RV campgrounds near Washington, District of Columbia provide convenient bases for exploring the nation's capital while maintaining access to natural surroundings. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 200-400 feet above sea level within the Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and deciduous forests. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity levels, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Explore historical sites: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers proximity to numerous historical landmarks. "There is a pier out into the river to fish on. The outdoor recreation center has bait, snacks, and drinks," notes Jack R. about the Potomac River access at Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
Visit museums: Greenbelt Park Campground provides affordable access to Smithsonian museums. "The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods. Can't beat the close proximity to DC," explains one camper at Greenbelt Park.
Enjoy water recreation: Bull Run Regional Park offers multiple water activities. "The park has a nice pool and bathrooms. On a major road not far from the freeway. Very close to Washington DC. About 17 miles to the closest Rail station to bring you to the mall in Washington DC," reports Ken W.
Hiking options: Harpers Ferry Campground connects to multiple trail systems. "Harpers Ferry is a beautiful place to hike, camp and visit," states Annie S., while another camper notes, "The hike that leads to the lookout about harpers ferry was fantastic. This hike takes you well above the town settled in West Virginia."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cherry Hill Park maintains exceptionally clean amenities. "The best park in the DC area! Very nice grounds, clean, and amenities galore! The staff are nice here," writes Jason E. about Cherry Hill Park, adding that you can "plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground."
Transportation options: Several campgrounds provide access to public transportation. "GETTING TO DC: There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall)," explains Laura M. about Greenbelt Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Despite urban proximity, many campgrounds maintain natural settings. "I noticed a family of deer grazing close by, a great way to settle in for the evening," reports one camper about Greenbelt Park, while another mentions "every morning birds and squirrels" contribute to the outdoor experience.
Recreation amenities: Lake Fairfax Campground offers extensive family recreation. "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)," explains Amy B.
What you should know
Military credentials required: Some campgrounds require military identification. "You need military credentials," explains Mike H. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, describing it as "handy to the DC Metro Transit system."
Noise factors: Train tracks, airports, and highways impact several campgrounds. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night," warns Sherri C.
Campsite unevenness: Some campgrounds have topography challenges. "The outer loop campsites are easily more level than the center loop. If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask before committing to the inner loop," advises Corey B. about Lake Fairfax Campground.
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking is mandatory at most facilities. "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online," advises Crystal C. about Greenbelt Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water attractions: Multiple campgrounds feature pools and water parks. "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," shares Corey B. about Lake Fairfax Campground.
Structured activities: Some campgrounds organize family events. "They have Saturday night communal bonfires," mentions Ariel F. about Thousand Trails Harbor View, while Bull Run Regional Park offers "a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides."
Kid-friendly amenities: Playground access varies between campgrounds. "Only drawback is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located," notes Yvonne B. about Bull Run Regional Park, while Prince William Forest RV Campground has a playground described as "in very good condition."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," shares Kenneth H.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Many RV sites have space limitations. At Thousand Trails Harbor View, "our slide was almost touching our neighbor's slide," reports Em M., though adding "the landscaping, trees and site placement does help the esthetics."
Connectivity factors: Internet access varies significantly between parks. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, "Wifi: don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter," warns Megan K., but notes "I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service."
Site leveling issues: RVers should come prepared for uneven sites. "Gravel site pad could definitely use some maintenance and fresh material added. Had to put down boards to park our travel trailer because about a third of the pad had just turned into mud," reports Nick E. about Thousand Trails Harbor View.
Utility considerations: Water connections aren't available at all sites. "I could not access water as the spigot was broken. Was not informed next door there was an outdoor concert that went until 10pm extremely loud," shares Lewis B. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
