The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Fort Washington, MD

96 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates
    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Fort Washington, Maryland offers a mix of established campgrounds and recreation areas within reasonable driving distance of Washington, DC. Cherry Hill Park in nearby College Park provides full-service camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping options, earning high ratings from visitors. Other notable mixed-use campgrounds include Greenbelt Park Campground, Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, and Cedarville State Forest, all located within 30 minutes of Fort Washington. These developed campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring both the natural surroundings and the Washington metropolitan area.

    Many campgrounds in the region maintain year-round or extended seasonal operations, though some like Cedarville State Forest operate primarily from April to October. "This campground is about 25 sites. Only 5 sites have electric but all 25 sites have water hookup," noted one camper at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park. Access to most developed campgrounds is straightforward with paved roads, though visitors should be aware of certain height restrictions, such as the 11-foot bridge height limit when approaching Patapsco Valley State Park from the east. Weather considerations include humid summers and occasional heavy rainfall that can affect camping conditions, particularly at sites with limited drainage.

    The proximity to Washington DC represents a significant advantage for these campground options. Campers frequently mention the convenience of using local campgrounds as affordable alternatives to city accommodations while sightseeing. One visitor observed, "It is a pretty nice, bare bones NPS campground. If you are looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it." Many campgrounds feature wooded settings that provide shade and privacy despite being near urban areas. Aircraft noise appears in several reviews due to the region's proximity to military installations and major airports. Amenities vary considerably between locations, with some offering modern facilities including showers, electric hookups, and camp stores, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with basic services.

    Connectivity Maps

    Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
    Map showing cell service coverage and campground pins
    Try Connectivity Maps

    Best Campgrounds near Fort Washington (96)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Pohick Bay Campground

      4.1(37)10mi from Fort Washington150 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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 Availability

      2. Cherry Hill Park

      4.8(44)20mi from Fort Washington1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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 Availability

      3. Cedarville State Forest

      3.8(17)11mi from Fort WashingtonRVs, Tents

      "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 Availability

      4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

      4.2(32)18mi from Fort Washington173 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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 Availability

      5. Burke Lake Park Campground

      3.9(16)16mi from Fort WashingtonRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      6. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

      4.6(32)24mi from Fort Washington99 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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 Availability

      7. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park

      3.8(4)5mi from Fort WashingtonRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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

      Check Availability

      8. Bull Run Regional Park

      3.9(43)26mi from Fort Washington142 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."

      "We booked site 136 due to proximity of the playground (traveling with a 5 & 10 yr old). The site was great except the weird parking stops on every site but the pull throughs."

      from $39 - $100 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

      4.5(4)8mi from Fort WashingtonRVs, Tents

      "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 Availability

      10. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023

      3.9(10)16mi from Fort WashingtonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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 Availability
    View all 96 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Fort Washington Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Fort Washington, MD

    195 Photos of 96 Fort Washington Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Fort Washington, MD

    592 Reviews of 96 Fort Washington Campgrounds

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 25, 2026

      Campsites 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.

    • B
      Aug. 24, 2026

      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.
      Jul. 31, 2026

      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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Burke 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.

    • T
      Jul. 25, 2026

      Bay Shore Campground

      Fred’s bay shore

      One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.

    • J
      Jul. 18, 2026

      Ramblin' Pines

      Weak WiFi

      For $90 per night the WiFi should work better. Didn’t connect at all. Had to use the antenna pointed East to get local Baltimore news.

    • h
      Jul. 18, 2026

      Cherry Hill Park

      Like a resort

      This camp ground is like a resort with 2 pools mini golf splash pad and many other amenities

    • HThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 17, 2026

      Cherry Hill Park

      My All Time Favorite…so far

      This park is top notch. The grounds are immaculate. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have a lovely gift shop. We were in the 400 sites and it was nice and shady. Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park. This is my all time favorite park so far and I need to go back.

    • Jeremy G.
      Jul. 2, 2026

      Joint Base Andrews Military FamCamp

      Could be a great campground but......

      There are some good things about this Famcamp. It's like a diamond in the rough. If the military would spend some time and money on it, it could be a great campground. One of the greatest points about this campground is its location. You are so close to downtown D.C.! Every RV site (as far as I saw) was a level concrete pad. All sites, except for tent sites, have full electricity. Most sites have sewer and water. Sites 12-18 should be mainly used for the smaller travel trailers. I had an interesting time getting my 35' 5th wheel into the site. Even though I got my RV into the site, I don't have much room for my truck. My site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill. Everything is rusted beyond repair. My grill was filled with cigarette butts and my fire pit had trash in it. There is some shade. My site has two trees at the front of the pad on both sides of the RV. My bedroom stays nice and cold and I have a good view for my Starlink in the rear. The sites are close to each other, but there is some space. The good thing is that we are surrounded by the golf course. You don't get much noise from the base, because of the location, and because the FamCamp is surrounded by trees. You can hear the busy road outside the fence but I don't hear it much inside the RV. Every once in a while you'll hear an aircraft... but this is an air base, it's expected. We were told the community laundry was not working and to use the base laundry mat. Finally, one of the best parts about the campground, is the lady at outdoor rec that is in charge of the Famcamp. She is very nice and helpful. She will try to assist you with anything you need from directions to useful tips.

    Guide to Fort Washington

    Camping near Fort Washington, Maryland offers access to several woodland campgrounds with proximity to both natural areas and urban amenities. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching into the 90s from June through August, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions. Most campgrounds in the area are situated within 30 minutes of Fort Washington, creating convenient bases for both outdoor recreation and day trips to Washington DC.

    What to do

    Disc golf adventures: Pohick Bay Campground in nearby Lorton, Virginia features an 18-hole disc golf course popular with campers. "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 Rachel L.

    Trail exploration: The woodland areas around Fort Washington provide numerous hiking opportunities with varying terrain. "Nice camping spot close to DC with hiking nearby," mentions Perry A. from Pohick Bay. Many trails connect campgrounds to nearby natural areas, allowing for day hikes without driving.

    Waterfront activities: Several campgrounds offer water access for fishing or boating. At Cherry Hill Park, campers can plan water-based day trips. The park's proximity to DC allows for a combination of urban and outdoor activities, with one visitor noting, "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."

    What campers like

    Proximity to Washington DC: The ability to camp affordably while visiting the capital is consistently mentioned in reviews. "If you're in Northern VA close to DC this is a great quick getaway camp site," writes one camper about Lake Fairfax Campground. Campers appreciate the contrast between urban sightseeing and natural camping settings.

    Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained bathhouses and shower facilities. At Oak Ridge Campground in Prince William Forest Park, visitors noted, "This campground has great space and super clean bathrooms with marble tile."

    Diverse recreational options: The variety of activities available at many campgrounds receives positive feedback. "Great regional park with lots to do - trails, biking, boating. Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure). Plenty of playgrounds and trails nearby to keep the family busy," notes Kristen M. about Pohick Bay.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Fort Washington area require advance reservations, 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 at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, which requires online reservations.

    Wildlife considerations: Ticks and mosquitoes can be problematic in the warmer months. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns one camper about Cedarville State Forest.

    Noise factors: Due to the proximity to urban areas, airports, and military facilities, noise can be a factor at some campgrounds. "There is a shooting range near by so can be kind of noisy or at least it was the night we were here," mentions a visitor to Bull Run Regional Park.

    Tips for camping with families

    Water recreation options: Bull Run Regional Park offers family-friendly water features. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it... The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt."

    Organized activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled family events, particularly on weekends. "They gave us a great intro to the park as we were first timers. 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," shares Ben G. about his family's experience at Pohick Bay.

    Transportation planning: Consider using public transportation when visiting DC with children. "We took the 20 minute drive. They have a nice looking pool area, but it was too cold. The shop was cute and staff nice. Sites were pretty level," mentions Joe R. about Cherry Hill Park, which offers metro access to Washington DC.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious," advises ben S. about Louise F. Cosca Regional Park. Many RV sites in the region have water hookups but limited electrical options.

    Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds have uneven sites that may require additional equipment. "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 committing to the inner loop," recommends a visitor to Lake Fairfax Campground.

    Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups vary widely between campgrounds. A camper at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park notes, "Only 5 sites have electric but all 25 sites have water hookup." RVers should confirm specific site amenities when making reservations.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular campground near Fort Washington, MD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fort Washington, MD is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.

    What parks are near Fort Washington, MD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Fort Washington, MD that allow camping, notably Fort Washington Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.

    Keep Exploring

    4. View all Maryland cities for camping