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Best Campgrounds near Fort Washington, MD

570 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fort Washington, Maryland (84)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +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. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $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."

    3. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +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."

    4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    18 miles
    Website
    +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"

    5. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Clinton, MD
    5 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

    4 Reviews
    Fort Belvoir, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +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. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "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."

    9. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."

    "For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground."

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Recent Reviews near Fort Washington, MD

570 Reviews of 84 Fort Washington Campgrounds

Guide to Fort Washington

Camping near Fort Washington, Maryland, offers a mix of outdoor fun and easy access to the sights of Washington, D.C. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the National Parks: Fort Washington Park is nearby, where you can hike and enjoy views of the Potomac River. Campers appreciate the historical significance and scenic trails.
  • Visit Cherry Hill Park: This campground is a great base for visiting D.C. Many campers have enjoyed the convenience of public transit, with one reviewer stating, "We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit."
  • Enjoy Water Activities: At Pohick Bay Campground, you can kayak or fish. One visitor mentioned, "The park will rent kayaks, and we saw beautiful aquatic plants and many birds."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often rave about the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. A reviewer at Cherry Hill Park noted, "The bathrooms/showers are very clean and modern."
  • Community Feel: Many appreciate the sense of community at campgrounds. One camper at Bull Run Regional Park said, "There is a generally good sense of community, which is lucky because of how close together the sites are."
  • Convenient Location: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park are praised for their proximity to D.C. A visitor mentioned, "You can't beat this campground for a DC visit."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or airports. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground complained, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7."
  • Site Spacing: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Lake Fairfax Campground noted, "The sites are pretty close together; we could see probably about 10 or so other campsites from our campsite."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Greenbelt Park Campground, lack certain amenities like electric hookups and markets. A reviewer mentioned, "There’s not a ton to do within the park itself."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer playgrounds and organized activities. At Cherry Hill Park, kids can enjoy a tractor ride through the campground.
  • Plan for Nearby Attractions: Campers recommend visiting local attractions. One family at Bull Run Regional Park enjoyed the nearby national battle sites and said, "We booked site 136 due to proximity of the playground."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring items that make camping easier for kids, like games and snacks. A camper at Tuckahoe State Park mentioned, "The camp store had a few items for sale, and the ranger was so nice."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry KOA noted, "The sites were so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "Careful some near steep drop off."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for potential noise from nearby roads or airports. A visitor at Lake Fairfax Campground said, "It was a busy campground, but if you don't mind being right up next to your neighbor, it will be fine."

Camping near Fort Washington, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences for families and RVers alike. With clean facilities, community vibes, and easy access to D.C., it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

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 4.2-star rating from 39 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.

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