RV campgrounds near La Plata, Maryland offer convenient base camps for exploring both natural areas and Washington DC attractions. Located in the coastal plain of southern Maryland, La Plata sits at a modest elevation of about 150 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate. Most campgrounds in the region experience high humidity during summer months, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to Do
Hiking trails access: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides proximity to extensive trail systems. As one visitor notes, "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," while another mentions the area is "Close to Prince William Forest which is a fantastic National Parks forest."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access, with Smallwood State Park providing unique waterfront options. A reviewer highlights that "Mattawoman Creek is right there and great for kayaking" and the park has "several docks for strolling and fishing."
Historical sites exploration: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp connects campers to significant historical landmarks. One camper shares, "DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," making it ideal for history enthusiasts.
Washington DC sightseeing: Bull Run Regional Park provides a strategic location for capital visits. A reviewer confirms it's "very close to Washington DC. About 17 miles to the closest Rail station to bring you to the mall in Washington DC," allowing for convenient day trips.
What Campers Like
Quiet camping environment: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campgrounds maintain peaceful settings. At Fort Belvoir, campers appreciate that it's "Very clean and great Potomac River views" with "many amenities close by."
Clean facilities: Cedarville State Forest receives praise for maintenance standards. A visitor notes, "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm," and another mentions "Bathrooms are clean and showers are warm."
Site privacy: Smallwood State Park offers well-spaced sites. A camper observes that "The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they're very private with woods between each one," creating a more secluded camping experience.
Recreational amenities: Multiple campgrounds feature recreational options beyond basic camping. One visitor at Bull Run Regional Park notes, "This park has too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," showcasing family-friendly activities.
What You Should Know
Military base requirements: Some campgrounds restrict access to military personnel. A Fort Belvoir reviewer cautions, "You need military credentials," while another notes "This campground is aboard Fort Belvoir, an US Army base."
Seasonal operation: Several parks close during colder months. Cedarville State Forest operates "April to October" and Smallwood State Park runs "March to October."
Insects and wildlife: Ticks can be prevalent, particularly in wooded areas. A Cedarville visitor warns, "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it!" while another reports, "I've never left this park without at least one tick."
Reservation systems: Booking processes vary between parks. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, a camper shares, "If you, like me, hate making reservations over the phone, it was worth it! Quick, simple, painless process."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: Cherry Hill Park excels with family facilities. A visitor lists advantages: "Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," providing numerous activities for children.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds incorporate learning experiences. At Bull Run Regional Park, a visitor shared that "my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," combining fun with education.
Safety features: Look for campgrounds with controlled access. Cherry Hill Park provides security as one camper notes it's "Gated" with "On-site camp store" and "On-site bus shuttle," creating a secure environment for families.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas. A Prince William Forest reviewer mentions, "The playground is in very good condition," making it suitable for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment. At Fort Belvoir, a visitor advises, "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable" while suggesting to "bring plenty of leveling blocks."
Site spacing considerations: Thousand Trails Harbor View has tight arrangements. A camper notes, "All the sites are very shady, which certainly comes in handy in the Virginia heat. They are also very close together," requiring careful parking.
Hookup options: Various parks offer different utility connections. At Prince William Forest, "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained."
Internet connectivity: Cell service reliability varies by location. A Prince William Forest visitor reports, "I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well," which is valuable for those needing to stay connected.
