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Best Campgrounds near La Plata, MD

515 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near La Plata, Maryland (82)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / 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. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023

    9 Reviews
    Marbury, MD
    12 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"

    4. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    25 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."

    5. Westmoreland State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Montross, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 493-8821

    "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."

    6. Charity’s Hope Family Farm Resort

    1 Review
    La Plata, MD
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (202) 277-3004

    $60 - $100 / night

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

    17 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    21 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."

    8. Leesylvania State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 730-8205

    $15 - $18 / night

    "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..."

    9. Caledon State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    King George, VA
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Goose Bay Marina

    1 Review
    Ironsides, MD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 932-0885

    "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."

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515 Reviews of 82 La Plata Campgrounds

Guide to La Plata

Camping near La Plata, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly campgrounds to spots perfect for RVs, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

  • Explore Washington, D.C.: Many campers use the nearby campgrounds as a base to visit the nation's capital. One reviewer at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "We stayed a week at Cherry Hill and it had everything we needed for visiting DC." The campground provides easy access to public transit, making it simple to explore the city.

  • Enjoy outdoor activities: Campers at Bull Run Regional Park can take advantage of the playgrounds and trails. A visitor shared, "The site was clean and well kept, bathhouse was close to the tent site and in ok shape."

  • Fishing and hiking: At Lake Anna State Park, you can enjoy fishing and hiking. One camper noted, "Great walking trails surrounding the campground. Well maintained."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in."
  • Community feel: Many campers enjoy the sense of community at campgrounds. One reviewer at Cherry Hill Park said, "There is a generally good sense of community, which is lucky because of how close together the sites are."
  • Proximity to attractions: Campers love that many campgrounds are close to local attractions. A visitor at Greenbelt Park Campground mentioned, "It’s amazing that there is such a pretty place so close to DC."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park warned, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place is like sleeping on the side of the highway."
  • Site spacing: Campers should be aware that some sites are close together. A visitor at Lake Fairfax Campground noted, "A bit on top of each other. Site 43 had good location, electric and trees."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds offer extensive amenities. A reviewer at Oak Ridge Campground mentioned, "The campground is nice, beautiful, shaded, but not private."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. One parent at Cherry Hill Park said, "There is plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
  • Plan for bathroom proximity: Families may want sites close to bathrooms. A camper at Lake Anna State Park appreciated being near the facilities, stating, "The campground was clean & the staff... were all very helpful & friendly."
  • Bring outdoor games: Keeping kids entertained is key. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground suggested, "Bring bikes. Long bike trail along road."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: RVers should confirm site sizes before booking. A reviewer at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA mentioned, "Some spots appeared flooded but ours was not."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park noted, "The sites are all nice and level, but rather close, as expected given the proximity to DC."
  • Plan for early check-in fees: Some campgrounds may charge extra for early check-ins. A camper at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA cautioned, "They'll charge you an extra $20 for early check in."

Camping near La Plata, Maryland, offers a mix of experiences, from family-friendly activities to serene nature escapes. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

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 4.2-star rating from 39 reviews.

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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