Best Camping near Port Republic, MD

Searching for the best camping near Port Republic, MD? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Maryland camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Port Republic, MD (74)

    Camper-submitted photo from Westmoreland State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Westmoreland State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Westmoreland State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Westmoreland State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Westmoreland State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Westmoreland State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarville State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarville State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarville State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarville State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarville State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarville State Forest

    2. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    56 Photos
    100 Saves
    Brandywine, Maryland

    The lat/long on The Dyrt were updated 5/5/2022 to reflect what the State Forest site says is the CORRECT way to get into this campground.

    Equestrian Camping

    Campsites are primitive and a bathhouse is located in the center of the equestrian/special events camping loop. Equestrian Camping is roughly $30.00 per night per campsite. Make a reservation by calling 1-888-432-2267 (M-F 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) or online during the camping season (April through October).​ A horse is required to stay in this campground.​ Youth Group Camping

    Youth group passes are honored. Youth group camping reservations can only be made by calling the Maryland Park Service Reservation Service at 1-888-432-2267 Make future reservations by calling 1-888-432-2267 or online. The Maryland Park Service reserves the right to restrict the maximum and minimum number of vehicles and individuals admitted under one youth group pass per visit.

    Check out a map of the youth group and special event loops.

    Family Camping

    Family camping is available from April to October. Walk-ins are not permitted in office; same day reservations are made by calling 1-888-432-2267 (M-F 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) or online (24/7). ​

    Check out a map of the Family Camping Area.​
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground

    3. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    63 Photos
    304 Saves
    Lorton, Virginia

    Choose your next adventure at Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton, Virginia. Bring the kids for a day of splashing and sliding at Pirate’s Cove Waterpark, spend a day on the bay with our canoe, paddleboard, stand up paddleboard and kayak rentals; or bring your own boat to our public boat launch ramp. Make a day of it by renting a picnic shelter or stay a little longer and reserve one of our cabins or campsites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed

    4. Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed

    29 Reviews
    104 Photos
    226 Saves
    Scotland, Maryland

    The campground will be closed for the 2023 season due to water and sewer replacement.

    This park's peaceful surroundings on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County belie its history as the location of a camp which imprisoned as many as 52,264 Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. A museum on site recounts this vivid history. A park map is available at park headquarters, the camp office, camp store and the Civil War Museum/Marshland Nature Center. The Point Lookout Lighthouse is currently closed for renovations.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $21 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park

    5. Cherry Hill Park

    40 Reviews
    178 Photos
    291 Saves
    Beltsville, Maryland

    Cherry Hill Park is a family-owned and operated campground that has been in the Gurevich family for 5 generations. We offer premium amenities, friendly service, and a wide variety of lodging - everything from tent & RV sites to premium log cabins and glamping pods and yurts. Our concierge and tours program makes it easy for guests to access downtown Washington, DC, by bus, Metro train, and guided tours. We love hosting guests from all across America, from all over the world, and from just down the road in our home state of Maryland.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $101 - $999 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    6. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    28 Reviews
    84 Photos
    227 Saves
    Greenbelt, Maryland

    Overview

    Greenbelt Campground is an urban oasis just 10 miles from Washington, D.C. This beautiful, wooded park is known for its safety, affordability, peaceful surroundings and National Park Service hospitality. Each campsite includes a picnic table and combination grill/campfire ring. Campsites have been improved using your camping fees to include new picnic tables and grills.The campground does not have water or electric hookups (primitive campground).A Loop is a Scout loop, youth or group Loop only. There is a RV limit of 30 feet (including tow vehicle) in B Loop and limited availabilty for larger vehicles (35 feet including tow vehicle) in D loop.

    Recreation

    The trails are open. Ten miles of hiking trails meander through Greenbelt Park, including Perimeter, Azalea, Dogwood and Blueberry Trails. Sweetgum Picnic Area is located 1.5 miles from the campground, with playground equipment and public picnic tables.

    Natural Features

    Situated in suburban Maryland, Greenbelt Campground is forested with a pleasant mix of pine, oak and maple trees, which give way to a colorful autumn season. Mountain Laurel blooms throughout the park in May. Still Creek flows through the site, where deer and chipmunks are commonly seen.

    Contact Info

    This location is staffed. Please call (771) 208-1588 to speak with local staff.

    Nearby Attractions

    Greenbelt Campground is surrounded by a myriad of fun and interesting attractions. Washington, D.C. and its famed historic sites are just 10 miles from Greenbelt. Goddard Space Flight Center is 3 miles from the park and the City of Greenbelt is 1 mile away. The Washington, D.C. Metro Transit System can be accessed 1.5 miles from the park, and major shopping centers are located within 1/2 mile away from the park entrance.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping

    7. Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping

    5 Reviews
    13 Photos
    60 Saves
    Lusby, Maryland

    Youth Group Camping

    There are five youth group camping sites available and reservations are required. Youth Group passes are honored.

    Access to pit toilets, fire ring, and one 12 foot picnic table are provided with each site. (Available April-October)

    You can make reservations through parkreservations.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-432-2267.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Breezy Point Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Breezy Point Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Breezy Point Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Breezy Point Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Breezy Point Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Breezy Point Beach

    8. Breezy Point Beach

    5 Reviews
    10 Photos
    204 Saves
    Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

    Breezy Point Campground is closed for the 2023 season for both short-term and seasonal camping for the completion of an extensive shoreline restoration project on the camping beach area. This project will consist of erosion mitigation and beach revitalization.

    At Breezy Point Beach, there’s fun for the whole family. Our beach is a popular destination for fossil hunting, swimming in the bay and fishing. Because of the popularity of the beautiful beach, especially during summer weekends and holidays, the park often fills to capacity. We highly recommend you visit our Facebook page or call ahead of time to ensure the capacity status of the beach: https://www.facebook.com/breezypointbeachpark/

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $60 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Endeavor Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Endeavor Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Endeavor Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Endeavor Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Endeavor Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Endeavor Point

    9. Endeavor Point

    5 Reviews
    13 Photos
    56 Saves
    Patuxent River, Maryland

    NOTE: THERE IS A 2 NIGHT MINIMUM FOR HOLIDAY WEEKENDS.

    Great place for fishing, camping, kayaking, lazy days on the beach grilling and hanging out with family and friends. Book family events on the beach. Come and explore the historic Benedict village. Join us at our Endeavor Point to enjoy simplicity and remarkable views of the Patuxent river. The Endeavor Point is located at the end of Mill Creek Road, offering breathtaking views of the Patuxent river, overlooking Golden Beach and St. Mary's County shoreline. Far enough for a serene retreat and yet just a few minutes drive to shops and restaurants in Prince Frederick or Charlotte Hall. Endeavor Point is a diamond in the rough. Come play, fish, relax, and have fun! Whether you’re in Maryland for a day, weekend stop or a week of touring, Endeavor Point is the perfect spot for bird watching, fishing, kayaking, camping, stargazing, or just enjoying a serene evening by the fire. Enjoy breathtaking views from each one of our 3 comfortable accommodations or from any of the campsites. Spacious outdoor area, rustic beach, long pier. Explore the Patuxent river or Mill Creek with our kayaks or paddle board, available for rent on site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $55 - $95 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Washington DC
    Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Washington DC
    Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Washington DC
    Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Washington DC
    Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Washington DC
    Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Washington DC
Showing results 1-10 of 74 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Port Republic

Recent Reviews in Port Republic

448 Reviews of 74 Port Republic Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
    Nov. 12, 2024

    Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    Great site - super accessible!

    Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover. NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly.

  • Heather The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Breezy Point Beach
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Breezy Point Beach

    Nice to be by the water & hear the waves

    They have renovated the beach and per my friends, the fencing protecting the area is new, but needed. The sites are too close to each to each other and people were blaring their music. The bathhouse needs updating. Not enough fire rings and if you don’t have one and the campground is full, you’re out of luck. Saw an otter one night!

  • dito S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers. Don’t forget to register dito sim to stay connected during your visit!

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Martinak State Park Campground
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Martinak State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground with cozy bathroom

    I love this campground very much. I called the office book my reservation, the representative put me in Acorn loop.

    When I arrived by the late evening, there are only two camper in a huge site. Then I drove to Butterfly loop, this site have much more peoples, some camper tell me, the Ranger will coming soon; finally the ranger help me move my site into the Butterfly loop. From my experience, better book campsite by yourself online, then you have an idea this site how many occupancy.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Aquia Pines Campground
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Aquia Pines Campground

    So convenience campsite, right up the Rt 95, 36mile from Washington DC.

    And the host are very kind and very friendly, event near Rt. 95, not very loud noise with big tall trees, happy stay!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Meade RV Park
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Camp Meade RV Park

    Great RV park to stay near Vicksburg

    Did stay here after visting Vicksburg. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F.

  • Rob  O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    Great family campground with trails and HOT showers

    Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 1 nights, park ranger met me at the entrance to ensure i could find my site. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked with HOT water in the private showers. This is a great base camp for getting out to hike the various trails in Prince William Forrest. Firewood is gather your own from fallen limbs in the park.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuckahoe State Park Campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    A Gem of a State Park

    We were looking to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore and picked Tuckaho because they had electric sites available. We were so pleased with our stay. The campground is well maintained and the sites are great. We have a small travel trailer and our site was pretty level and nicely private. We backed up to a hiking trail which was nice. There's lots to do here. There's a disc golf course and the camp store has discs available to use. We've never played before but had a blast learning, now we're hooked. We also enjoyed kayaking on the lake. If you enjoy birding this park is great, we saw so many cool birds. There's an arboretum and horse riding trails. We will definitely be going back!

  • Terrance D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lacy Oasis Campground
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Lacy Oasis Campground

    Serenity, serenity, serenity!

    If you are a nature lover, a person who loves peace, serenity, and, tranquility, or just need some respite, Lacy Oasis is the place to be. Whether you are an adult or a child, this place will have a positive effect on you. The owners are involved and designed this space with the visitors pleasure in mind. This space is about healing and being grounded with yourself. My agency took about 25 children there last week and they did not want to leave, neither did I. The rates are very economical for what is being provided on the space. There is not enough I can say about this place. It was definitely more than I expected. But my agency has worked with the owner in the past on other community support initiatives and she has always been an overachiever. Please come and enjoy this space. You will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to return.

  • Trees F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Excellent spot

    We loved staying at Pohick. We were here to visit DC and it was an excellent spot to stay. It was extremely hot as it was July but the sites had a lot of shade. Site 46 where we stayed was close to the bathrooms and nice and flat. The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in and they have laundry and a nice stainless sink and counter for washing dishes if needed. About a 40 minute drive into DC and definitely worth it. Also, campers get a discount at the water park which was a very reasonable 5 dollars per person. The weekend tends to be a bit louder but during the week was very quiet.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Cherry Hill Park

    Great park and amenities

    We stayed a week at Cherry Hill and it had everything we needed for visiting DC. Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well. We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit We also did 2 tours with Cherry Hill, which were good overviews of the featured sites. Nicely stocked store, great cafe onsite, and clean bathrooms and showers were great features. Swimming pools pretty crowded so we didn't use. Still, very happy with site, partial shade too. Would return to Cherry Hill.

  • Heather H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Westmoreland State Park Campground
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Westmoreland State Park Campground

    Great with the littles

    Stayed one night in our camper van, walked down to fossil beach which was the perfect amount of hiking for a two year old, great playground with plenty of other kids, camp store is well stocked and had decent hours. Our site was right next to bathrooms which was also great with the kids but we didnt hear or smell them. Cleanest campground bathrooms we've ever seen. Gravel parking and pebbles in the picnic table area, which my 2 year old enjoyed and my 9 month old tried his hardest to ingest. Loved it, would def go back.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
    May. 29, 2024

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Good trip

    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. The waterpark is new and loud so we avoid but nice if you have young kids. Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95. Go around to next exit. The check in at the cap store is crowded and narrow even with renovations but our 34 ft makes it okay. Bring bikes. Long bike trail along road. Farmers markets in Lorton and things to do in DC. Park at Huntington or Springfield metro. Short boat ride straight across from Ft Belvoir new family campground. Ice cream shop in season by water docks. Bathrooms clean always hot water three stalls each. Sink outside for dishes. Playground buts up against inner circle which are the only sewer sites. Others are electric water. Careful some near steep drop off. Stick to main road or inner circle or first circle if in big unit. Must go round circle to get to those spots which can be annoying. Two speed bumps. Camp store sells smores ingredients, limited candy, no eggs or bacon get those off Rte 1. Past entrance on Rte 1 is a Food Lion, McDonalds. Gas stations along Rte one are tight so fill up before exiting to campground. If you are desperate there is gas 7/11 at corner of Pohick and Rte 1 but its sketchy. Up the road off Rte 1 is Fort Belvoir Access w a drivers license however cant shop without military sponsored ID. Great bbq at Telegraph Rd and greek at Olympians family restaurant. Movie theater on Telegraph is nice. Springfield Mall close. Take Onville Rd which is a backroad by Pohick Church to shortcut to Rte 1. Pohick Rd past camping turn deadends into private neighborhood. Do not pass camp entrance. Hard to turn around if you do. Near End of Pohick is a small walk with overlook. See birds at point. Drive a car not RV. Park at lot on right before road split deadend. Gunston Hall on left can see from campground and water. Tours are nice.

  • Martin T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
    May. 28, 2024

    Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    Depends on What You Are Looking For

    This is a fairly nice, bare bones NPS campground. If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it. Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring college park. The campsites are pretty close together, we could see probably about 10 or so other campsites from our campsite. And there is not a ton to do within the park itself -- there are a few picnic areas, a pretty unimpressive small playground, some nature/walking trails, and that's about it.

    But it is a pretty nice campground -- campsites and showers seem clean and well maintained, bathrooms are fine and you're never far away from one. Rangers come around regularly to check on things and every one we interacted with was extremely friendly. I don't think there's anything comparable so close to DC, so if you're in the DC area and just want someplace close by for a short camping trip, or are looking for an affordable outdoors-y option to stay while you're visiting DC from out of town, this probably fits the bill. As soon as you leave the park you are in College Park with Metro access close by, and very close to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

  • Guerrmo The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington DC / Capitol KOA
    Apr. 19, 2024

    Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    Expensive/Not a Great Value

    Camp site wasn’t level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods. Pool was dirty. Ran out of hot water. Got chided by the golf cart police for driving >20 mph. Stayed at nicer campgrounds for significantly less money.

  • Mallory H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    Quick one night stay

    Quick one night stop on our way south. While the sites are pretty exposed, it was a cold night so there were only a few other campers!

    The bathroom was clean and extremely warm which was much appreciated after a cold night.

  • Mallory H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Westmoreland State Park Campground
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Westmoreland State Park Campground

    Quick Stay

    While we only camped here for one night, we enjoyed the park from check in to checkout!

    Since we tent camp our site was dry and had no amenities but there were full hook up sites available. Our site was nestled in with the full hook up sites so it was as far away from the bathrooms as possible, not a big deal just something to note.

    Since we visited in March, the trees did not have much foliage so the sites were more exposed than I tend to prefer and lots of the campers around left their outside RV lights on all night.

    Being in campground A, we were only a short walk to the trail leading to fossil beach which was beautiful!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park
    Mar. 12, 2024

    Cherry Hill Park

    Great Campground close to DC

    The Campground is located conveniently at the corner of I95 and the Washington DC Beltway I495. It is an especially good Campground to stay at if you are planning on visiting Washington DC. Personally, I would say that is a good Campground for Overnight or a Trip to DC. There is a generally good sense of community, which is lucky because of how close together the sites are. There is a Bus Stop right by the Entrance to the Campground that will get you into Washington DC if you don’t feel like driving. The Camp store is very well stocked with camping stuff, food, and beer. There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground. We visited Cherry Hill Park Campground in a Class A Motorhome and while it was tight, we fit no problem.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Oasis at Lake Serenity
    Mar. 1, 2024

    The Oasis at Lake Serenity

    New to the Dyrt!

    Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

  • Sharon L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Martinak State Park Campground
    Feb. 19, 2024

    Martinak State Park Campground

    Nice weekend campground

    We go here when we want to just chill.  It's a good place to do that.  Site are nice and large and it's an enjoyable place to just go, burn wood and listen to nature.  Fairly quiet when we were there!

  • allison W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Endeavor Point
    Feb. 3, 2024

    Endeavor Point

    Better as a day spot?

    We spent part of Labor Day weekend here, and there was almost nobody else there. The second night, one other pair of campers showed up. I found it super strange that more people didn’t take advantage of a campground on the river with availability. That said, there were a bunch of people who came in and used the cabins and invited large extended families during the day. They played loud music and had kids running all over the place, very festive atmosphere. It kind of felt like it was more appropriate for that kind of use. The camping areas were all on the lawn, and the owners were a bit uptight about which site we could choose (despite there being ample availability, and the person on the phone telling me that all sites were first come first serve). Just felt strange. We did enjoy taking evening walks through the town to the restaurant/bar on the water, but that was literally the only thing to do unless you have a fishing/crabbing license.

  • Pam R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park
    Dec. 4, 2023

    Cherry Hill Park

    Great location!

    You can't beat this campground for a DC visit. DC hotels are pricey, so getting to the Mall to visit the (mostly free!) museums and monuments is the biggest challenge if you stay outside the city. Cherry Hill Park in Beltsville, MD is a great option. In season, their buses run, but even off season a Metro Bus has a stop right at the campground. We opted to make the very short drive to the College Park Metro (subway/train) and park in the garage. It was only about $5 to park for the day. If you've not been to DC, the Metro trains are among the best in the US. If you get the unlimited pass and put it on your iPhone, it's super easy to get around. 

    The campground is well run. The bathrooms/showers are very clean and modern. The grounds are well maintained. The sites are all nice and level, but rather close, as expected given the proximity to DC. The staff is helpful and friendly. Security is excellent. We dined at Mamma Lucia just down the street the first night and we all had very good meals. There's a large grocery store in the same shopping center, and IKEA is also very close. 

    The only con is the road noise. It's close to 95 and the trucks are loud in the night. We got used to it after the first night. If it had been summer, we would have left the fan on, but as it was November, that wasn't an option. Even so, it was a minor issue and it wouldn't stop us from staying again. 

    Bottom line, for a DC RV trip, it doesn't get any better than Cherry Hill Park. We had a very nice visit at Cherry Hill Park, and it was wonderful visiting all the great DC sites again. Fall and Winter are excellent times to visit to avoid the crowds.

  • @HomegrownRV 😎.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Hill Park
    Nov. 28, 2023

    Cherry Hill Park

    Beautiful park!

    We just stayed one night as we were passing through the area, but we were very impressed by this park. It is huge, but so pretty and clean. There’s multiple bath houses, playgrounds and even pools. There is also a mini golf course and splash park. We were there in the winter, so some things were closed for the season.

    The gift shop has just about everything you could possibly want or need. We were able to get souvenirs and also some necessities for our RV.

    The bus spots right at the entrance to the park, which is super helpful for getting to downtown DC for sightseeing.

    We are already planning our next visit to this park and can’t wait!

    Follow us on Tiktok and Instagram at @HomegrownRV for more RV park reviews!



Guide to Port Republic

Camping near Port Republic, Maryland, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Calvert Cliffs State Park. "The trail is marked very clearly through the woods, across some bridges, and next to a marsh," one visitor shared, highlighting the scenic beauty.
  • Fossil Hunting: Head to the beach at Calvert Cliffs for some fossil hunting. "Searching for shark teeth is a blast, but the views are beautiful," noted another camper.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Smallwood State Park. "The campground itself was peaceful, and there was a nice fishing pier," a visitor mentioned, making it a great spot for anglers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms at Pohick Bay Campground. "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in," one reviewer stated.
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpfulness of the staff at Adventure Bound Washington DC. "The staff is super friendly!" said a happy camper.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of Cedarville State Forest. "Very quiet, many open RV spots around us," one reviewer noted, making it a great escape from city noise.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Pohick Bay Campground, can be noisy due to nearby activities. "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7," one camper complained.
  • Limited Amenities: At Cedarville State Forest, there are no water hookups or camp sinks. "There is no dish cleaning station, which was a bummer," a visitor pointed out.
  • Tight Spaces: Some sites at Thousand Trails Harbor View are very close together. "The sites are extremely close," one camper remarked, so be prepared for a cozy setup.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Westmoreland State Park Campground. "Great playground with plenty of other kids," a parent shared, making it perfect for families.
  • Plan for Nature: Bring bug spray, especially in wooded areas like Cedarville State Forest. "Setting out a couple Thermacell mosquito repellants was effective," one camper advised.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks handy is a must. "The camp store sells s'mores ingredients," a visitor at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, making it easy to enjoy treats around the campfire.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to choose a site that fits your RV. "Our 34 ft makes it okay," a long-time camper at Pohick Bay Campground noted.
  • Fill Up Beforehand: Gas stations near campgrounds can be tight. "Gas stations along Rte one are tight, so fill up before exiting to campground," a visitor warned.
  • Use Full Hookups: Opt for sites with full hookups to avoid bathroom issues. "Try to get a spot with full hookups to avoid the bathrooms," a camper at Cedarville State Forest suggested.

Camping near Port Republic, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions