A
Al L.
Scout
ScoutWestmoreland State Park Campground
Nice end of summer retreat
It was a well maintained campsite. Clean bathrooms and great hikes to fossil beach.
Camping near Fort Washington, MD
97 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Fort Washington (97)
1. Pohick Bay Campground
"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 Availability2. Cherry Hill Park
"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 Availability3. Cedarville State Forest
"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 Availability4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
"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 Availability5. Burke Lake Park Campground
"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
"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 Availability7. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
"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 Availability8. Bull Run Regional Park
"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 Availability9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
"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 Availability10. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
"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
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Drive Time
- 14 min from Washington, DC
- 48 min from Baltimore, MD
- 56 min from Lexington Park, MD
- 1 hr 24 min from Winchester, VA
Recent Camping Photos near Fort Washington, MD
195 Photos of 97 Fort Washington Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Pohick Bay CampgroundK
Cedarville State Forest
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Burke Lake Park Campground
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt ParkB
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Cherry Hill Park
Lacy Oasis Campground
Lake Fairfax Campground
Recent Reviews near Fort Washington, MD
594 Reviews of 97 Fort Washington Campgrounds
- Jason
GuideAnnapolis 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.
- SSean D.
TravelerCampsites 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.
- BBrian H.Traveler
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.Guide
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.ScoutBurke 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.
- TTrevorTraveler
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.
- JJohn S.Traveler
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.
- hheather B.Scout
Cherry Hill Park
Like a resort
This camp ground is like a resort with 2 pools mini golf splash pad and many other amenities
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?
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?
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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