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.
Best Campgrounds near Accokeek, MD
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 Camping Sites Near Accokeek, Maryland (91)
1. Pohick Bay Campground
37 ReviewsLorton, VA10 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."
2. Cedarville State Forest
17 ReviewsBrandywine, MD9 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."
3. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD25 milesWebsite+1 (301) 937-7116$999 / night
"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."
4. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
32 ReviewsDumfries, VA23 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."
5. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
9 ReviewsMarbury, MD13 milesWebsite+1 (888) 432-2267$27 - $65 / night
"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"
6. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
32 ReviewsGreenbelt, MD23 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"
7. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
4 ReviewsFort Belvoir, VA8 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."
8. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
19 ReviewsDumfries, VA20 miles+1 (703) 221-2474"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."
9. Burke Lake Park Campground
15 ReviewsBurke, VA18 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."
10. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
4 ReviewsClinton, MD7 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."
Recent Camping Photos near Accokeek, MD
191 Photos of 91 Accokeek Campgrounds
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Joe C.
Cedarville State Forest
Angie C.
Pohick Bay Campground
Jen V.
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Rachel
Burke Lake Park Campground
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Ally S.
Endeavor Point
Candice N.
Lacy Oasis Campground
Katie T.
Caledon State Park Campground
Cecilia D.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Janelle
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Marvin D.
Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping — Prince William Forest Park
Recent Reviews near Accokeek, MD
575 Reviews of 91 Accokeek 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.
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.
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.
- aamanda A.Scout
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Great Campsite!
The campground is well maintained. The facilities were clean, and the other campers were friendly. There was plenty of firewood (fallen tree limbs and branches on the ground to use. Overall we had a great time!
Vidalia S.LegendColes Point Marina
Marina on the Potomac
We kept our boat here, so it was no problem for us to park our van for free. But they do have lovely campsites, with toilets, showers, water, pump out, electric, and trash, right on the Potomac River. They allow tent, camping and RVs and have several cottages. Price varies depending on size and services. Tents are $20 a night. The only problem, or maybe it's an advantage, is that it is a long way to anything else. Small store onsight. Will recieve and hold packages. Great accommodating and friendly staff.
Guide to Accokeek
Camping spots near Accokeek, Maryland range from full-service RV parks to primitive tent sites, all within 30 miles of Washington DC. The region experiences high humidity from June through September with average summer temperatures of 85-90°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions between 60-75°F. Many campgrounds in this area feature water proximity with access to the Potomac River or smaller lakes for recreation.
What to do
Fishing access: At Smallwood State Park, the camping loop connects to the marina area via a foot bridge, offering boat launching access with camping. "There is a nice fishing pier and the Generals Trail which my son loved," writes one camper about this waterfront location.
Disc golf: Pohick Bay Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course popular with weekend campers. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests a regular visitor who calls it their "go-to weekend camping spot."
Hiking trails: Prince William Forest Park offers multiple hiking trails through dense forest areas. "Beautiful park and campground many of nice camp sites!" notes a visitor who wished they could have stayed longer to explore more of the park's trail system.
What campers like
Waterfront amenities: Pohick Bay Campground provides water recreation throughout summer. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions one visitor, while another notes "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!"
Convenient DC access: Many campers appreciate the proximity to national attractions. "It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ 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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