Greenbelt Park Campground offers 174 tent and RV sites arranged in four distinct loops within 10 miles of Washington DC. The wooded landscape contains 5 miles of maintained hiking trails accessible from all camping areas. Sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet with standard features like fire rings and picnic tables for $20 per night. While no electric hookups are available, the campground provides heated bathrooms year-round and has restrictions on hanging items from trees including dog tie-outs.
What to do
Trail exploration: Cherry Hill Park combines outdoor activities with urban convenience. The park has "plenty of attractions," including "bike trails outside of the complex" according to campers. Some visitors specifically choose this location for its proximity to regional bike networks while still having full camping amenities.
Water recreation: Use Lake Fairfax Park as a base for aquatic activities. The park includes "a nice lake where you can fish" plus a water park that requires an additional entry fee. One visitor noted the campground is "great for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground," making it convenient for water-based day trips.
Historical exploration: Visit nearby Civil War sites. The region contains numerous historical battlefields and monuments accessible from multiple campgrounds. Bull Run Regional Park includes areas that "housed troops during civil war" according to reviews, with interpretive trails connecting historical points of interest.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Pohick Bay Campground provides a nature retreat despite urban proximity. Located near National Harbor, one visitor described it as an "Eagle haven!" with "eagles everywhere!" Another camper mentioned "the sites are spacious and decently level" while appreciating the balance of wilderness and amenities.
Urban accessibility: Camping options exist remarkably close to city amenities. Cedarville State Forest offers what one reviewer called "a surprisingly quiet, green oasis where dogs and owners can enjoy nature together" despite being near developed areas. As another camper noted, "If you've forgotten anything you can pop on by the Target or Costco right outside the forest."
Wildlife viewing: Greenbelt Park Campground delivers unexpected animal encounters. One visitor observed that "traffic can be heard but not seen" while still experiencing "lots of woods around for shade and hammocks." Another camper reported: "There is plenty of space between camp site clusters. The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking through recreation.gov or similar platforms. At Lake Fairfax Campground, campers noted the inner loop sites "are not level at all," with one visitor stating "many tents were on a full slant." Plan accordingly when selecting specific sites.
Campground maintenance varies seasonally: Parks in this region may have limited staff during off-peak times. During summer months, one camper at Cedarville State Forest warned "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Noise considerations: Urban campgrounds have different sound profiles. At Bull Run Regional Park, reviewers mentioned hearing "a shooting range near by" that "can be kind of noisy." Aircraft noise is common at multiple campgrounds, with campers recommending "bringing earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Pohick Bay Regional Park organizes family-friendly programs. A camper reported they "had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," creating structured activities for younger children.
Bathhouse proximity: Select sites near facilities for convenience with small children. One family at Bull Run Regional Park recommended their experience, noting: "The bathrooms are ok, happy to have free showers with hot running water. Faucets allow you to control the temperature and there's continuous running water."
Transportation logistics: Use public transit for DC excursions. At Cherry Hill Park, a visitor advised: "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5."
Tips from RVers
Site selection criteria: Washington DC Capitol KOA offers varying privacy levels. A camper advised: "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy." This distinction matters for longer stays or visitors seeking more personal space.
Leveling challenges: Check site descriptions carefully before booking. Bull Run Regional Park campers noted "my site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level." This preparation prevents setup frustrations upon arrival.
Electrical considerations: Not all campgrounds offer hookups. At Cosca Regional Park, a visitor clarified: "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup." This information proves essential for RVers with medical equipment or other power requirements.
