T
Trevor 
Traveler
TravelerBay Shore Campground
Fred’s bay shore
One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
Camping near Rock Creek Park
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options near Rock Creek Park in the DC metropolitan area include both public park campgrounds and private RV facilities within 30 miles of the city. Cherry Hill Park in College Park, Maryland stands out as a highly-rated facility offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations about 10 miles northeast of the park. Several additional campgrounds operate in Maryland and Northern Virginia, including Greenbelt Park Campground, which provides more basic facilities for tent and RV camping without electrical hookups, creating a more rustic experience close to the city.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the region, particularly during peak tourist season from spring through fall when visitors flock to the nation's capital. Most facilities remain open year-round, though amenities like pools and splash pads typically operate seasonally. The Washington DC metropolitan area experiences hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for tent camping. While primitive backcountry camping is not permitted within Rock Creek Park itself, group camping is available at Marsden Tract along the C&O Canal in nearby Maryland. "My husband loves to go to DC and we recently purchased a travel trailer. This campground was the best of both worlds. It was close to a metro stop, so we were able to hop on there and head into DC," noted one visitor about Cherry Hill Park.
Several visitors highlight the convenience of camping near public transportation as a key advantage when visiting DC attractions. The campgrounds closest to the city provide shuttle service or direct access to Metro stations, eliminating the need to drive into the congested capital. Facilities like Cherry Hill Park offer premium amenities including multiple swimming pools, mini-golf, playgrounds, and on-site cafes, making them popular with families. Noise from nearby highways can be a consideration at some locations, with campers recommending sites further from major roads for a quieter experience. Campgrounds in the area tend to be well-maintained with clean facilities, though sites are often closely spaced compared to more remote camping areas. One camper remarked, "You'd never know you were in the 'city'. So much for the kids to do and shuttles to DC."
Best Camping Sites Near Rock Creek Park (97)
1. Cherry Hill Park
44 ReviewsBeltsville, MD7 milesWebsite+1 (301) 937-7116$999 / night
"Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."
"That being said, I’m sure there were a few campers who didn’t like being right next to the walkway to the bathrooms and showers. The park is broken down in to various sections and slightly tiered."
2. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
32 ReviewsGreenbelt, MD8 milesWebsite+1 (301) 344-3948$20 / night
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"
3. Lake Fairfax Campground
25 ReviewsReston, VA15 milesWebsite+1 (703) 471-5414$30 - $70 / night
"We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."
"For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground."
4. Pohick Bay Campground
37 ReviewsLorton, VA21 milesWebsite+1 (703) 339-6104$37 - $170 / night
"We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
5. Bull Run Regional Park
43 ReviewsIron Gate, VA26 milesWebsite+1 (703) 631-0550$43 - $100 / night
"History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."
"We booked site 136 due to proximity of the playground (traveling with a 5 & 10 yr old). The site was great except the weird parking stops on every site but the pull throughs."
6. Burke Lake Park Campground
15 ReviewsBurke, VA19 milesWebsite+1 (703) 323-6600"We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."
"This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."
7. Little Bennett Campground
23 ReviewsClarksburg, MD24 milesWebsite+1 (301) 528-3430"We prefer hiking as a family and staying away from crowds and this camp site wasn’t crowded or felt busy. It’s a quick drive from NOVA but just far enough where you feel away from it all."
"We live in Montgomery County and this is a nice camping get away close to home."
9. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
17 ReviewsMillersville, MD23 milesWebsite+1 (410) 923-2771"They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."
10. Marsden Tract Group Campsite
1 ReviewCabin John, MD9 milesWebsite$40 / night
"Purchasers the camp site is beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization it's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water"
Recent Camping Photos near Rock Creek Park
256 Photos of 97 Rock Creek Park Campgrounds
Artemis A.
Cherry Hill Park
Nick C.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Jarmonay N.
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Jason F.
Lake Fairfax Campground
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Glen W.
Burke Lake Park Campground
Ethel B.
Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Kasumi
Pohick Bay Campground
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Recent Reviews near Rock Creek Park
715 Reviews of 97 Rock Creek Park Campgrounds
- JJohn S.
ScoutRamblin' Pines
Weak WiFi
For $90 per night the WiFi should work better. Didn’t connect at all. Had to use the antenna pointed East to get local Baltimore news.
- hheather B.Scout
Cherry Hill Park
Like a resort
This camp ground is like a resort with 2 pools mini golf splash pad and many other amenities
- H
Holly B.
GuideCherry Hill Park
My All Time Favorite…so far
This park is top notch. The grounds are immaculate. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have a lovely gift shop. We were in the 400 sites and it was nice and shady. Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park. This is my all time favorite park so far and I need to go back.
Jeremy G.TravelerJoint Base Andrews Military FamCamp
Could be a great campground but......
There are some good things about this Famcamp. It's like a diamond in the rough. If the military would spend some time and money on it, it could be a great campground. One of the greatest points about this campground is its location. You are so close to downtown D.C.! Every RV site (as far as I saw) was a level concrete pad. All sites, except for tent sites, have full electricity. Most sites have sewer and water. Sites 12-18 should be mainly used for the smaller travel trailers. I had an interesting time getting my 35' 5th wheel into the site. Even though I got my RV into the site, I don't have much room for my truck. My site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill. Everything is rusted beyond repair. My grill was filled with cigarette butts and my fire pit had trash in it. There is some shade. My site has two trees at the front of the pad on both sides of the RV. My bedroom stays nice and cold and I have a good view for my Starlink in the rear. The sites are close to each other, but there is some space. The good thing is that we are surrounded by the golf course. You don't get much noise from the base, because of the location, and because the FamCamp is surrounded by trees. You can hear the busy road outside the fence but I don't hear it much inside the RV. Every once in a while you'll hear an aircraft... but this is an air base, it's expected. We were told the community laundry was not working and to use the base laundry mat. Finally, one of the best parts about the campground, is the lady at outdoor rec that is in charge of the Famcamp. She is very nice and helpful. She will try to assist you with anything you need from directions to useful tips.
- AAimee K.Traveler
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Good location
Nice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
Matt S.
LegendBay Shore Campground
What stands out about this campground? The view!
We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view!
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening
— Friendly staff
— Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge
— They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.
— Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.
— There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.
Phillip H.GuideHarpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Harper’s Ferry KOA
The sites are close together. The park was not full Mother’s Day weekend. It is a very nice park. The bathhouses were clean. The amenities were good although we didn’t utilize them. The national historic site was very close and we walked over day 1 rode our bikes day 2. The C&O canal is accessible but you must walk your bike across the lower town bridge and carry it down the stairs. This section of the trail was very good and we completed 38 miles.
- ccara S.Scout
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hilton area
Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
Guide to Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park offers camping options within reach of DC's urban setting, though not directly within the park boundaries. Most camping near Rock Creek Park requires driving 10-30 miles from the park's central areas. Maryland and Virginia both provide established campgrounds with varying amenities and access to public transportation, making them practical bases for Washington DC exploration.
What to do
Hiking and trails: Little Bennett Campground maintains an extensive trail network through wooded areas. "The park is nice, but if you're looking for fishing don't go here, but you can in fact kayak down the creek," notes one Bull Run Regional Park visitor.
Water activities: Several campgrounds feature water recreation options beyond just swimming. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" shares a camper from Pohick Bay Campground.
Sports and recreation: Many campgrounds offer additional recreational facilities. A Lake Fairfax Campground visitor mentions, "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing, & canoeing)."
Historical exploration: The region's rich history makes it ideal for educational outings. "Harper's Ferry National Historical park 35 miles from Park," notes one visitor to Little Bennett Regional Park, highlighting the proximity to significant historical sites.
What campers like
Urban convenience with nature: Many campers appreciate the balance of natural settings with city accessibility. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," reports a visitor at Greenbelt Park Campground.
Affordable options: Some campgrounds offer better value than others. "This is a good regional campground with activities for kids on special days. Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes," shares a camper at Little Bennett Regional Park.
Clean facilities: Consistently clean amenities rate highly among campers. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained. It's very convenient and plenty of activities for the kids," mentions a Bull Run Regional Park visitor.
Natural surroundings: Despite urban proximity, many sites retain wooded settings. "Best quality: totally in the woods so summer heat doesn't affect you," notes a Lake Fairfax Campground reviewer, highlighting temperature management in summer months.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during peak seasons. "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online," advises a Greenbelt Park Campground visitor.
Noise considerations: Urban proximity means varied noise levels. "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," cautions a Bull Run Regional Park camper.
Site variations: Campsite quality and levelness vary significantly within the same campground. "Not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help," notes a Pohick Bay visitor.
Rules and restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific regulations. "No hanging things from trees. Even if you love a hammock you cannot hang them at this park on the trees so make sure you are aware of this before camping here," warns a visitor to Greenbelt Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. "This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt," shares a Washington DC / Capitol KOA visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Plan for weather variations and seasonal amenities. "We enjoyed the water park immensely. Ten of us in total with kids ranging from 18 months old to 13 years old. Everyone enjoyed the water park and the time we spent there," notes a visitor to Bull Run Regional Park.
Proximity to playgrounds: Some sites offer better playground access. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," shares a Pohick Bay camper describing their family-friendly experience.
Public transit planning: Research transportation options, especially with children. "Take the METRO if you are going into the District. There are two stations very close to camp (Greenbelt and University Park)," advises a Greenbelt Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campsites require significant leveling work. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reports a camper from Little Bennett Campground.
Hookup availability: Hookup options vary widely between campgrounds. "The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side. The landscaping, trees and site placement does help the esthetics," shares a Cherry Hill Park visitor.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. "The sites and clean and spacious. The bathrooms are also clean and have hot showers. The are tons of amenities here. Really great for beginner campers," notes a Bull Run Regional Park camper.
Dump station locations: Know where facilities are located. "Water fill & Dump Station on the beach side of the bathhouse," advises a Lake Fairfax Campground visitor, providing useful orientation information for new arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Rock Creek Park?
Which is the most popular campground near Rock Creek Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rock Creek Park is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 44 reviews.
What parks are near Rock Creek Park?
What parks are near Rock Creek Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Rock Creek Park that allow camping, notably National Mall & Memorial Parks and Greenbelt Park.
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