Best Campgrounds near Washington, DC

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.