered to be a census-designated place. The area is just north of Washington, D.C., and it has a population of about 68,000 people.
Bethesda was originally home to the Nacotchtank and Piscataway tribes. Henry Fleet, a fur trader, was one of the first people to secure property rights in the area, and more settlers arrived in the area during the late 1690s. Most people who ventured to the area settled down to grow tobacco, and tobacco farming bolstered the economy of Bethesda for many years. For decades, Bethesda stayed relatively small, and it wasn’t until 1890, when a streetcar line was established, that Bethesda’s population began to expand.
Today, Bethesda is a popular suburb of Washington, D.C. Bethesda is the home of the National Institutes of Health campus and the headquarters for both Marriott hotels and Lockheed Martin. Famous people from the Bethesda area include journalist Wolf Blitzer, author Laura Hillenbrand, swimmer Katie Ledecky, and baseball player Justin Maxwell.
Bethesda experiences mild summers. The weather during the summer can range from humid to rainy, and it’s important to note that Bethesda sees a bit more rain than the national average. Winters in Bethesda can be very cold, and the area sees a fair amount of snowfall. For these reasons, many visitors enjoy Bethesda the most during the late spring, summer, and early fall. Bethesda and the surrounding area are also well-known for their beautiful fall foliage colors.
Baltimore Mac and Cheese Festival – A must for food lovers, this festival takes place each May.
Maryland State Fair - Offering fun, food, and games for the whole family, the Maryland State Fair takes place at the end of August and into September each year in Lutherville-Timonium.
Preakness Stakes - One of the most famous horse races in the world, this event takes place in Baltimore every May.
M3 Rock Festival - This festival, which takes place in Columbia each July, celebrates 1980s metal music.
Budds Creek National Motocross – Thrilling to watch, this sporting event takes place in Mechanicsville at the end of August.
Shenandoah National Park is about an hour and 20 minutes from Bethesda. This park, located in Virginia, is known for its stunning scenery. The park is 300 square miles, and visitors can hike, bike, horseback ride, rock climb, fish, boat, or swim. Shenandoah is beautiful at any time of the year, but visitors may want to come during the fall to view the spectacular foliage.
Located about four and a half hours from Bethesda, New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia offers stunning views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. The park is 70,000 acres, and there are dozens of options for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is about five hours and 20 minutes from Bethesda. This gorgeous national park has plenty of things to see and do. The park encompasses 100 miles of river, 100 waterfalls, a scenic railroad, and more than 125 miles of hiking trails.
Patapsco Valley State Park is just under 40 minutes from Bethesda. This beautiful park offers scenic views of the local landscapes, including waterfalls and forests. Visitors can hike, bike, canoe, or horseback ride in the park, and swimming and fishing are also popular activities.
About an hour’s drive from Bethesda, Smallwood State Park offers gorgeous views, camping, wildlife viewing, photography opportunities, and plenty of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The plantation house in the park has also been restored so that visitors can tour through it.
Gambrill State Park is about 45 minutes from Bethesda. This 1,200-acre park offers plenty of hiking or mountain biking trails. Visitors can spot wildlife, take pictures, or simply enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Visit in the fall to see the best foliage colors.
Maryland is home to many historic landmarks and monuments. Antietam National Battlefield, the site of the famous Civil War battle, is only about an hour and 10 minutes from Bethesda. The Fort McHenry National Monument also opens up the area’s history to visitors. The Clara Barton House, which celebrates the woman who founded the Red Cross, is also only about 10 minutes from Bethesda.
There are many options for camping in and around Bethesda. The Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA is located right near the Antietam battlefield and several other historic sites, and the campground offers full hookups, showers, and a pool. Ramblin' Pines is centrally located near Washington, D.C., but it’s quiet and secluded. The campground offers 200 RV sites with full hooks, and there are showers, a pool, a hot tub, and mini-golf. The Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina offers stunning waterfront campsites and also has showers and a laundromat.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Bethesda, MD RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Bethesda, MD RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Bethesda, MD RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
