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Camping near Fort Washington Park

567 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.

Map showing campgrounds near Fort Washington Park, MarylandExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Washington Park (82)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

    38 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $33 - $150 / 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

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    22 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."

    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

    15 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

    31 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

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

    $34 - $90 / 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."

    8. 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."

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

    9 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"

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

    18 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."

    "Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located."

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Recent Camping Photos near Fort Washington Park

219 Photos of 82 Fort Washington Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fort Washington Park

567 Reviews of 82 Fort Washington Park Campgrounds

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA

    Trick or treat night!

    Came in to tent camp 1 night to break up a long drive south, and it happened to be trick or treat night. There were several events during the day for the kiddos that were here. Staff was friendly, Our site was clean, fire ring was empty and our neighbors were playing 90’s hits! Perfect vibe.

  • C
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    Beautiful views - steep sites

    caution though, the back row is steep. We were unable to get our Super C level.  The rain created red clay mud so the dogs were a mess - actually became sort of comical.  All in all it was a beautiful and clean location.  Try and reserve row E if you need full hook up

  • Amanda S.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    Got bed bugs? They do.

    Stayed in cabin 202 for a Fri- Sun and on our last morning we found a bed bug on our clothing. While they gave a refund it does not come close to cover the time and energy of remediating all of our clothing, sheets, and blankets. We also had to throw out items that could not be cleaned properly and now have to replace them(pillows, shoes, etc). My husband has 23 bites over the course of 2 nights. They burn and itch very badly. I truly hope this was a hiccup for them and they go through correct methods of having the cabin treated properly. 

    UPDATE: A recount of the bites- my husband has 31 bites so far. The remediation of all of our items is exhausting. All the blankets, clothing, suit cases, all the other items we used in the cabin needs to be cleaned. We had to throw out our shoes because they shrunk in the dryer. Spent$$$ replacing shoes for a family for 4. Pillows are not cheap to replace either. I bought a new corset at the renfest this weekend that I'm hoping doesn't get ruined when it goes through the dryer. That too was expensive. So if you're looking to have to spend a bunch of extra money to replace items you didn't want to replace in the first place- I recommend staying here.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Pax River Hog Point Campgrounds — Naval Airstation (Nas) Patuxent River

    Left Early, Won’t Be Back

    When we saw a review of this campground on Rec.gov complaining about the amount of bugs we thought they were being ridiculous, they were not. In addition to an insane amount of bugs making the experience here uniquely miserable — it is not quiet or peaceful. A (clearly quite drunk) group nearby was singing at the top of their lungs until at least 11pm when we made the decision to bail seeing as we weren’t going to be getting any sleep between being eaten alive and serenaded.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Adventure Bound Washington DC

    Nice

    This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aquia Pines Campground

    Good stopover near the highway but hidden between the trees

    We where forced land-inwards because of tropical storm Erin (potential hurricane hitting the Outer Banks). So we decided to visit Washington DC and had a stopover here. It was conveniently located. Terrain is not flat but our spot was well levelled. There is a big dog (and an older gentleman) in the office to welcome you. Full hook up was oké and our spot was nicly secluded between the trees.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    A World Away Farm LLC

    Great folks. Inexpensive for full hookup.

    They have a farm with chickens, ducks, horses etc for our 7 yr old to enjoy. She got to feed the chickens, gather eggs and offer carrots to the beautiful horses. Wonderful people ❤️. We will be back next year.

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    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. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

Guide to Fort Washington Park

Camping near Fort Washington Park, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and easy access to the city. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Visit Washington, D.C.: Many campers use the nearby campgrounds as a base to explore the nation's capital. At Cherry Hill Park, one reviewer mentioned, "We stayed a week at Cherry Hill and it had everything we needed for visiting DC. Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well." This makes it easy to hop on public transit and see the sights without the hassle of city parking.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities: Bull Run Regional Park offers a giant playground and a water park, perfect for families. One visitor shared, "My son loved the giant playground and full water park at the campground, they even had discounted entry to the water park for campers."
  • Explore nature trails: Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park is known for its beautiful trails. A camper noted, "It’s quiet, not very busy at all, and nice sites," making it a great spot for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Pohick Bay Campground stated, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in," which is a big plus for many.
  • Community feel: Many campers enjoy the sense of community at campgrounds. One reviewer at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "There is a generally good sense of community," which can make for a more enjoyable experience.
  • Convenient location: Campgrounds like Greenbelt Park Campground are close to the city while still offering a natural setting. A visitor remarked, "This must be a great getaway for locals," highlighting its appeal for those wanting to escape the city without going too far.

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or military bases. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground complained, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place," so be prepared for some background noise.
  • Site proximity: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A review for Cedarville State Forest noted, "You’re really on top of your neighbors at this place!" This might not be ideal for those seeking privacy.
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oak Ridge Campground, lack certain amenities like electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "No water or electricity!" so check what’s available before booking.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. At Bull Run Regional Park, one parent said, "There is plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have stores, but it’s good to bring your own food. A camper at Cherry Hill Park appreciated the "nicely stocked store," which can be a lifesaver for last-minute needs.
  • Check for discounts: Many campgrounds offer discounts for kids or families. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "campers get a discount at the water park," making it a budget-friendly option.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for big rig-friendly sites: If you have a larger RV, check for campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. A reviewer at Cherry Hill Park noted, "Big rig friendly, sites excellent," which is reassuring for those traveling in larger vehicles.
  • Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds have limited space for maneuvering. A camper at Prince William Forest RV Campground mentioned, "the sites are very small," so plan accordingly.
  • Check for amenities: Make sure to verify what amenities are available, like dump stations and water hookups. A visitor at Lake Fairfax Campground said, "The bathrooms are close by and kept clean," which is a plus for RVers.

Camping near Fort Washington Park, Maryland, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

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 4.2-star rating from 38 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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