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Camping near Accokeek, MD
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The landscape around Accokeek, Maryland features a mix of developed campgrounds and natural recreation areas extending into neighboring Virginia. Cherry Hill Park in nearby College Park offers full-service RV hookups, cabins, and tent sites with amenities like showers and trash service, while Cedarville State Forest provides a more rustic camping experience with limited hookups and seasonal operation from April to October. Most campgrounds in the region lie within a 30-mile radius of Washington DC, making them popular bases for both urban exploration and outdoor recreation.
Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during the peak camping season from late spring through early fall. "This is a fairly nice, bare bones NPS campground. If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it," noted one camper about Greenbelt Park, highlighting the suburban context of many camping areas. The region experiences hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and mild winters with occasional snow. Accessibility varies across campgrounds, with some sites accommodating large RVs while others are better suited for tent camping. Cell coverage is generally reliable throughout the area, but noise from nearby highways, urban centers, and military installations can impact the camping experience.
Campers report high satisfaction with water-adjacent sites in the region's parks. Several developed campgrounds feature proximity to lakes or rivers, including Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, Virginia and Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station. These locations offer varied recreation opportunities from fishing to hiking. "The campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another," observed a visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park's Hollofield Area, reflecting a common theme in this metropolitan region. Mixed-use campgrounds predominate in the area, with most facilities offering a combination of tent sites, RV hookups, and sometimes cabins. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist despite the suburban setting, with deer, birds, and small mammals frequently spotted in the more wooded camping areas near Accokeek.
Best Campgrounds near Accokeek (97)
1. Pohick Bay Campground
"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."
from $37 - $170 / night
Check Availability2. Cedarville State Forest
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Cherry Hill Park
"Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."
"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."
from $999 / night
Check Availability4. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
"They are in short distance from the water. There is a playground, bathhouse, and historical buildings that are accessible to campers. There are hiking trials, but none are two extensive."
"Nice trails, water sports available, and historic landmarks"
from $27 - $65 / night
Check Availability5. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
"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."
from $26 / night
Check Availability6. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability7. Burke Lake Park Campground
"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."
8. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
"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."
from $55 / night
Check Availability9. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
"Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city."
"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."
10. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
"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."
from $10 - $45 / night
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Drive Time
- 22 min from Washington, DC
- 49 min from Lexington Park, MD
- 56 min from Baltimore, MD
- 1 hr 32 min from Winchester, VA
Recent Camping Photos near Accokeek, MD
192 Photos of 97 Accokeek Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Cedarville State Forest
Pohick Bay Campground
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Burke Lake Park Campground
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Endeavor Point
Lacy Oasis Campground
Caledon State Park Campground
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt ParkM
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest ParkJ
Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping — Prince William Forest Park
Recent Reviews near Accokeek, MD
589 Reviews of 97 Accokeek Campgrounds
Michael H.
GuideLake Fairfax Campground
Decent campground in the middle of a urban area
Spent two nights while we saw the Avett Brothers play at Wolf Trap. Nice flat site with power. Campground was quiet and clean. The only negative is communication and signage. It took us a couple wrong turns to find our site and when we came back, after the concert around 11, the entrance gate was closed and we had to sneak in through the exit gate. Asked the next day and they said that is what campers do to access the park after 11pm.
Thomas B.
RangerLittle Bennett Campground
Great Potential?
We stayed at Little Bennett starting on Labor Day Monday and left before the weekend, so it is hard to say how this looks when the campground is full of life. They had quite a few activities for families and a pavilion capable of concerts and such, but there was minimal activity during our stay. My biggest complaint is that the gate code changed and we didn't get any notice--so after a long day and a dinner out near Baltimore (nearly an hour away), I had to call the police to get back to my camper. Otherwise, the campsite was relatively spacious and quiet. The bugs were a little rough. Lots of whitetail running around.
- AAl L.Scout
Westmoreland State Park Campground
Nice end of summer retreat
It was a well maintained campsite. Clean bathrooms and great hikes to fossil beach.
- JasonGuide
Annapolis MWR Academy RV/Campground
Great spot for Retirees/Active
If you want to be near Annapolis, right on the Severn River...this is it. About 15 RV spots nestled in the woods...with full hook ups. A couple of primitive spots as well. Just a quick 5 min walk to the river...right across from the Academy. NEX, gas within 10 min walk, and 15 min drive to downtown Annapolis. Staff is always great here, and the park is clean....for a park on the woods.
- SSean D.
TravelerCampsites at Watkins Regional Park
Excellent choice for a Washington visit or local getaway
Based on my stay 3 nights and what I read of Greenbelt Park (the other closeby to Washington campground) I would say this has to be much better and I will stay here again on a future visit. Campground sits inside of a much larger park with great trails, amenities and well maintained. Campground is quiet, lots of trees, forest and yet each space is very large with good spacing and privacy to adjacent sites. High tree canopy at your site so lots of room to spread out. Sites themselves are a little rustic - a mix of grass, gravel and dirt, but not muddy (it rained a good bit prior to my stay) - but in good condition. Shower/toilet block is clean and good hot water and good water pressure. Most sites are flat or near flat and the ones that aren't need minimal levelling blocks. Campground apparently is never full and there was only 1 other when I was there - really hard to believe. There is a neighborhood road up by the sites near the shower block but it is low speed and lightly travelled and I had no disturbance from it. Nice surrounding neighborhood. No signs of vagrants. Park police patrolled multiple times per day and report very little non-camper entry to ther facilities. I felt very safe.Easy access to Eashington - bus stop outside the campground to metro or just drive to the metro (free parking weekend, $6 midweek) and then train (about 8 per hour) into the sites - an hour or less total to get there. For more local people, this seems like a good escape "to the woods" without travelling forever.
- BBrian H.Traveler
Pettigrew WMA
Pettigrew WMA - great dispersed camping
Good spot to get away and pitch a tent. Never anyone else there too! Make sure to get a daily ($4) or annual (~$22 I forget) Access Permit on Virginia DWR, as well as special WMA camping license (free)
- Judy W.Guide
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Great Escape! Air conditioned cabins!
What a gem! We found this place as an alternative to staying in DC during 4th of July festivities. Nice spacious sites, cabins were super clean and smelled great! Did I mention they were air conditioned during the hotest week of the summer!
Bathrooms and showers were spotless.
Many things to see and do there. Historic property, big lake (no swimming), boating, fishing, hiking. There is an Art Center with juried displays for sale.
Kat E.ScoutBurke Lake Park Campground
Amenities good
The park is very well maintained, and the campsites have clean fire pits and cooking grills. The restrooms are clean, spacious, and well maintained, and my campsite was large enough to comfortably fit a 6-person tent and a canopy.
However, there were a few concerns during our stay. Despite the campground’s quiet hours policy starting at 10:00 PM, many campers continued to make noise well past that time. I did not notice any campground staff or maintenance personnel making rounds to enforce the quiet hours.
I also felt concerned about security. One of my neighboring campers, who was visiting from South Carolina, told me that his generator had been stolen during the night. He reported the theft to the police, and an official report was filed. Incidents like this made me feel unsafe while camping.
I recommend increasing staff or security patrols, especially during the evening and overnight hours, to enforce quiet hours and improve the safety and security of campers and their belongings. With better enforcement and security, Burke Lake Campground would provide an even better camping experience.
Guide to Accokeek
Camping spots near Accokeek, Maryland range from full-service RV parks to primitive tent sites, all within 30 miles of Washington DC. The region experiences high humidity from June through September with average summer temperatures of 85-90°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions between 60-75°F. Many campgrounds in this area feature water proximity with access to the Potomac River or smaller lakes for recreation.
What to do
Fishing access: At Smallwood State Park, the camping loop connects to the marina area via a foot bridge, offering boat launching access with camping. "There is a nice fishing pier and the Generals Trail which my son loved," writes one camper about this waterfront location.
Disc golf: Pohick Bay Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course popular with weekend campers. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests a regular visitor who calls it their "go-to weekend camping spot."
Hiking trails: Prince William Forest Park offers multiple hiking trails through dense forest areas. "Beautiful park and campground many of nice camp sites!" notes a visitor who wished they could have stayed longer to explore more of the park's trail system.
What campers like
Waterfront amenities: Pohick Bay Campground provides water recreation throughout summer. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions one visitor, while another notes "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!"
Convenient DC access: Many campers appreciate the proximity to national attractions. "It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5," explains a camper at Cherry Hill Park, noting various transportation options to the city.
Quiet forest settings: Despite suburban locations, several campgrounds maintain wooded environments. "The campground isn't too far from where I live but it's far enough and quiet enough for a weekend getaway," shares a visitor to Oak Ridge Campground, noting the renovated facilities and peaceful atmosphere.
What you should know
Tick prevention: Multiple campgrounds report tick issues, especially during warmer months. At Cedarville State Forest, campers warn to "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it!" One visitor recounted, "I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain that requires preparation. "Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious," advises a camper at Cosca Regional Park, while at Prince William Forest RV Campground, visitors note "Sites were mostly level."
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. "This is not a gated campground so anyone can come through and have a tour. Park Police patrol the campground 2 times a day," explains a camper about Cosca Regional Park's management system.
Tips for camping with families
Water parks and pools: Many families enjoy the water recreation facilities at Cherry Hill Park, which offers "Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," according to a recent visitor who gave the campground five stars.
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities. "This is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around. Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," notes a Pohick Bay camper.
Educational opportunities: Family camping offers learning experiences. At Oak Ridge Campground, campers appreciate its historic setting: "There is lots and lots of history around the area. We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things. Definitely worth exploring."
Tips from RVers
Campground selection: Greenbelt Park Campground offers options for different RV sizes. "Loop B is for tents and RVs under 30 ft, Loop C is for tents, and Loop D is for tents and RVs under 35 ft. No hookups at any of the sites," explains a visitor who offers detailed transit information for DC access.
Utility information: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," notes a camper at Cosca Regional Park, providing specific site numbers for those needing power connections.
Water and dump stations: RV campers should note water access points. "There's a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C. The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down," shares a Greenbelt Park visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Accokeek, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Accokeek, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Accokeek, MD is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.
What parks are near Accokeek, MD?
What parks are near Accokeek, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Accokeek, MD that allow camping, notably Fort Washington Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.
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