Camping near Greenbelt Park
Greenbelt Park in Maryland provides a unique camping experience just minutes from Washington DC, offering an urban forest retreat with multiple camping loops. The National Park Service operates the main Greenbelt Park Campground with tent and small RV sites across four distinct loops, while nearby Cherry Hill Park and Washington DC/Capitol KOA offer more developed options with full hookups and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in this region maintain year-round or extended seasonal operations, though Greenbelt's primitive-style camping contrasts with the resort-like amenities found at commercial facilities within a 20-mile radius.
Reservations are required at most established campgrounds near Greenbelt, with advance booking strongly recommended during peak travel seasons. The area experiences typical mid-Atlantic climate conditions with hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping. Greenbelt Park Campground offers limited amenities with no electrical hookups, though bathhouses with showers are available throughout the camping loops. Cell coverage remains strong across most campgrounds due to their proximity to urban areas. As one camper noted, "When I was checking out this site I wasn't sure how it would work out exactly. It seemed close to the METRO, which made for a great option when exploring the DC area."
The most distinctive feature of camping in this region is the surprising tranquility found within an otherwise heavily developed metropolitan area. Campers consistently highlight the convenience of using public transportation to access Washington DC attractions while maintaining a natural overnight experience. Though road and air traffic noise is occasionally mentioned in reviews, most visitors find the wooded settings provide adequate buffer from urban sounds. Several visitors mentioned encountering deer and other wildlife within Greenbelt Park despite its urban setting. A recent review explained, "It's a little strange to be in the middle of a suburban area and suddenly in a gigantic green space." Sites at Greenbelt Park tend to be relatively close together with variable privacy, though the surrounding forest creates a sense of seclusion in many camping loops.
