The best family-friendly glamping near Silver Spring, Maryland

Near the border of Washington DC and Virginia, Silver Spring ties together diverse parks, spectacular shorelines, and historical landmarks like those found in Catoctin Mountain Park. Its centrality makes the area ideal for exploring surrounding states and sites, and the area is wrapped in biodiverse landscapes featuring a wide variety of parks, peaks, and Hipcamps. Just 30 minutes south, campers can access the nation’s capital for a day trip to President’s Park and its monuments. Around Silver Spring, Hipcampers will find campsites, glampsites, farmlands, and retreats year-round, whether crossing borders, staying within state lines, or heading out to the Potomac River.

98% (345)

Top-rated campgrounds

Drone View of Leoni Island. you can hike here from the Tree Star site!

Near the border of Washington DC and Virginia, Silver Spring ties together diverse parks, spectacular shorelines, and historical landmarks like those found in Catoctin Mountain Park. Its centrality makes the area ideal for exploring surrounding states and sites, and the area is wrapped in biodiverse landscapes featuring a wide variety of parks, peaks, and Hipcamps. Just 30 minutes south, campers can access the nation’s capital for a day trip to President’s Park and its monuments. Around Silver Spring, Hipcampers will find campsites, glampsites, farmlands, and retreats year-round, whether crossing borders, staying within state lines, or heading out to the Potomac River.

98% (345)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. TINYHOME n WOODS & PRIVATE ISLAND

97%

(76)

49mi from Silver Spring · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rock Point, MD

Discover the all-new and upgraded camping experience at our stunning property, now featuring a charming tiny home at the Tree Star Campsite complete with a private bathroom. Nestled within 133 acres of pristine nature, this unique spot offers comfort and tranquility like never before. In addition to the Tree Star site, we proudly offer a Private Island Campsite—an exclusive getaway that delivers a true off-road adventure. Please note, reaching the island requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate the rugged terrain and ensure a smooth arrival. For those seeking the ultimate retreat, the entire property can be booked together, providing a massive, immersive outdoor experience filled with diverse landscapes and unforgettable moments. To enhance your stay, we provide a variety of convenient add-ons including firewood, trash removal, and natural spring water, making your visit comfortable and hassle-free. We’re back and better than ever, delivering unique experiences through our thoughtful upgrades and exceptional offerings. Your next adventure awaits! Enjoy and take lots of photos to share, you'll love it. Check out our Instagram for additional photos and videos of @farmzen_

2. Maple Grove Farm

97%

(288)

47mi from Silver Spring · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fallston, MD

Maple Grove farm is a twenty acre preserved livestock and hay farm in Harford County Maryland. It is home to sheep, alpaca, an old horse, chickens , dogs, and a cat or two. The world headquarters for Remsberg Inc Photo Studios is in the older farmhouse on the property and we lead photo safaris and workshops in Africa and England through the year. Our crack team of Border Collies are here to assist you with all your outdoor activity needs from frisbee tossing to ball throwing. Gather around the fire under the stars and listen to the sounds of sheep doing whatever it is sheep do with one of our loaner dogs at your feet and horses grazing in the sunset on the hill. We are only three miles from W42 (Fallston Airport) if you are flying in. Nearby there are hiking trails and a swimming hole at Gunpowder Falls State Park one mile away. Boordy Vinyards down the road has a farmers market Thursdays and wine tastings other days or get homemade ice cream at Prigel Creamery just past it. Take your canoe up to Eden Mill or Bike on the Ma & Pa and NCR trails nearby.

3. Catoctin Quaker Camp

98%

(76)

47mi from Silver Spring · 10 sites · Lodging · Thurmont, MD

Catoctin Quaker Camp was established in 1958 and its 385 acres are mostly forests. There is a pond, bathhouse, and plenty of land to explore (385 acres). The camp is located on Frederick County's South Mountain formation and is adjacent to the Frederick City watershed which is filled with beautiful trails. We have 8 different cabins available to rent and the option to book out the entire property. Toilets, showers, picnic tables, and potable water are all available on site. Campfires are permitted! No pets allowed. Catoctin Mountain National Park, Cunningham Falls State Park and Gambril State Park are all within a 10 to 15-minute drive. Adventure awaits at Catoctin Mountain Park! Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this park is the perfect getaway. Hike a trail and enjoy an epic view.

4. Camps at Evensong Farm

100%

(37)

48mi from Silver Spring · 2 sites · Lodging · Sharpsburg, MD

Evensong Farm is a preserved historic farm adjacent to the Antietam National Battlefield. We have set up two, almost identical, sites on a 60 acre parcel of our farm which is very private for our campers, but allows access to the lovely Antietam Creek. The sites themselves are about 500 feet apart so, while they maintain privacy when booked by different parties, can also be booked together for group stays. We have been hosting campers at our "glampsites" since 2021. Each off-grid site has a 12x16 platform with a 10x12 canvas side wall tent, a firepit and chairs, a cooking area with a grill and sink for washing up, a picnic table and benches, and a private bathroom with a composting toilet and solar shower bag. The main tent is set up for 2 people, although 4 is possible. The sites can handle a max of 12 people, with the use of additional tents (BYO or you can set up some of ours). We provide an electronic camp guide to all of our campers that include our recommendations for things to do in the area, as well as camping tips and other handy info. Inside the tent you will find a queen size bed, side tables, and a cafe table and chair set. We have put down foam flooring and a carpet for your comfort and provide numerous battery powered lights, lanterns and fans. In cold months we can add a propane heater to keep the chill away. We also have some games, maps of the area, decks of cards, and a fire extinguisher. Stepping outside the tent you'll find our long rainfly creates a covered porch where you can relax on our provided chairs. There are additional chairs around the firepit and each firepit has a cooking grate so you can cook over your campfire. We provide one bundle of firewood (including kindling) per night with your reservation. We do sell additional firewood, if needed. In our kitchen area you will find a picnic table and chairs, 5 gallons of drinking water, a clean up table that includes a foot operated pump sink with an additional 5 gallons of washing water, a grill (one site has propane and the other has charcoal), trash and recycling bins, grill tools, lighters, plus dish and hand soaps. Our farm is a mile and a half from the town of Sharpsburg, MD, home of the Antietam National Battlefield (and Nutter's Ice Cream Shop). You will find the Appalachian Trail to our east and the C&O Canal to our west (10 minute drive to either).

Stories from the community

a

amber

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to TINYHOME n WOODS & PRIVATE ISLAND

What an amazing retreat! We wanted to ditch the tent for the night and it was so worth it. The basketball court was an added touch of fun.

T

Tess

3 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camps at Evensong Farm

We loved camping at Julie’s! When we arrived she help get us to the site (it was dark out already) and showed us around. Every amenity was thought of. There were even cute lights on the cooking tent and on the walk to the other site. We rented both sites for our large group. The property is beautiful and we had the best time!

T

Theodrick

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Camps at Evensong Farm

Julie’s property was absolutely a joy and as I write this my partner have already thought a return trip that will add additional days to fully enjoy her property and the amenities. What stood out was the details of having everything available and her overall responsiveness to any questions or requests we had.

D

Dean

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Catoctin Quaker Camp

Fantastic spot for camping. Very remote. You can see so many stars at night.

L

Lynn

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camps at Evensong Farm

We absolutely love the space that Julie provides! Evensong Farm is a magical place that we will return to year after year.

R

Rebecca

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camps at Evensong Farm

Both sites at Evensong were just wonderful for our 2 families, and Julie was a perfect host. The tents were very comfortable, the sites were very picturesque, and the grounds were perfect (and safe) for letting the kids run around and have adventures. We were particularly impressed with how well-appointed the sites were in terms of things like lanterns, kitchen equipment, and lots of other little details to make the stay more comfortable.

R

Rebecca

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camps at Evensong Farm

The Evensong sites were just fantastic for our two families. Julie truly thought of everything. The tents were very comfortable, there was ample space for kids to safely run around and have adventures, and the property was very picturesque. I was particularly impressed with how well equipped both sites were with everything from lamps to outdoor kitchen equipment.

Ross

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Catoctin Quaker Camp

The property and management is lovely here. Highly recommend

M

Marta

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Maple Grove Farm

Great experience, especially because of the animals around!

W

William

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camps at Evensong Farm

My family and I loved staying at Julie's camp sites! It was the perfect place to go and relax. Having a kitchen with water was helpful when needing to wash hands and dishes. Julie provided a lot of helpful tips and information about the sites and the surrounding areas. Fishing was relaxing and caught a lot of fish! We will definitely be coming back!

W

William

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camps at Evensong Farm

My family and I loved staying at Julie's camp sites! It was the perfect place to go and relax. Having a kitchen with water was helpful when needing to wash hands and dishes. Julie provided a lot of helpful tips and information about the sites and the surrounding areas. Fishing was relaxing and caught a lot of fish! We will definitely be coming back!

T

Tanya

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Catoctin Quaker Camp

Wonderful! Kids loved the paths in the woods, the pond, canoes, fire pit and the kitchen facilities are a nice bonus for adults!

A

Amanda

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Catoctin Quaker Camp

Perfect trip with lots of Quaker magic as always!!

M

Megan Honor

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Catoctin Quaker Camp

Loved the woods, stream, pond. Easy to spend days with little kids exploring and playing. I’d like to return, would be great with a large group

Stephanie

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Maple Grove Farm

Had a great time glamping at Edwin's farm. The tent is cozy, the bed is comfy, and the dogs are adorable. Site was a bit hot during the day in full sun but comfortable after sundown. A picnic table would enhance the experience. Overall my son and I loved it and would return.

A

Allison

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camps at Evensong Farm

Staying at Julie’s was a wonderful experience. We were a big group but all of us fell in love with the land. Julie was amazing and very proactive with anything we needed help with. We hope to return some time soon!

S

Shiva

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Catoctin Quaker Camp

We have been renting Catoctin Quaker camp for over 20 years and adore everything about it, but their new caretaker Brian is above and beyond! Hats off to his helpfulness and generosity, his kindness and all of his efforts to make our camp experience memorable!

S

Siobhan

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Maple Grove Farm

We loved camping on the top of the Land Rover. A very unique experience for me and my kids. Three of us squeezed in and we slept well. The dogs- as everyone states- are truly a joy to be around. Peaceful fun adventure getaway for a night.

S

Stephan Farid

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Camps at Evensong Farm

We had a fantastic stay at Evensong Farm! The site was well set up with everything we needed — the amenities were all on point. I really appreciated that firewood (one bundle per night) and plenty of water were included, with the option to buy more wood if needed. The host was very responsive and helpful throughout our stay. It was also really cool that the two sites are within easy walking distance of each other — perfect if you’re going with friends. There’s lots of space for extra tents, and it’s nice knowing you can comfortably fit up to 12 people if you want a bigger group gathering. The canvas tent itself was great, with a real bed and even a tent under the bed. The location is excellent — just a short drive to Harpers Ferry for a daytime hike and a beer afterward. Overall, we truly enjoyed our stay and would definitely come back again!

C

Courtney

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Maple Grove Farm

My son and I had such a great time. The dogs are so friendly and fun. The property is gorgeous. The portable toilet is the cleanest I’ve EVER used. So unique and fun, highly recommend. For someone just easing back into camping, this was a great start and safe!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Silver Spring guide

Where to go

Catoctin Mountain Park

Sitting on the northeast end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Catoctin Mountain Park is home to over 25 miles of hiking trails, historical sites, and camping. The park offers multiple campgrounds with tent sites and unique historic cabins and dorm rentals. Find the state’s largest waterfall along the Cunningham Falls Nature Trail, or journey through the half-mile loop Charcoal Trail to learn about the region's charcoal-making history. The west side of the park provides quiet and secluded trails where campers can traverse the Catoctin National Recreation Trail filled with historic colonial sites.

Gunpowder Falls State Park

Sail the scenic shoreline of Gunpowder River at Gunpowder Falls State Park. Sitting an hour northeast of Silver Spring, Gunpowder Falls—one of Maryland’s largest state parks—provides campers with six areas of outdoor adventure. The Hammerman Area in Middle River provides pavilions, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a swimming beach, as well as the nearby Dundee Creek Marina where boaters can access a boat launch, fuel, and rentals. Lack of on-site camping requires campers to plan ahead and explore the surrounding campgrounds, cabin rentals, and vacation cottages.

Prince William Forest Park

Venture across the border of Virginia to Prince William Forest Park. Covered by a canopy of trees, the peaceful park welcomes hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Picnic areas offer day-use options, while overnight campers can choose from tent sites, RV sites, backcountry camping, and cabin rentals. Note that the grounds are dry sites only, and there are no hookups for RVs or trailers. The Chopawamsic Backcountry Area is perfect for secluded serenity, though campsites only hold two tents maximum and no campfires are allowed.

When to go

Silver Spring welcomes campers year-round to enjoy the changing seasons and lavish landscapes. Late spring, summer, and early fall bring temperatures in the high 70s and 80s, ideal for campers wishing to hit the water and sleep under the stars. As cooler temperatures approach, catch the artistry of nature at work in the unforgettable fall foliage. Winter weather sees average highs around 40°F and lows that drop below freezing overnight from late November to March. Experience with cold weather camping is highly recommended, or a cabin rental for a snowy stay.