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Camping near Fort Washington Park

588 Reviews

Camping options around Fort Washington Park, Maryland include several established campgrounds within a 25-mile radius. Cherry Hill Park in College Park and Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton, Virginia provide full-service camping with accommodations ranging from tent sites to cabins and RV hookups. Cedarville State Forest and Greenbelt Park Campground offer more traditional camping experiences closer to natural settings while still providing necessary amenities. Most campgrounds in this region maintain proximity to Washington DC while offering forest settings along the Potomac River watershed.

Seasonal considerations impact camping availability, with many facilities operating between April and October when temperatures are moderate. Cedarville State Forest typically closes for camping during winter months, while year-round options like Pohick Bay and Cherry Hill Park remain open with varying amenity levels. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds fill quickly due to their metropolitan location. Visitors note the convenience of these campgrounds for DC exploration. "We stayed here for 3 nights at a back in with water/electric. We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were working in Arlington/DC only a 25 min drive away and it was nice to come home to some nature."

Developed campgrounds near Fort Washington Park frequently receive positive reviews for their proximity to both urban attractions and natural features. Pohick Bay Campground stands out with its disc golf course, water recreation opportunities, and hiking trails along the Potomac River. Multiple visitors highlight the family-friendly atmosphere with playgrounds and organized activities. "This park is a great spot for tent or pop-up camping. It had a wonderful hiking trail overlooking the Potomac River," noted one camper. RV sites with hookups are most abundant at Cherry Hill Park and Pohick Bay, while Greenbelt Park offers a more rustic camping experience despite its urban proximity. Military families have access to Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, which offers secured camping on the Potomac River with pier fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Washington Park (95)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

    37 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    8 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. 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."

    3. Cherry Hill Park

    44 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $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."

    4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    20 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

    16 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    15 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. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    32 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 221-7181

    $26 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Bull Run Regional Park

    44 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "There's plenty of room around the camper, and although there are other campsites and cabins nearby, the trees provide a lot of separation."

    "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."

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

    10 Reviews
    Marbury, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $27 - $65 / night

    "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"

    9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

    4 Reviews
    Fort Belvoir, VA
    6 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."

    10. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    19 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    19 miles
    +1 (703) 221-2474

    "Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city."

    "Stayed here for a week while working nearby. Easy to get to and set up. Office was closed when we arrived but arrival paperwork was posted outside office door."

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Recent Reviews near Fort Washington Park

588 Reviews of 95 Fort Washington Park Campgrounds

  • Christi G.
    Sep. 26, 2026

    Bull Run Regional Park

    Site #133 — Great site once you figure out the best way to get into it

    We stayed in site #133 with our 34'10" travel trailer/toy hauler. Overall, we really like the site. It's spacious, fairly level, heavily wooded, and feels surprisingly private. There's plenty of room around the camper, and although there are other campsites and cabins nearby, the trees provide a lot of separation. We had a nice large area for our chairs, fire pit, picnic table, and dogs. The biggest thing to know about #133 is the approach. We were instructed to pass the site, go around the loop, and then make a left turn into it. With our nearly 35' trailer, that would have required an extremely tight, almost 90-degree turn between the trees, and we did not feel we could safely make it. There is actually visible damage on one of the trees at the entrance, so it appears others may have had difficulty with the turn as well. Instead, we approached from the opposite direction and positioned the camper with our doors facing the main campsite area. That put the water and electric hookups on the opposite side, but our hoses and cord were long enough to run underneath the camper and reach without a problem. Once we figured that out, the site worked very well for us. I initially thought we probably wouldn't choose #133 again because of the awkward setup, but after spending the weekend here, I would. Now that we know how to approach and position our trailer, it really is a nice site. If you're bringing a longer travel trailer, just be prepared to do a little maneuvering and make sure your water hose and electrical cord have enough length if you decide to orient your camper the way we did.

  • David B.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 21, 2026

    Camp Meade RV Park

    Camp Meade

    Simple and friendly check in process. Clean and well-maintained site.

  • Michael H.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 20, 2026

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Decent campground in the middle of a urban area

    Spent two nights while we saw the Avett Brothers play at Wolf Trap. Nice flat site with power. Campground was quiet and clean. The only negative is communication and signage. It took us a couple wrong turns to find our site and when we came back, after the concert around 11, the entrance gate was closed and we had to sneak in through the exit gate. Asked the next day and they said that is what campers do to access the park after 11pm.

  • Thomas B.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 15, 2026

    Little Bennett Campground

    Great Potential?

    We stayed at Little Bennett starting on Labor Day Monday and left before the weekend, so it is hard to say how this looks when the campground is full of life. They had quite a few activities for families and a pavilion capable of concerts and such, but there was minimal activity during our stay. My biggest complaint is that the gate code changed and we didn't get any notice--so after a long day and a dinner out near Baltimore (nearly an hour away), I had to call the police to get back to my camper. Otherwise, the campsite was relatively spacious and quiet. The bugs were a little rough. Lots of whitetail running around.

  • Jason The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 4, 2026

    Annapolis MWR Academy RV/Campground

    Great spot for Retirees/Active

    If you want to be near Annapolis, right on the Severn River...this is it. About 15 RV spots nestled in the woods...with full hook ups. A couple of primitive spots as well. Just a quick 5 min walk to the river...right across from the Academy. NEX, gas within 10 min walk, and 15 min drive to downtown Annapolis. Staff is always great here, and the park is clean....for a park on the woods.

  • 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.

Guide to Fort Washington Park

Camping near Fort Washington Park offers both urban and natural experiences within the Potomac River watershed. Within 25 miles of this Maryland location, campers find sites nestled among Eastern deciduous forests with average elevations under 400 feet. Summer humidity levels often exceed 80%, creating muggy conditions from June through August when temperatures regularly reach 85-95°F.

What to do

Disc golf adventures: Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton features an 18-hole 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.

Water activities: Smallwood State Park provides excellent water access for paddling. "Mattawoman Creek is right there and great for kayaking. We'll definitely be back!!" shares Lorraine P. The park also offers fishing opportunities from several docks.

Hiking options: Trail systems throughout the region provide varied terrain. "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," reports a camper at Cedarville State Forest. The American Discovery Trail passes through Greenbelt Park Campground, adding connectivity to longer routes.

Historical exploration: The region contains significant historical sites with interpretive displays. "We saw DC during the day but camped each evening. It was amazing!" explains a visitor to Oak Ridge Campground. Many sites serve as convenient bases for visiting Civil War battlefields and monuments.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campgrounds vary in their spacing and natural buffers. "The sites for tents are big enough for a 4 person tent. There is a sacrifice of space here- I'd like to see it expand a bit, as the campground can fill quickly," notes Bill G. about Greenbelt Park Campground.

Urban accessibility: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides easy access to Washington DC. "This is a small facility that is well maintained. The staff is amazing," shares Rebecca E. Most campgrounds in the region offer access to public transportation or are a short drive to Metro stations.

Cleanliness standards: Facilities receive regular maintenance at most locations. "The bathrooms were nice and clean throughout my stay and looked newly renovated," reports Clara K. about Oak Ridge Campground. Campers frequently mention shower quality as an important factor in their reviews.

Wildlife viewing: Natural areas support diverse animal populations. "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates," writes Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest. Eagle sightings are reported at multiple locations along the Potomac.

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds have limited schedules. "Very nice campground hidden away in the city. Clean sites include table and fire pit. Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm," explains a visitor to Cedarville State Forest.

Pest concerns: Ticks and mosquitoes can be problematic, especially in warmer months. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest. Bug spray with DEET is recommended from April through October.

Reservation policies: Booking requirements vary but are typically strict. "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover. NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," advises Timothy C. about Greenbelt Park Campground.

Noise factors: Sound carries between camping areas and from surrounding infrastructure. "You can here some traffic noise. Perhaps from the highways or just in the park. Over all very nice and convenient," notes Nick C. about Greenbelt Park Campground. Air traffic noise affects several locations.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Bull Run Regional Park offers organized entertainment. "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," explains Ben G. about scheduled activities.

Playground access: Multiple parks maintain play equipment for children. "This campground has great space and super clean bathrooms with marble tile," reports Chad about Oak Ridge Campground, which also features a playground within walking distance of campsites.

Educational opportunities: Nature programs operate seasonally at several parks. "There are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," shares Becky about Greenbelt Park Campground. Rangers often lead walks focused on local ecology.

Swimming options: Hot summers make water access desirable. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," notes Anne K. about facilities at Pohick Bay Regional Park. Several campgrounds maintain pools or swimming areas during summer months.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies across campgrounds, creating challenges for larger rigs. "Sites were mostly level," reports Bille W. about Cherry Hill Park. RVers recommend bringing leveling blocks as many sites have slight slopes.

Hookup availability: Services differ significantly between parks. "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer," explains Beth R. about Cherry Hill Park. Some locations offer only basic facilities while others provide full hookups.

Accessibility considerations: Entry and navigation vary in difficulty. "Caution though, the back row is steep. We were unable to get our Super C level. The rain created red clay mud," warns Cheryl D. about Prince William Forest RV Campground. Weather can impact road conditions substantially.

Dump station facilities: Waste management systems show quality variations. "Quiet campground with tables and fire rings at all sites. Small, well stocked camp store. Propane and 2 easy dump stations," notes Mary P. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Fort Washington Park?

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

What parks are near Fort Washington Park?

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

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