Best Campgrounds near Mount Rainier, MD
Greenbelt Park Campground provides a forested retreat just minutes from Washington DC, offering primitive tent and RV camping options without hookups. This National Park Service campground features four separate loops with sites for tents and RVs under 35 feet, though no electrical connections are available. Several other developed campgrounds in the region, including Cherry Hill Park and Washington DC Capitol KOA, provide more amenities for those seeking full hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping accommodations.
Reservations are required at most campgrounds in the area, with prices ranging from $20 per night at public facilities to significantly higher rates at private campgrounds with amenities. Access to camping areas remains straightforward with paved roads leading to most established sites. "The campground is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful," noted one visitor about Greenbelt Park. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with several closing during winter months, though some like Pohick Bay Campground remain open year-round. Weather conditions are generally mild, but summer humidity can make tent camping uncomfortable without proper ventilation.
Proximity to Washington DC represents the primary advantage for these mixed-use campgrounds, with several reviewers highlighting the convenience for urban exploration. The Metro system provides direct access from Greenbelt to downtown attractions, eliminating parking concerns when visiting the capital. Campers report hearing occasional traffic and aircraft noise, but the forest setting creates a surprising buffer from urban sounds. According to one camper, "This is a fantastic campground for the price! The picnic table was made out of metal and strong plastic instead of wood which was really nice and easy to clean. The place is beautiful and full of wildlife!" Hiking trails throughout Greenbelt Park offer natural recreation opportunities, though reviews consistently mention preparing for ticks and other insects, particularly during warmer months. Many developed campgrounds in the area provide shower facilities, though their cleanliness and maintenance receive mixed reviews.
