Camping Near DC

The capital of the United States, Washington D.C. is often associated with bureaucracy, politics and museums. And while the city’s very existence is thanks to all that, there’s much more to the capital than national institutions and other official business. Washington D.C. is, in fact, one of the greenest major cities in the U.S. You won’t find any campgrounds in the city, but there is plenty of excellent camping near Washington D.C.

The Potomac River forms D.C.’s border with Virginia, one of the East Coast’s greatest and most historic rivers. Its banks lined with parks, monuments and iconic cherry trees—which bloom spectacularly in spring—the Potomac River area is arguably the city’s most popular destination. There is a network of nice hiking and biking trails, while expansive lawns and gardens invite people to have picnics or sit down with a good book.

In the northeast of the city, the vast United States Arboretum has a huge collection of bonsai trees and many miles of trails. Rock Creek Park, on the other hand, is the green lungs of D.C. More than twice as large as New York City’s Central Park, it offers myriad outdoor activities.

When camping near Washington D.C., you’ll be close to some of the country’s most famous monuments. Most of them lie along the National Mall, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Lovers of culture, history and the arts will find all they could ever want in the various Smithsonian Museums.

This area is also a great base from which to explore the numerous natural and historic sights in Virginia. Great Falls Park with its thundering Potomac River cascades and pleasant nature trails lies just beyond the northern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, while at its southern terminus, you’ll find George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive are only an hour and a half to the west.

In Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park offers historic exhibits, amazing views of the easternmost Blue Ridge Mountains and excellent National Park Service-managed camping near Washington D.C.

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Guide to District of Columbia

Camping in the District of Columbia offers a unique blend of nature and city life. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy the great outdoors while being just a stone's throw away from the nation's capital.

What to Do

Explore Washington, D.C.: Many campgrounds are conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to visit iconic sites like the National Mall and museums. One camper mentioned, “We stayed a week at Cherry Hill Park and it had everything we needed for visiting DC.”
Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, fishing, and biking along the scenic trails. A reviewer at Pohick Bay Campground said, “The trails to the bay are fun,” highlighting the area's natural beauty.
Family Fun: Campgrounds like Burke Lake Park Campground offer activities like mini-golf and a carousel. One visitor noted, “The park offers a lake for fishing and kayaking, 5-mile trail around the lake, disc golf, mini-golf, carousel, and a cool little train.”

What Campers Like

Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A reviewer at Lake Fairfax Campground said, “Great bathrooms all singles with showers. Lots of fun things to do.”
Community Feel: Many campgrounds foster a sense of community. One camper at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, “There is a generally good sense of community, which is lucky because of how close together the sites are.”
Convenient Locations: Campgrounds like Greenbelt Park Campground are close to the city, making them ideal for quick getaways. A visitor noted, “This is a pretty nice campground... if you’re in the DC area and just want someplace close by for a short camping trip.”

What You Should Know

Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports, which can lead to noise. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground warned, “This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7.”
Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Cedarville State Forest mentioned, “There is no camp sink, which was a bummer.”
Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Washington DC / Capitol KOA advised, “Do not try and come in after dark. Very tight and very dark.”

Tips for Camping with Families

Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at Burke Lake Park Campground said, “The staff have always been friendly! Park offers a lake for fishing and kayaking.”
Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Cherry Hill Park enjoyed the “nicely stocked store” for quick meal options.
Engage in Nature: Encourage kids to explore the outdoors. A reviewer at Swains Lock Hiker-biker Campsite shared, “This is one of the few hiker biker campgrounds with road access.”

Tips from RVers

Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lake Fairfax Campground noted, “Both were not level,” which can be a challenge for larger rigs.
Use Local Resources: Take advantage of nearby stores for supplies. A visitor at Adventure Bound Washington DC mentioned, “The staff is super friendly!”
Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Many campgrounds have narrow roads. A reviewer at Washington DC / Capitol KOA warned, “Very tight and very dark,” so be cautious when navigating.

Camping near DC offers a unique experience that combines the beauty of nature with the excitement of the city. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, there's something for everyone.