Glamping options near Nanjemoy, Maryland include tent-friendly and RV-accommodating campgrounds within a 45-minute drive. The region features Potomac River access points and moderate temperatures averaging 50-80°F during camping season. Sites fill quickly during weekends from May through September when water activities peak.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Pohick Bay Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course popular with weekend 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.
Fossil hunting: Westmoreland State Park Campground provides beach areas where campers search for prehistoric shark teeth. "I LOVE this park. The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others. I love the sharks' teeth display in the shop and when I was there they were working on putting bones together of a whale that was found," shares RL.
Historical site access: Visit Civil War crossing points while glamping near Nanjemoy, Maryland. "I spoke with Steve, the owner for the past 20 years, and this campground has some significant history that goes along with it including the river facing campground used as a crossing point during the civil war. He specifically mentioned that Custer came through for which Steve has documented in a book he wrote about his 50 acre estate," reports Derek E. about Rappahannock River Campground.
What campers like
Quiet wooded campsites: Bull Run Regional Park offers secluded sites despite proximity to urban areas. "We arrived late at night and finding our site was easy. Very spacious sites and awesome views of the forest," reports Charyssa G.
Affordable river camping: Rappahannock River Campground provides budget-friendly sites with immediate water access for $15 per night. "This campground is off the beaten path and QUIET! The sites are well-spaced and lovely. We stayed overnight passing thru. We'll be back with this as a destination for kayaking. The river access is fantastic!" according to Jen T.
Family activities: Cherry Hill Park offers organized programming for children throughout the week. "They have so much going on! Plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park! Pool, playgrounds, game room, camp store, pavilions, everything!" says Jason E.
What you should know
Seasonal water quality: Check water conditions before swimming at some glamping locations. "At the time of my visit a couple of weeks ago there was a bit of algae in the water that could cause irritation to stomach and skin, so just be mindful of this. I did hike down to fossil beach but definitely avoided the water," notes one reviewer about Westmoreland State Park.
Site drainage issues: Heavy rain can affect some camping areas. "While we were here, there was a fairly heavy day of rain. Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical. The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow. Result was lots of standing water at our campsite," reports Stuart O. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Limited bathroom facilities: Leesylvania State Park Campground offers more primitive accommodations than some glamping sites. "Decent campground here suitable for campers new and old. Have tent, full hook up RV sites and even cabin sites for the families who just want the comfort of a home. The sites and clean and spacious. The bathrooms are also clean and have hot showers," explains Daniel S.
Tips for camping with families
Scavenger hunts: Book weekend stays for organized children's activities. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. 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 Campground.
Hayride experiences: Bull Run Regional Park offers evening entertainment suitable for younger children. "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. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," says Bridget H.
Winter programming: Visit during off-peak season for fewer crowds while glamping near Nanjemoy. "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year. Definitely gets windy near the river. Nothing a big pot of camp soup or chili can't help! Bath houses are heated which is amazing," says RL.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request end sites at Cherry Hill for more privacy. "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," recommends Scott C.
Leveling requirements: Bull Run Park requires additional equipment for some sites. "The sites are nicely spread out. My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level. Yes, I would recommend this camp ground," advises Drew M.
Amenities worth fees: Premium sites include extras that justify higher costs. "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. I wish there was a little bit more room in between the campers for privacy but it did not hurt our stay," explains Jonathan B. about his experience at Cherry Hill Park.
