Camping near Rock Creek Park
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."
