Fort Washington campgrounds provide diverse outdoor experiences within 30 minutes of Washington DC. The area features mixed hardwood forests at elevations ranging from near sea level along the Potomac River to approximately 280 feet in surrounding hills. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Pohick Bay Regional Park offers 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 reviewer Rachel L.
Wildlife viewing: Birdwatchers particularly enjoy Westmoreland State Park Campground for its diverse bird population. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" shares Kathie M.
Fossil hunting: Several riverside campgrounds feature beaches where visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth. "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night," reports Sara A. about her experience at Westmoreland State Park.
What campers like
Proximity to DC attractions: Most campgrounds highlight their convenient location for city exploration. "Stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat," explains Josh J. about Pohick Bay Regional Park.
On-site water recreation: Several parks feature water activities during warm months. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer. Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions Anne K. regarding Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Varied accommodation types: The region offers everything from basic tent sites to premium cabin and yurt camping. Fort Washington area campgrounds provide diverse sleeping arrangements. "Cherry Hill offers well-appointed safari tents and yurts with comfortable beds, electricity, and climate control systems that keep guests comfortable in any season," according to the Cherry Hill Park website.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, particularly during peak season. "We are at site 18, one of the ones with power. Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious. Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself," advises Ben S. about Louise F. Cosca Regional Park.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise from nearby roads or facilities. "Camp ground is nice. Check in was a breeze. The only drawback is that it is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," reports Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Site variability: Campsite quality can differ significantly within the same campground. "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.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer organized events for younger visitors. "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. You even get a prize when you finish," shares Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Playground proximity: Consider booking sites near play areas for convenience with small children. "We got a site on thr inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious. We are tent campers but almost all our neighbors were in an RV or trailer," reports Ben G. about Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Bathroom facilities: Comfort stations vary widely between campgrounds. "I'll go again just for the showers. The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," praises Yvonne B. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many RV sites require leveling blocks. "The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side. The landscaping, trees and site placement does help the esthetics," notes Scott C. from Washington DC / Capitol KOA.
Premium site features: Higher-priced sites often include significant amenities. "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs," mentions Jonathan B. about Cherry Hill Park.
Hookup variations: Not all sites provide full hookups. "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," shares Tye S. about Louise F. Cosca Regional Park.
