Camping options near La Plata, Maryland span wetland and forest ecosystems typical of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The region maintains average summer highs around 87°F with significant humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures in the 65-75°F range. Campsites in this area typically sit at elevations between 100-250 feet above sea level, creating moderate terrain suitable for most camping setups.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Pohick Bay Regional Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course accessible from the campground. "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.
Water recreation: The Pohick Bay Campground waterfront allows for various boating activities from kayaks to motorboats. Anne K. mentions, "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," making it ideal for water enthusiasts. The park also features Pirate's Cove waterpark for summer visitors.
Historical exploration: Visit Westmoreland State Park Campground for unique paleontological experiences. Sara A. shares, "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night." The fossil beach offers visitors a chance to find prehistoric shark teeth along the shoreline.
Nature scavenger hunts: Bull Run Regional Park organizes activities for younger campers. "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," according to Bridget H.
What campers like
Privacy and spaciousness: Cherry Hill Park features well-designed sites. Scott C. recommends, "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. 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."
Heated facilities: Westmoreland State Park offers comfort even during colder seasons. "Bath houses are heated which is amazing. We had a large group so we rented B49 and B48," says RL, highlighting the park's winter camping options for those seeking yurt camping near La Plata, Maryland during cooler months.
Unique shower setup: Bull Run Regional Park provides exceptional bathroom facilities. Yvonne B. enthusiastically reports, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Eagle watching at Westmoreland State Park adds a special element to the camping experience. Kathie M. notes about Pohick Bay, "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!"
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Summer brings higher attendance at some parks. Rachel A. notes about Westmoreland State Park: "Westmoreland felt a little crowded at full capacity. Had to wait for restrooms and the beaches were well used."
Wildlife precautions: Lacy Oasis Campground provides a peaceful setting, but wildlife encounters require preparation. Terrance D. describes it as "serenity, serenity, serenity" while emphasizing that "this space is about healing and being grounded with yourself."
Campground noise levels: Noise varies significantly between parks. Kelli T. cautions about one location: "This place is packed full of people who like to stay up late and make lots of noise. Park rules aren't very well enforced."
Reservation requirements: Louise F. Cosca Regional Park has specific registration procedures. Tye S. advises, "This is not a gated campground so anyone can come through and have a tour. Park Police patrol the campground 2 times a day... This is not big rig friendly but there are pull through sites but the roads are very narrow."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Cherry Hill Park provides numerous family-friendly options. Jason E. reports, "Very nice grounds, clean, and amenities galore! They have so much going on! Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!"
Site selection for children: Choose family-oriented areas at Pohick Bay Campground. Ben G. recommends, "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious. The campground was quiet which is nice."
Educational opportunities: Leesylvania State Park Campground offers learning experiences for children. Sarah F. shares, "My son and I really enjoy spending time here! This park is ALWAYS full of family's having picnics and enjoying time together! There's playground and a beach area for kids and family to all enjoy."
Schedule awareness: Take advantage of organized events. Ben G. notes, "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."
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Site topography varies significantly between parks. Drew M. advises about Bull Run Regional Park, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level."
Electric hookup strategy: At Cosca Regional Park, power access requires planning. Ben S. notes, "We are at site 18, one of the ones with power. Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious." Only 5 of the 25 sites have electric hookups (sites 2, 5, 18, 24, 25).
Metro access: For yurt camping near La Plata, Maryland with city access, several parks offer commuting options. Josh J. shares about Pohick Bay, "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."
