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heather B.
Scout
ScoutCherry Hill Park
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This camp ground is like a resort with 2 pools mini golf splash pad and many other amenities
Camping near La Plata, MD
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options around La Plata, Maryland span from developed state parks to waterfront sites along the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. Cedarville State Forest, located approximately 10 miles northeast of La Plata, offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups in a forested setting. Smallwood State Park, situated about 8 miles southwest in Marbury, provides boat-in access and cabin accommodations when operational. Many campgrounds in the region balance proximity to Washington DC with natural settings, creating opportunities for both urban exploration and outdoor recreation. Pohick Bay Campground in nearby Virginia features full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups, while also offering cabin rentals and water recreation facilities.
Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds, particularly during the peak season from April through October. As one camper noted, "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. The sites were decently spaced out from one another." Weather conditions significantly impact camping experiences, with summer months bringing high humidity and mosquito activity. Several reviewers mention standing water and mud after rainfall, particularly at Point Lookout State Park. Aircraft noise affects some campgrounds due to proximity to military installations and flight paths. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with some campgrounds offering WiFi near central facilities while others have limited connectivity.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, though site quality varies significantly. "We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area. We were working in Arlington/DC only a 25 min drive away and it was nice to come home to some nature," reported one Pohick Bay camper. Many campgrounds feature clean bathrooms and hot showers, though weekend crowding can affect maintenance. Noise levels present a common concern, with highway proximity affecting some locations. Wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons, are frequently mentioned in reviews. Historical significance enhances several camping areas, with Civil War sites and museums adding educational value to outdoor experiences. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, fishing areas, and water parks are available at many locations.
Best Campgrounds near La Plata (91)
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. 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 Availability3. 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
Check Availability4. 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 Availability5. Westmoreland State Park Campground
"The sites we have stayed at have all been super clean and close to bathrooms and water. They include a fire ring, picnic table and a hook for your trash. The bathrooms are clean and have hot showers."
"The park is well off the beaten path, but has plenty of historic and other attractions near by."
from $27 - $134 / night
Check Availability6. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
"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."
7. Goose Bay Marina
"the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will"
"Location on the Potomac is great for boaters. Bought a bushel of crabs right off of the boat from Mr. Joe. Many people have golf carts, but not necessary as the campground was very walkable."
8. Charity’s Hope Family Farm Resort
from $60 - $100 / night
Check Availability9. Leesylvania State Park Campground
"Close to me so theres nothing new"
"Good for a day use, parking is full most of the time but have a lot of space to park you may have to walk but you will find one spot..."
from $15 - $18 / night
Check Availability10. Caledon State Park Campground
"Caledon was an amazing adventure that’s so close to Fredericksburg. It’s a nice 3 mile hike to the campsite which is right by the Potomac river! They have porta Johns and a pavilion close by."
"Porta pottie right next to wood pile. You’re not supposed to setup anything outside of the “tent pads”. I had a hammock hung and three rangers saw but didn’t say anything."
from $16 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 38 min from Washington, DC
- 43 min from Lexington Park, MD
- 1 hr 6 min from Baltimore, MD
- 2 hrs 15 min from Salisbury, MD
Recent Camping Photos near La Plata, MD
178 Photos of 91 La Plata Campgrounds
Justin G.
Cedarville State Forest
Laure D.
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
New D.
Pohick Bay Campground
Katie T.
Caledon State Park Campground
Ally S.
Endeavor Point
Candice N.
Lacy Oasis Campground
The Dyrt
Thousand Trails Harbor View
Marvin D.
Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping — Prince William Forest Park
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Glen W.
Burke Lake Park Campground
Janelle
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Recent Reviews near La Plata, MD
530 Reviews of 91 La Plata Campgrounds
- H
Holly B.
GuideCherry Hill Park
My All Time Favorite…so far
This park is top notch. The grounds are immaculate. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have a lovely gift shop. We were in the 400 sites and it was nice and shady. Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park. This is my all time favorite park so far and I need to go back.
Jeremy G.
TravelerJoint Base Andrews Military FamCamp
Could be a great campground but......
There are some good things about this Famcamp. It's like a diamond in the rough. If the military would spend some time and money on it, it could be a great campground. One of the greatest points about this campground is its location. You are so close to downtown D.C.! Every RV site (as far as I saw) was a level concrete pad. All sites, except for tent sites, have full electricity. Most sites have sewer and water. Sites 12-18 should be mainly used for the smaller travel trailers. I had an interesting time getting my 35' 5th wheel into the site. Even though I got my RV into the site, I don't have much room for my truck. My site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill. Everything is rusted beyond repair. My grill was filled with cigarette butts and my fire pit had trash in it. There is some shade. My site has two trees at the front of the pad on both sides of the RV. My bedroom stays nice and cold and I have a good view for my Starlink in the rear. The sites are close to each other, but there is some space. The good thing is that we are surrounded by the golf course. You don't get much noise from the base, because of the location, and because the FamCamp is surrounded by trees. You can hear the busy road outside the fence but I don't hear it much inside the RV. Every once in a while you'll hear an aircraft... but this is an air base, it's expected. We were told the community laundry was not working and to use the base laundry mat. Finally, one of the best parts about the campground, is the lady at outdoor rec that is in charge of the Famcamp. She is very nice and helpful. She will try to assist you with anything you need from directions to useful tips.
- AAimee K.Traveler
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Good location
Nice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
Kindra W.GuidePoint Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
5 stars! Beautiful, clean, magical
Magical stay at Point Lookout — New Tulip Loop (Full Hook‑Up) and I’m already planning a return. The whole park feels peaceful and safe, the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, and our site is clean and well‑maintained. The loop’s energy felt magical — quiet, restorative, and tucked into the trees so it felt private but not isolated. Full hookups were convenient and reliable; the site layout is roomy and pet‑friendly, with an easy walk to a beautiful dog beach so our pup had a blast. We walked to stunning beaches and spent afternoons watching water and sky at the tip of the peninsula — spectacular views where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. The park’s Civil War history and lighthouse added fascinating, walkable sites to explore between beach time, giving the stay both recreation and depth. Clean facilities, helpful staff at the park office, and well-marked trails made everything low‑stress and enjoyable. If you want a peaceful, historic, pet‑friendly Class A spot with full hookups and gorgeous nearby beaches, Tulip Loop at Point Lookout is five stars from me.
John M.GuideMatoaka Beach Cottages
Fantastic location with winderful hosts
Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.
Beth B.
LegendPrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Nice clean Campground
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. Even with busy road nearby, park was quiet and felt private. Sites were level and paved making setup easy. Sites had 1/2 site extra paved for vehicle with extra parking nearby. There was no litter in park, we observed a staff member daily making the rounds to keep everything clean. There was walking access into the park on wide private roads without traffic. With park access you are able to walk into national forest park from RV camp. National Forest visitor center close by, 1 exit away going south I95. Amenities in RV park included swimming pool, chess board with extra large pieces, playground and clean bath house. Firewood and ice on site.
- CCaitlin R.Scout
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great Campground
Our family loved this campground. It was entirely wooded with plenty of shade, sites were close but separated enough to feel like you were in your own site. Our kids and others rode their bikes around the loop all weekend long. Bathrooms could have been a little cleaner and all the entrances except one were closed, but that’s what happens when you cut budgets for public lands.
Ashley T.TravelerGoose Bay Marina
Jeepers Creepers meets Catalina Wine Mixer
When we first arrived it was late (we are either late or not coming as always!) the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will love it tomorrow… welp he knows me! All the boat storage and walking around it so fun looking at all the boat names… they are remodeling the bathhouses now they look nice so far on the inside. Everyone is working really hard a staying busy tending to the boats or landscaping or docks… Vicki is super friendly she works practically everyday… but hopefully one day she will trust someone enough to delegate her duties to…
Guide to La Plata
Camping options near La Plata, Maryland include primitive hike-in sites, full-hookup RV campgrounds, and waterfront locations along the Potomac River. The region experiences high humidity in summer months with temperatures frequently reaching 85-95°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions with occasional rain. Winter camping remains available at select year-round campgrounds where nighttime temperatures typically drop to 30-40°F.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Pohick Bay Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course perfect for beginners and experienced players. "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," shares Rachel L. from Pohick Bay Campground.
Hiking trails: Prince William Forest Park offers extensive trail networks suitable for day hikes. "Nice camping spot close to DC with hiking nearby," notes Perry A. The area contains both paved and natural surface trails ranging from 1-5 miles in length, accommodating various skill levels.
Fossil hunting: Westmoreland State Park provides access to 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. from Westmoreland State Park. The park features interpretive displays about local fossils and occasionally offers guided fossil walks.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds provide boat rentals and water access. "There is boat rental a short walk down the trail from the campgrounds and the pool and disc golf course are another short trail walk away," explains Ben G. about Pohick Bay. Kayak and canoe rentals typically cost $15-25 per hour depending on the campground.
What campers like
Private campsites: Smallwood State Park receives praise for its well-spaced sites. "These sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they're very private with woods between each one," shares Caitlin A. from Smallwood State Park. Most campsites include standard fire rings and picnic tables.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours," notes Caitlin A. about Smallwood State Park's amenities.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to spot native animals and birds. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" writes Kathie M. about Oak Ridge Campground.
Proximity to DC: Campsites provide natural settings within reasonable driving distance to Washington DC. "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," reports Josh J. about camping at Pohick Bay.
What you should know
Tick prevention: Several campgrounds report high tick activity, especially during warmer months. "We saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates... LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," advises Ben J. from Cedarville State Forest.
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Cedarville State Forest typically operates from April through October, while others may have different seasonal availability. Check official websites for current operating schedules.
Noise considerations: Proximity to military installations affects some campgrounds. "It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times," reports Kasey M. about camping near La Plata.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. Some primitive sites may offer first-come, first-served options with limited availability. Booking windows typically open 6 months in advance for most Maryland state parks.
Tips for camping with families
Family activities: Scheduled events at some campgrounds cater specifically to children. "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 Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Many locations feature playgrounds and water attractions. "This is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around. Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," notes Anne K. about visiting Pohick Bay with children.
Site selection: Choose sites near amenities when camping with young children. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," explains Ben G., highlighting the convenience for families with small children.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs and historical exhibits. "We saw DC during the day but camped each evening. It was amazing!" shares Lisa P. from Oak Ridge Campground, describing how families can combine urban education with outdoor experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV campers should be prepared for varied terrain. "Nice layout, not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help," explains Robert P. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between campgrounds. "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained," reports Megan K. about the utilities at Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Accessibility: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "Site 6 was good but not for larger rigs. We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs. Site 5 or 7 wouldn't have that problem," advises Nurse N. about camping at Cedarville State Forest with RVs.
Dump station facilities: Waste disposal options should be considered when planning trips. "They have a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower," notes Ben J. about the facilities at Cedarville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near La Plata, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near La Plata, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near La Plata, MD is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.
What parks are near La Plata, MD?
What parks are near La Plata, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near La Plata, MD that allow camping, notably Fort Washington Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.
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