The best romantic campgrounds 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.

94% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Silver Spring

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.

94% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Silver Spring

1. Bears Den Campground

95%

(1175)

45mi from Silver Spring · 5 sites · Tents

Set up your tent in our remote but easily accessible campground, 100 yards off the Appalachian Trail. Roast marshmallows by the fire pit and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Site #1 is on a hilly slope and accommodates 4 campersSite #2 accommodates 8-10 campersSite #3 accommodates 4 campersSite #4 accommodates 6-8 campersSite #5 accommodates 6-8 campers About the property Located on a 66-acre plot just five miles from the Shenandoah River, our property offers amazing access to hiking and the outdoors while also keeping civilization within striking distance. Bear Chase Brewery is just a half mile walk across the street, and we are 15 miles from Purcellville. The land and lodge used to be the summer home of a trained opera singer, whose singing could be heard throughout the mountain. Your Host lives onsite in the stone house that also acts as a hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Built in the 1930's all from locally sourced hand-hammered stone, the house is open every night from 5pm - 9pm. Note that we offer several campsites relatively close to each other, so you should expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. About the listing Pitch your tent in a forested area just a short walk up from where you’ll park your car. Enjoy unbeatable proximity to hiking and panoramic views while still having basic amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. You’ll have access to a composting pit toilet, and can access potable water from the tap in the lodge. That’s also where you can access hot showers. As noted above, we host Appalachian Trail thru hikers on the property, so you may see them hanging around or sleeping in the bunkhouse near the shared facilities. so please be respectful of hours when you come in for a shower. No showers after 10 pm For meals, we have picnic tables, and you are encouraged to cook over the fire pits that accompany each site. Please practice Leave No Trace practices during your stay, as the property has raccoons and other critters who will be drawn to any food scraps that are left behind. Pets are allowed! Please keep them on leash during your stay. Trash can be disposed of in dumpster up the hill Additional details to note Expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. No kitchen equipment is provided, so campers must bring their own supplies if they'd like to cook. We do not offer WiFi, but there is good cell reception for all common carriers.

2. Fiddlers Green Farm

100%

(477)

44mi from Silver Spring · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

When you come here you are experiencing the rebirth of farming in this country while getting to connect with the natural world. This historic piece of preserved farmland has been in our family for 5 generations. The property is just over 100 acres with about half in forest conservation. We have two streams that join one another and create an amazing habitat for all kinds of wildlife. Our farm has always been a fun and healing place for our friends and family to gather. We love sharing the peaceful seclusion here with folks who enjoy and respect nature. We are a certified organic farm in the early stages of transforming it into a fully regenerative, permaculture operation. We grow hemp, medicinal herbs, and small grains as well as keep bees and a small tribe of goats. We'd love to have you!

3. Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

96%

(138)

44mi from Silver Spring · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging

Surrounded by tall Oak and Poplar trees 1mile off the Appalachian trail. Cars do fine driving into the spot to park. There is some wood around to burn to forage for. Lots of trails l, breweries, wineries, rivers and such nearby. This is not good for toddlers but kids 6 and up will be fine. Thank you and enjoy

4. Wildflower Farm

87%

(31)

46mi from Silver Spring · 1 site · Lodging

Stay in our airy platform tent nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just off the Appalachian Trail. An hour from DC, it's a quick get away for a few quiet nights. Once you're here you can choose from dozens of hikes, swims, breweries and vineyards all within minutes of home. The tent is cozy and quiet complete with an outdoor shower, latrine, tiny kitchen, and big back porch to watch to the sunset. The tent includes a small kitchen with a cooktop and small refrigerated cooler for keeping perishables. Only the basics are here like a sink, glasses, cutlery and pots and pans so if you'd like to get fancy we recommend bringing a few things along. The shower gets quite hot so don't worry if the forecast is chilly you'll still have a warm place to rinse off.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

v

virginia

4 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bears Den Campground

A great space, looking forward to coming through again! Easy set up with benches, tables and fire pits for each campsite

D

David

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bears Den Campground

This was a gorgeous site! Amenities aplenty and getting there is fairly easy. I would highly recommend it!

S

Shelby

2 weeks ago

1 night at Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

The cabin was very well heated for hours in 30 degree and below weather. Well stocked with supplies, and Matt was helpful in providing freshly chopped firewood, lighter, and a grill! A big supply of drinking water and coffee. Had a great time having a bonfire the whole night. Porta potty was pretty decent too. Matt seemed like a cool host in general, and gave us great suggestions for hiking! Would recommend to anyone and I would probably hang out with him if he invited us.

S

Samantha

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

This was my group’s second time camping at Smith Ridge, hosted by Matt. This time I had a bigger group (7 people, 5 tents, and room for more). We had a great time again, and the onsite firewood we were able to purchase kept us warm during the 25 degree weather! Another plus was the porta-potty across from where we parked so we didn’t have to dig a hole in the snow. My group will 100% keep returning to camp here!

A

Ahmed

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bears Den Campground

Great spot for tent camping. The campground is in excellent condition.

B

Ben

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bears Den Campground

The campsite was great! People are friendly and the view was fantastic. All the sites are located in a clearing next to the trail, and they all had fire pits and benches available. The owner was very friendly as well.

A

Andrew

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

We had a great time here! Matt was attentive and was fast to great us! We would definitely visit again!

S

Steph

November 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Bears Den Campground

This was such a lovely area! I mainly carcamped but the lot was extremely accessible to the sites. The area is somewhat secluded (although actual camp sites are pretty close quarters). I am already planning to go back in the spring!

T

Taylor

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

Great spot for a last second trip to the mountains and very close to the Appalachian trail. Matt made sure I had everything I needed for my stay and I will definitely try to make another trip here soon!

G

Giulia

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

I loved camping at Smith Ridge! Matt was a gracious host and very accommodating. He brought us firewood and even upgraded our campsite when the first one didn’t fit our needs. The camps grounds are very beautiful and it’s such a special place. This visit was my second time at Smith Ridge and I’m excited to stay again in the future!

S

Samantha

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

Would definitely camp here again. It’s great for large groups, and Matt the host was very welcoming. We especially appreciated the onsite firewood. $20 got us a beautiful fire burning from 3pm to midnight. Tables and seating were also on site so we were able to prepare our dinner to roast over the fire without haven’t to balance anything on our laps. To top the experience off, there was a spotless porta-potty at the edge of the camp’s boundary. Overall, this site was very well maintained and in a beautiful location.

M

Maddie

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

This spot was a cute and comfy respite from every day life and had everything we needed. Waking up to the rain surrounded by trees, warm and cozy in bed was such a treat. We definitely plan to return!

E

Elena

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bears Den Campground

Great site! Had everything we needed: a flat spot to pitch the tent, toilet, and showers. The fire pit was great and there was plenty of parking pretty close to the site.

C

Chris

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bears Den Campground

The campsite was nice. It was on a bit of a slope so be sure to position your tent accordingly. The firewood was very convenient and located up the hill behind the hostel. The overlook was beautiful.

C

Cathrine

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bears Den Campground

We spent two nights at #3. It is very well situated in regards to the trail and house. We forgot a pot for coffee and were able to borrow from the house, which we are grateful for. We went 5 min down the road into Bluemont for a visit to the general store and community playground. Great woods, wonderful campfire, kids (6 & 8) had a blast!

D

Daniel

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fiddlers Green Farm

I love this camp site and farm. The owners are really nice, welcoming, and helpful. The camp site is awesome - plenty of space and it's right by the creek. I love that it's wooded and feels secluded, even though Taneytown is only a few minutes away. The farm and property is picturesque, especially in the fall. It's seems like something more out of a movie than real life. We will definitely be back again :)

C

Cameron

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

Matt was hands down the greatest host we’ve ever had. He was incredibly hospitable and went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. We even invited him to hang out with us, and he showed us an amazing time. Couldn’t have asked for a better experienced, I highly recommend staying with him!

K

Keenan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bears Den Campground

These sites are located at the Bear's Den Center along the AT in Virginia. Super cool location, and you can walk to a large brewery/restaurant within 15 minutes. I'd definitely camp here again. Fair warning: while the tent sites are quite large, they are all arranged in a circle. If any of the sites are rambunctious, you will hear it. Didn't bother, but don't come here expecting to be alone.

B

Barnabas

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bears Den Campground

The property is beautiful, and the forest in the fall was particularly lovely.

hscha

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bears Den Campground

The campers before us did leave broken glass and plastic around our camp site, however the property was beautiful and the host was very responsive and helpful. We had a lovely relaxing stay and got to hike a part of the Appalachian trail we haven’t seen before. Would definitely revisit.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best romantic camping 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.