Waterfall camping near Silver Spring
Hike through history and ride the riverbanks near Silver Spring.
- Silver Spring
Popular camping styles for Silver Spring
3 top waterfall campgrounds near Silver Spring
DC Hideaway & Hot Pepper Gardens
Hawkwood Farm
Deer haven campsites
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterfall camping near Silver Spring guide
Overview
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.
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.
