c
cara S.
Scout
ScoutPatapsco 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.
Camping near National Mall & Memorial Parks
Camping options near National Mall & Memorial Parks include several established campgrounds within a short drive of Washington DC, providing convenient accommodations for visitors exploring the nation's capital. Greenbelt Park Campground, located approximately 12 miles northeast of the National Mall, serves as an urban oasis with tent and RV camping in a wooded setting. Other nearby options include Cherry Hill Park in College Park with full-service RV sites, cabins and glamping accommodations, and several regional parks in Virginia like Pohick Bay Campground and Bull Run Regional Park that offer mixed-use campgrounds with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals.
The camping landscape surrounding the DC area features a mix of federal and regional park facilities, most requiring advance reservations through recreation.gov or park-specific websites. Greenbelt Park Campground maintains four separate loops with varying accommodation types - one for organized groups, and others designated for tents and RVs under specific length limits. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with some facilities closing during winter months, though Cherry Hill Park and Bull Run Regional Park remain open year-round. Many campers appreciate the strategic location of these campgrounds for city exploration. As one visitor noted, "Amazing that there is such a pretty place so close to DC. This must be a great getaway for locals."
Several reviews highlight Greenbelt Park's accessibility to public transportation as a key advantage for campers wanting to visit Washington DC. The park offers a natural setting with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities while being minutes from metro stations. Campers frequently mention seeing deer and enjoying the forest atmosphere despite the urban surroundings. While basic amenities like bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables are standard at most sites, hookup availability varies significantly between campgrounds. Some visitors point out limitations - "No electric or hook ups - even with tent camping we like to be plugged in but no RV services are offered here." Regional parks in Virginia tend to offer more amenities including electric and water hookups, while Greenbelt Park focuses on a more natural camping experience with minimal facilities despite its urban proximity.
Best Camping Sites Near National Mall & Memorial Parks (94)
1. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD12 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, MD11 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. Pohick Bay Campground
37 ReviewsLorton, VA16 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."
4. Lake Fairfax Campground
25 ReviewsReston, VA16 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."
5. Bull Run Regional Park
43 ReviewsIron Gate, VA24 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, VA16 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. Cedarville State Forest
17 ReviewsBrandywine, MD19 milesWebsite+1 (301) 888-1410$30 / night
"We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."
"Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
8. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
4 ReviewsClinton, MD12 milesWebsite+1 (301) 868-1397$10 - $45 / night
"Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance however, 6 of the 25 sites are unleveled so tent camping is probably the only option."
"Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself. Bathrooms are clean and have decent showers."
9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
4 ReviewsFort Belvoir, VA13 milesWebsite+1 (703) 805-3081$55 / night
"Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
"It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river."
10. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
32 ReviewsDumfries, VA28 milesWebsite+1 (703) 221-7181$26 / night
"Showers are in loop B, which is a 5-7 minute walk. During holiday weekends the sites closest to the shower facilities are fully booked and have less privacy."
"The Oak Ridge campgrounds at Prince William Forest Park are a lovely little campground just outside Washington DC. The sites were large, the facilities are clean and the staff friendly and helpful."
Recent Camping Photos near National Mall & Memorial Parks
221 Photos of 94 National Mall & Memorial Parks Campgrounds
Nick C.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Evelyn T.
Cherry Hill Park
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Shari G.
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Rachel
Burke Lake Park Campground
Angie C.
Pohick Bay Campground
adrian F.
Lake Fairfax Campground
Mary N.
Cedarville State Forest
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Caitlin A.
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Recent Reviews near National Mall & Memorial Parks
642 Reviews of 94 National Mall & Memorial Parks Campgrounds
- FFredrick K.
TravelerMarble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Great place to get some peace and quiet
If youre looking for fun and people, go to the south campground. But if youre looking for true quiet and have a tent, check out the dispersed campsites. Good shower and bathroom setup that i bet would fare well in a tornado, its got that solid storm shelter feel. Next to a quiet airport, plenty of free firewood to gather
John M.
GuideMatoaka Beach Cottages
Fantastic location with winderful hosts
Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.
- DDebbie W.Scout
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Not as advertised on website. Loose dogs. Sites not as advertised.
Less amenities than advertised. We usually camp in more rustic locations and planned this trip simply for the fun of the amenities. Their website claims that the pool is seasonal but doesn't list anything else as seasonal. There was supposed to be mini golf, a giant bounce pillow, indoor basketball, an arcade with air hockey and a pool table. Mini golf was fine. The bounce pillow was deflated and full of water. The arcade/pool table/air hockey building was locked and the maintenance guy(who locks it up) was outside smoking before leaving early for the day. The employee at the camp store said it was supposed to be open until the store closed but that he probably just closed it early.
The rules state that dogs need to be on a leash at all times and, in the two hours we actually stayed, we saw four that weren't. One was staying near us and started chasing us when we rode our bikes by. One was wandering about 4 campsites down from it's owner. We mentioned it to the person at the camp store before we were chased and she just shrugged it off.
The map is incorrect. It lists site numbers that don't exist and doesn't list some sites that supposedly do. We spent a fifteen minutes trying to find a non-existent site before going back to the camp office and getting assigned a new site. They acted like it was a new thing caused by maintenance but we just looked and saw a review from ten months ago saying the map was messed up then.
The description of the site we paid for was non electric tent with a sand tent pad. The site we got was on a hill(no actual flat spot) overgrown with weeds, no tent pad, a slanted picnic table, and no actual parking spot. You had to drive over a drainage ditch and park on the hill. If our car didn't have high clearance we wouldn't have made it. There was also a hole in the middle of the site. And the map showed that number site on the corner where another unmarked site was. Our originally assigned site was supposedly in the same group of sites, so it would've been similar. Also don't believe the claim that they're"large sites." Most of them are crammed together. There are a few that look decent sized and flat, but they want you to pay an extra$30 to pick your own site.
We didn't even look in the bathrooms.
We left after two hours. Definitely a waste of$60+ dollars.
Next time we'll go over to the Brunswick Family campground. Their owners are lovely people who care about their customers.
Beth B.
LegendPrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Nice clean Campground
Stayed here for a week while working nearby. Easy to get to and set up. Office was closed when we arrived but arrival paperwork was posted outside office door. Even with busy road nearby, park was quiet and felt private. Sites were level and paved making setup easy. Sites had 1/2 site extra paved for vehicle with extra parking nearby. There was no litter in park, we observed a staff member daily making the rounds to keep everything clean. There was walking access into the park on wide private roads without traffic. With park access you are able to walk into national forest park from RV camp. National Forest visitor center close by, 1 exit away going south I95. Amenities in RV park included swimming pool, chess board with extra large pieces, playground and clean bath house. Firewood and ice on site.
- CCaitlin R.Scout
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great Campground
Our family loved this campground. It was entirely wooded with plenty of shade, sites were close but separated enough to feel like you were in your own site. Our kids and others rode their bikes around the loop all weekend long. Bathrooms could have been a little cleaner and all the entrances except one were closed, but that’s what happens when you cut budgets for public lands.
- VVaught M.Scout
Brunswick Family Campground
Lovely campground on the C&O. Beware the trains!
This is a lovely campground that I recommend and would stay again. We have been twice: once as a family and once with a Scout troop. The RV sites are fairly large and clean. The tent-only sites are smaller and have a metal fire ring with a grate (nice!). The RV sites have mostly brick rings without grates. The bathrooms are fairly small (two showers on the female and one on the male) which might be an issue on busy weekends. The only real water entrance is the boat ramp, but you can climb down a cliff in other places. A, D, and E are sunnier. B and C and Nottingham are mostly wooded with mature trees. We used the site as a base for a bike trip along the C&O to go to Harper’s Ferry (14mi round trip along a gravel path). The staff were friendly and there is a small camp store.
But the trains! THE TRAINS!!! Every review will mention them for a reason. The site is adjacent to a rail yard that runs all day. Not just a passing train, but clanging car and engine changes. It’s LOUD. I slept with earplugs, but could still hear the noise. The yard really starts going around 5am and goes all day. It slows down after 8/9pm, but never stops entirely. The trains are the only reason for the removed star and it’s not the campground’s fault. But almost all of the real complaints are about the noise. If you want an extra quiet campground with only birds and running water, this is not the place for you. But if you don’t mind the loud bangs and low rumbles, this place is fine!
The entrance is beyond the train yard and about a mile down a widened part of the C&O. It is possible to be trapped inside or outside if a train is stopped at the crossing (30min for us, once).
In short, it’s a great campground if you bring ear plugs!
Ashley T.TravelerGoose Bay Marina
Jeepers Creepers meets Catalina Wine Mixer
When we first arrived it was late (we are either late or not coming as always!) the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will love it tomorrow… welp he knows me! All the boat storage and walking around it so fun looking at all the boat names… they are remodeling the bathhouses now they look nice so far on the inside. Everyone is working really hard a staying busy tending to the boats or landscaping or docks… Vicki is super friendly she works practically everyday… but hopefully one day she will trust someone enough to delegate her duties to…
Thiru Moorthy G.ScoutBull Run Regional Park
⭐ 1-Star Review – Shockingly Rude, Misleading, and Embarrassing Experience
I am writing this review because what happened to me at Bull Run Regional Park Campground was not just inconvenient—it was humiliating, unprofessional, and completely avoidable.
I camp in my Tesla. I have already stayed at this exact campground before with no issue. Their online reservation system allowed me to book again—no warnings, no restrictions, nothing to indicate a problem. So I drove all the way from North Carolina to Virginia trusting that everything was fine.
When I arrived to check in, the office staff was literally handing me the paperwork. Out of nowhere, a ranger barged in and bluntly told me: “You cannot camp in a Tesla. You need a separate rig.”
His tone was rude, dismissive, and made me feel like I was doing something dirty or cheap. There was zero respect, zero empathy—just instant judgment. I felt like I was being treated as if I was trying to sneak in or break rules, even though they allowed the booking and accepted my reservation.
If they have such a rule, why wasn’t I notified during booking? Why was I allowed to stay the first time? Why let me drive for hours only to embarrass me at the check-in counter?
The office employee even tried to defend me, but he couldn’t convince the ranger. Instead, they told me I could not stay and promised an immediate refund.
After a long drive, being spoken to like that was extremely disappointing. I’ve camped all over North Carolina and never been treated with such disrespect. Camping in a Tesla is clean, quiet, zero-emission, and safe, yet I was made to feel like I didn’t belong.
To make matters worse, it has now been seven days and not a single dollar of the refund has appeared. When I called, the office representative didn’t even ask for my reservation details and seemed completely clueless. She first said she couldn’t do anything, then suddenly changed her story and said she would “leave a note.” When I asked to speak with someone who could actually help, she put me on hold and suddenly claimed the manager had “just refunded” me and that I would see the money in two business days.
After everything that happened, it felt like another layer of indifference and incompetence.
This entire experience—from the rude ranger to the unprofessional refund handling—left me feeling disrespected and upset. For a campground that charges over $75 a night after fees and taxes, the treatment I received was unacceptable.
Guests deserve honesty, clear communication, and basic respect.
Guide to National Mall & Memorial Parks
Camping options near National Mall & Memorial Parks extend beyond the immediate city limits, providing varied overnight accommodations within a 25-40 minute drive of DC's iconic monuments. The region features a mix of forested state parks, military facilities, and county-operated campgrounds, creating a diverse selection of camping environments. Many sites experience high seasonal demand from April through October when temperatures average 65-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Water recreation: 30 minute drive to Pohick Bay from most DC locations offers multiple water-based activities. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" is available as noted by camper Anne K. The park maintains boat rental facilities a short walk from the campground.
Wildlife viewing: Bald eagle habitat surrounds several camping areas near the Potomac River watershed. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, campers report "Eagle's nest were interesting" according to Mike H., who used the campground as a base for DC tourism.
Disc golf: Free 18-hole course available at Pohick Bay Regional Park. Rachel L. calls it her "go-to weekend spot" and recommends "taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course" as a primary activity.
Historical exploration: Civil War sites within short driving distance of most campgrounds. Oak Ridge Campground sits inside Prince William Forest Park where Daniel S. reports "We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things. Definitely worth exploring."
What campers like
Metro accessibility: Convenient public transit from several campgrounds saves on parking costs. Greenbelt Park campers particularly note the two nearby stations. Nick C. reports that Greenbelt has "3 loops. One is for group only. One is electric hook up and C is tent only" providing options for different camping styles.
Urban escape with natural setting: Most campers appreciate the unexpected forest environment so close to the city. "Plenty of tree cover" at Greenbelt Park Campground according to Timothy C., who notes the park service restricts "tying lines or straps to the trees" which affects hammock camping.
Nearby attractions: Water parks at several campgrounds provide additional recreation. Pohick Bay features "Pirate's Cove waterpark" which Anne K. calls "definitely a highlight in summer" for families staying at the campground.
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses receive high marks at most campgrounds within 30 minutes of DC. At Oak Ridge Campground, campers praise "super clean bathrooms with marble tile" according to Chad, reflecting recent renovations at many park facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Limited winter availability affects camping planning from November-March. Bull Run Regional Park and Cherry Hill Park remain open year-round, but most other options close seasonally.
Noise factors: Urban proximity means varying sound levels at different campgrounds. Josh J. notes at Fort Belvoir you're "far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat."
Tick precautions: Bring protection especially during peak seasons. At Cedarville State Forest, Ben J. warns "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Reservation requirements: Plan ahead for weekend camping from April-October when sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds require advance booking through recreation.gov or county reservation systems.
Site selection: Research campground maps before booking. At Lake Fairfax Campground, Tana S. notes "this place gets crowded" and "campsites are close together" which affects privacy levels.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Check campground maps before booking to find sites near play areas. Ben G. reports Oak Ridge Campground has sites that "backed to the playground and the bathhouse" creating convenient access for children.
Organized activities: Weekend programming often includes family-friendly events. Bridget H. reports Bull Run Regional Park "had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides" and even featured "a climbing wall on one afternoon."
Nature programs: Ranger-led activities occur regularly at many campgrounds. Clara K. notes that Prince William Forest Park is "great for a weekend getaway" while offering educational opportunities for children.
Water features: Plan for swimming options during summer months. Lake Fairfax Campground visitor Amy B. highlights that the park offers "Water Park near the campground" which helps keep children entertained during hot summer days.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Check amenities carefully when booking as options vary significantly. Cherry Hill Park offers the most comprehensive RV services, with Jonathan B. noting "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs."
Transportation options: RVers appreciate shuttle service at select campgrounds. Jason E. emphasizes Cherry Hill Park's convenience: "No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!"
Site leveling: Bring blocks for many area campgrounds. Thomas at Fort Belvoir recommends "plenty of leveling blocks" as "our site wasn't fully level" despite otherwise good facilities.
Dump station access: Limited availability at some campgrounds. Nurse N. notes Cedarville State Forest provides "Dump station and trash were just outside of the loop" making end-of-stay cleanup convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near National Mall & Memorial Parks?
Which is the most popular campground near National Mall & Memorial Parks?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near National Mall & Memorial Parks is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 42 reviews.
What parks are near National Mall & Memorial Parks?
What parks are near National Mall & Memorial Parks?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near National Mall & Memorial Parks that allow camping, notably Fort Dupont Park and Rock Creek Park.
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