Fort Washington Park camping options sit along the Potomac River in Prince George's County, where the water elevation remains at approximately 10 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Wildlife includes whitetail deer, red-tailed hawks, and various waterfowl visible throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Historical exploration: 5-mile radius around Fort Washington Park contains several historic sites including the fort itself, built in 1824 as a defensive structure. Prince William Forest RV Campground offers access to nearby National Park Service properties. "Prince William Forest which is a fantastic National Parks forest," notes one camper. "National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," mentions another visitor.
Water activities: Potomac River access for fishing and kayaking can be found at several campgrounds near Fort Washington. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp provides direct river access. "There is a pier out into the river to fish on. The outdoor recreation center has bait, snacks, and drinks," explains one visitor. Another camper mentions, "The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river."
Hiking trails: Multiple difficulty levels available at several parks near Fort Washington. "There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," shares one visitor to Bull Run Regional Park. For shorter walks, paved pathways are common at most nearby camping facilities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses receive positive reviews at most rv campgrounds near Fort Washington Park. Cherry Hill Park consistently earns praise for maintenance. "Everything was extremely clean and well maintained. We loved the brick patio with patio furniture," writes one camper. Another notes, "The showers are with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
Family amenities: Multiple playgrounds and recreational options keep children engaged at several parks. "This campground is byfar one of the best I have ever stayed at. The price is a little steep, but with all the amenities you get, it is well worth it," writes one Cherry Hill Park visitor. Another camper at Bull Run notes, "Excellent campground and park for families. Swimming, biking, and hiking."
Natural settings: Wooded sites offer privacy despite proximity to urban areas. Smallwood State Park Campground receives positive comments for its layout. "The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they're very private with woods between each one," notes one visitor. Another explains, "Sites were all very wooded and spread out; nice amount of trees and separation between each site."
What you should know
Reservation policies: Book 3-6 months ahead during peak season (April-October) for weekend camping. Several parks require minimum stays during summer weekends. "Being this was our first outing, the camp ground is bare minimum but yet quiet and peaceful," explains a visitor to CHAMPS RV Park at Fort AP Hill.
Security considerations: Limited after-hours assistance at some parks means handling noise issues can be challenging. "When a bunch of high schoolers decide to party till 3AM, there's no one to call," notes one camper at Burke Lake Park Campground. Military-affiliated campgrounds typically offer better security.
Noise factors: Varied sound levels depending on location and day of week. While most parks maintain quiet hours, external factors can impact your experience. "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," notes one camper at Bull Run Park. Another mentions, "I was only stopping for single night. I was not informed next door there was a outdoor concert that went until 10pm extremely loud."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule arrival before 3pm to take advantage of recreational amenities. Many parks offer structured activities for children. Bull Run Regional Park has numerous family-friendly 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. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," shares one visitor.
Campsite selection: Request sites away from common areas to balance accessibility with quiet. "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt," mentions one Bull Run camper. Another notes, "Train, carousel, fishing," as kid-friendly options.
Weather preparation: Pack for rain as several campgrounds report drainage issues. "The rain created red clay mud so the dogs were a mess - actually became sort of comical," writes one visitor to Prince William Forest. Some sites require additional preparation during wet conditions.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Bring extra blocks as many sites require significant adjustment. Thousand Trails Harbor View receives mixed reviews regarding site conditions. "Gravel site pad could definitely use some maintenance and fresh material added. Had to put down boards to park our travel trailer because about a third of the pad had just turned into mud," explains one camper.
Site layout considerations: End positions preferred at most campgrounds for additional space. "The sites are close. Tent campers are an absolute afterthought here, as the sites are in the back and the bathhouse is in the front," notes one visitor to Harbor View. Another mentions, "All the sites are very shady, which certainly comes in handy in the Virginia heat. They are also very close together--our slide was almost touching our neighbor's slide."
Utility connections: Water pressure varies significantly between parks and sometimes between sites. Full hookup quality and reliability differs widely. "Sites do have full hookups but WiFi is spotty," mentions one camper. At Camp Meade RV Park, a visitor notes, "Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F."
