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Best Campgrounds near Washington, DC

591 Reviews

Washington D.C. has good camping options within a short drive of the city. Greenbelt State Park Campground gives you lake access in a quiet area. Owens Creek Campground is more basic, with lots of trees providing good shade. Kids usually enjoy the Tractor Ride that goes through the campground. Both places have clean bathrooms and drinking water. Spring and fall are the best seasons to camp near D.C., as summer gets really hot and humid, while winter can be pretty cold. Some campsites have more privacy than others - look for ones with trees around them if that matters to you. You should make reservations ahead of time, especially on weekends and holidays when these places fill up fast. Most campgrounds let you book several months before your trip. These D.C.-area campgrounds work well for both families and people wanting some quiet time outdoors.

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Best Camping Sites Near Washington, District of Columbia (87)

    1. Cherry Hill Park

    41 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $300 / night

    "This is the closest site to Washington DC.  Great location with access to all forms of transportation.  Store fully stocked to include groceries.   Two pools. Hot tub.  "

    "The Campground is located conveniently at the corner of I95 and the Washington DC Beltway I495. It is an especially good Campground to stay at if you are planning on visiting Washington DC."

    2. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    30 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "This mid-sized campground is just 2 miles from Washington D.C. area traffic, shopping centers, etc."

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    3. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Really enjoyed this park especially since it is so close to Washington DC. The sites were fairly level and shaded with a fire ring and picnic table. Verizon cell coverage was good."

    "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."

    4. Lake Fairfax Campground

    24 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "We stopped here to go tour Washington DC. We tried both sides 46 and 44 and both were not level."

    "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."

    5. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $30 - $95 / night

    "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous. The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground."

    "Lots of trails and areas to bike. We stayed at spot 133 and I felt we were off to ourselves some. The campsites along the wooded area are a little close together."

    6. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."

    "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."

    8. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Clinton, MD
    12 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Fort Belvoir, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 805-3081

    $55 / night

    "Spent several nights here while visiting Washington DC. You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle’s nest were interesting."

    "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."

    10. Adventure Bound Washington DC

    8 Reviews
    Upper Marlboro, MD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 607-8609

    "Location wise, it's great to see things in area.  Both Washington DC and many area's along the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Chesapeake Beach, Solomon's Etc.  The sites are very close but adequate."

    "This campground is conveniently located in the middle of the DC / Annapolis area and has a lot to offer! There are plenty of options, both for RV's and in general and the staff is super friendly!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Washington, DC

229 Photos of 87 Washington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Washington, DC

591 Reviews of 87 Washington Campgrounds

Guide to Washington

Camping near Washington, DC, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor adventures and serene getaways. With several campgrounds just a short drive away, you can enjoy nature while still being close to the city.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds have great trails for hiking. At Greenbrier State Park Campground, one visitor shared, “Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!”
  • Water Activities: If you love water sports, Cherry Hill Park is a great choice. A camper mentioned, “The swimming pools were pretty crowded, but we were still happy with our site.”
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers at Codorus State Park Campground have enjoyed spotting local wildlife. One camper noted, “Spacious, beautiful, clean, quiet, easy, and lots to do and see.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Pohick Bay Campground said, “The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, “Sites are gravel, pretty level and not too close.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park said, “Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well.”

What you should know

  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA pointed out, “This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Owens Creek Campground, one camper noted, “The sites are very clean but close to each other.”
  • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers primitive camping. One camper mentioned, “The campground was fully booked for the weekend but the other areas weren't crowded.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Cherry Hill Park, a reviewer said, “There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground noted, “The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hookup sites which is nice.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground suggested, “The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, “The sites are all nice and level, but rather close, as expected given the proximity to DC.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA said, “The park was very clean. The facilities were extremely clean.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned the nearby highway noise.

Camping around Washington, DC, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Washington, DC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washington, DC is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 41 reviews.

What parks are near Washington, DC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Washington, DC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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