Fort Washington offers several pet friendly camping options located within 30 miles of Washington DC. Nestled along the Potomac River valley with elevations typically under 200 feet, the area features humid subtropical climate conditions. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited year-round options available during winter months when temperatures average 30-40°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: Pohick Bay Campground maintains several nature trails accessible directly from campsites. "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes camper Rachel L.
Fishing access: Water activities abound at several pet-friendly locations near Fort Washington. The fishing pier at Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp provides prime Potomac River access. "The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river. There is a pier out into the river to fish on," reports Jack R.
Historical exploration: The region contains significant Civil War sites within a short drive of campgrounds. "We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things. Definitely worth exploring," writes Daniel S. about Oak Ridge Campground. Many sites serve as convenient base camps for historical day trips with pets.
What campers like
Camp stores: Several campgrounds maintain on-site supply options for forgotten essentials. Cherry Hill Park provides comprehensive shopping. "On site are pools, splash pad, rv supplies and repair parts, a snack bar and lots more," notes Scott C. This eliminates driving for basics when camping with pets.
Bathroom facilities: Clean, well-maintained facilities rank high in camper satisfaction. "Bathrooms are clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm. Two showers were included but didn't use it so not sure about pressure or heat," writes Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest. Many facilities undergo daily maintenance.
Public transportation: For travelers wanting to explore Washington DC while pets rest at camp, transportation options exist. "The campground is very close to DC and you are able to ride the metro bus right from the campground," notes Jonathan B. about Cherry Hill Park. This provides flexibility for managing pet care.
What you should know
Site selection: Terrain varies considerably between and within campgrounds. "Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious," advises Ben S. about Louise F. Cosca Regional Park. Some locations offer limited level spots for tent camping.
Wildlife encounters: Proper food storage prevents unwanted visitors. "Raccoons run wild at night flipping trash can lids on your campsite hunting for food. Use repel spray to keep the raccoons off your site," shares Tye S. about Louise F. Cosca Regional Park. Secure all pet food especially carefully.
Reservation requirements: Most locations require advance planning. "This is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online," explains Crystal C. about Greenbelt Park. Booking policies vary by campground, with some implementing minimum stay requirements.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Summer camping offers swimming opportunities at select locations. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," comments Anne K. about Pohick Bay. Many water facilities charge additional fees beyond camping costs.
Organized activities: Bull Run Regional Park schedules regular family-oriented events. "They informed us that 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," reports Ben G. about weekend programming.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play equipment near camping areas. "Playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride, gated, on-site camp store," lists Beth R. about Cherry Hill Park amenities that keep children entertained.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Lake Fairfax Campground presents challenges for larger vehicles. "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 commiting to the inner loop," suggests Corey B. Bring extra leveling blocks.
Electrical considerations: Not all sites offer full hookups. "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," points out Tye S. about Louise F. Cosca Regional Park. Check amperage specifications when booking - 30 and 50 amp availability varies.
Dump station access: Facilities maintain varying sanitation capabilities. "They have a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower," warns Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest's setup.
