Best Campgrounds near Washington, DC
Camping options surrounding Washington, District of Columbia primarily extend into neighboring Maryland and Virginia, with most sites located within a 30-60 minute drive from the city center. Greenbelt Park Campground, managed by the National Park Service, sits just 2 miles from DC and provides basic tent and RV sites with convenient Metro access for city exploration. Cherry Hill Park in College Park, Maryland offers full-service camping with amenities including pools, a cafe, and direct transportation to DC attractions. Regional parks like Pohick Bay in Lorton and Burke Lake in Fairfax Station provide water-oriented recreation while maintaining proximity to the capital. Most campgrounds in the region function primarily as convenient basecamps for tourists visiting Washington's monuments and museums rather than wilderness experiences.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds near DC, particularly during spring cherry blossom season and summer months when tourism peaks. Urban noise is common at many sites, with campers reporting aircraft and traffic sounds at several locations. As one visitor to Greenbelt Park noted, "Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring College Park." Cell coverage is generally excellent throughout the region, and most campgrounds offer at least basic amenities like restrooms and showers. Public transportation access varies significantly between locations, with some campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park offering shuttle service to Metro stations while others require personal vehicles for city access.
Many campers specifically choose these locations for their strategic position rather than natural features. "It's a great place to camp if you want to make a visit to DC very affordable, as it's located just 1.5 miles from the nearest Metro Station," reports one Greenbelt Park visitor. Sites tend to be closer together than wilderness camping, with varying degrees of privacy. Campground amenities range from basic at NPS properties to resort-style at private campgrounds. Several locations offer ranger programs and educational activities, particularly during summer months. Despite urban proximity, wooded settings provide shade at most campgrounds, though summer humidity and mosquitoes can be challenging, especially at locations like Cedarville State Forest where visitors report needing "100% DEET so we could be outside."
