Camp Meade

For members of the military community and authorized Department of Defense (DoD) personnel in Maryland, finding a high-quality, secure place to stay between the state's major hubs is a top priority. Camp Meade RV Park and Campground, nestled within the grounds of Fort George G. Meade, offers a unique outdoor hospitality experience. This destination is perfectly positioned for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the Maryland region while remaining close to the professional and recreational opportunities of the Baltimore-Washington corridor. As a "city within a city," the campground provides a tranquil, tree-lined environment that serves as a quiet sanctuary for active duty members, retirees, and their families.

The campground is known locally for its well-maintained facilities and the sense of security that comes with being located on a premier military installation. Unlike commercial campgrounds that can feel crowded or transient, Camp Meade maintains an atmosphere of disciplined relaxation and community. Whether you are arriving for a short-term visit to explore the nearby National Cryptologic Museum or staying for an extended period during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), the park is designed to meet the specific needs of the military lifestyle. Its lush greenery and shaded sites offer a refreshing contrast to the high-tech, fast-paced environment of the surrounding intelligence and cyber command centers.

Location and accessibility are the defining features of Camp Meade. Situated at Fort Meade, MD 20755, the campground sits almost exactly halfway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and is just 20 miles from the state capital, Annapolis. This central location makes it an ideal "base camp" for local Maryland users who want easy access to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Interstate 95. Because the campground is located within a secure military installation, access is restricted to authorized ID cardholders (Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, and DoD Civilians). Visitors without a DoD ID must undergo background vetting at the Visitor Control Center located at the Mapes Road/MD-175 gate to gain entry. Once on post, campers will find the roads are big-rig friendly and lead directly to the Outdoor Recreation administrative building on Wilson Street.

The services offered at Camp Meade are comprehensive, focusing on the comfort of RV travelers and those who prefer a more structured camping experience. The site provides a full range of hookups and amenities that rival high-end civilian parks. A central hub for guests is the administration building, which doubles as a camp store where essential supplies, propane, and firewood can be purchased. For those traveling with larger parties or without a personal camper, the facility offers primitive camper cabins. These services ensure that every guest has access to the tools they need for a successful stay, whether they are preparing for a weekend of hiking or just passing through the region.

• Full-service RV sites with electricity (20/30/50 AMP), water, sewer, and cable TV hookups.
• Dedicated pull-thru and back-in sites designed to accommodate rigs up to 60 feet in length.
• On-site administrative building featuring a camp store for snacks, drinks, and basic RV accessories.
• Propane refill station available directly on the campground grounds.
• Modern laundry facilities equipped with multiple washers and dryers for long-term guests.
• Proprietary Wi-Fi access available in common areas, including the laundry and lounge buildings.
• Reservation services handled through the Outdoor Recreation Branch with options for daily, weekly, or monthly stays.

Features and highlights at Camp Meade go beyond the standard campsite. The facility is integrated into the robust Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) network of Fort Meade, giving campers access to a wide array of activities. One of the standout features is the centrally located bathhouse, which includes private showers and a comfortable lounge area with books, games, and a TV—perfect for unwinding while waiting for laundry. The surrounding area of the fort offers even more, including ball fields, boat rentals at nearby Burba Lake, and even a bowling center. For those with children, the park is explicitly kid-friendly, featuring nearby playgrounds and safe, low-speed-limit roads for biking.

• Spacious, level concrete or asphalt pads that ensure a stable setup for any class of RV.
• A dedicated recreation room and lounge, providing a communal space for indoor relaxation.
• Close proximity to the Commissary and Exchange for convenient tax-free shopping.
• Pet-friendly policies that include access to a dedicated on-post dog park.
• Access to outdoor equipment rentals, including boats for use on the installation's lakes.
• Natural shade provided by mature trees, keeping sites cool during the humid Maryland summers.
• Secure gated entrance with code access specifically for the RV park residents.

For those ready to plan their stay, the contact information is essential for navigating the military access requirements. Camp Meade is located at 2300 Wilson Street, Fort Meade, MD 20755. To check site availability or make a reservation, you can contact the Outdoor Recreation office by phone at (301) 677-6196 or via their toll-free number at 1-888-722-4237. Their staff can provide specific instructions on which gate to use (typically the Mapes/175 gate for visitors) and what documentation is required at check-in, such as vehicle registration and pet vaccination records. The office is generally open Monday through Sunday, 0900 to 1700, though it is closed on federal holidays.

What is worth choosing about Camp Meade is the unbeatable combination of value and strategic location. For eligible users, the rates are significantly more affordable than comparable private RV parks in the expensive Baltimore-D.C. metro area. It is worth choosing for the peace of mind that comes with staying on a secure government facility, which is a major plus for travelers carrying expensive equipment or those traveling alone. Furthermore, the ability to walk or take a short drive to world-class facilities like the Fort Meade golf course or the bowling alley adds a level of convenience that you simply won't find at a standard roadside campground. If you are a military family looking for a clean, quiet, and reliable place to call home while exploring the heart of Maryland, Camp Meade is the premier choice.

Beyond the logistical benefits, choosing this campground allows you to immerse yourself in a significant piece of American history. As the former training ground for the "Hello Girls" of WWI and a duty station for future generals like Patton and Eisenhower, the grounds are steeped in heritage. Staying here isn't just about finding a place to park; it's about being part of the continued mission and community of Fort George G. Meade. For local Marylanders who serve or have served, it represents the best of the state's military hospitality.

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