Best known as the epicentre of US politics, Washington DC and its surroundings are also blessed with several areas of natural beauty – including some great campgrounds and RV Parks.
(Photo: KOA)
If you’re travelling to Washington DC and would like to embark on a camping adventure during your trip, we’ve done some research and picked out some of the best and most popular campgrounds that can be found in and around the city. We’ve also included RV parks which have facilities for accommodating recreational vehicles for overnight stays. Here are seven of our favourites.
Capitol KOA
Part of the acclaimed KOA chain of expansive campgrounds dotted across the US, this Maryland outpost, located 20 miles northeast of DC, is set on 50 acres of rolling countryside and offers a wide choice of RV Sites, shaded tent sites, camping cabins, deluxe cabins, and group areas. On-site amenities include an outdoor pool, outdoor billiards, ping-pong table, basketball court, a Jumping Pillow and a dog park. Meanwhile the summer months buzz with fun-filled activities for all ages and tastes, such as flashlight lollipop hunts, outdoor movies and poolside ice cream socials.
768 Cecil Avenue North, Millersville, Maryland
Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina
(Photo: Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina)
Located 65 miles northeast of Washington DC, and the closest RV park to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this site boasts an idyllic setting on a wooded peninsula on the Bush River, and invites guests to relax under shaded trees in picturesque surroundings. All 93 camping sites here feature full four-point hookups, along with other useful amenities such as free WiFi, a heated bath house, laundry services, and gift & grocery stores. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, a playground, a fishing pier, concrete patios with fire rings for outdoor cooking, and plenty more. As for the marina, there are boat slips, with maps and other information readily available to help you explore the local waterways.
4228 Birch Avenue, Abingdon, Maryland
Cherry Hill Park
(Photo: Cherry Hill Park)
Situated 16 miles north of central DC, Cherry Hill Park is a family-owned and operated campground dating back five generations. Open all year, there are Full Hook-Up RV Sites, along with free WiFi and tons of great amenities including a splash park, two solar-warmed pools, a hot tub & sauna, premium log cabins, 18-hole mini golf, a modern bathhouse, a gym, an outdoor pavilion, a café, a games room, tractor rides, a fishing pond, laundry facilities, and souvenir & grocery stores. There’s also a busy programme of social events such as summer movie nights, catering to visitors of all ages.
9800 Cherry Hill Road, College Park, Maryland
Camp Meade RV Park
(Photo: Camp Meade RV park)
Centrally located between Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, around 30 miles northeast of DC, Camp Meade RV Park and Camp Ground is set among rustling treetops and chirping birds. Accommodating all types of camping options, from tent camping to RVs, the site features a wide array of practical facilities such as an auto craft shop, convenience store, laundry and showers, as well as popular recreational amenities including a ball field, boat rental, bowling centre, fitness centre, games room, picnic pavilions, playground, volleyball courts. Nearby visitors can enjoy activities such as sailing, fishing, sightseeing and shopping.
2300 Wilson Street, Fort Meade, Maryland
(Photo: NOVA Parks)
Positioned in Centreville, Virginia, 30 miles west of DC, Bull Run Regional Park is spread across 1,500 acres and features a variety of campsites, including RV sites with electric only service, Electric RV sites with water, full-service RV sites with full-service, rustic cabins and group camping areas. On-siter facilities include a picnic centre, shooting centre, two bathhouses offering hot showers, sinks, toilets and laundry facilities, plus a store selling camping supplies, snacks, ice and firewood. For recreation, there’s disc golf, a playground, hiking trails and an outdoor water park all within walking distance.
7700 Bull Run Drive, Centerville, Virginia
(Photo: Ramblin’ Pines Campground)
Set in the heart of the full range of the Washington – Frederick – Baltimore vacation attractions, this full-service campground is nestled in a quiet, peaceful wooded setting around 45 miles due north of DC. Over 200 campsites include 190 with full hookups, sites accommodating slide outs, and 12 pull thru sites. Cable TV is included with the daily camping rates, too. For those without their own tents, camping cabins are equipped with electricity, air-conditioning, picnic table, grill, and fire rings. There are also activities to please everyone’s interests, including a fishing pond, swimming pool, exercise room, volleyball & basketball courts, playgrounds, games room, pet exercise park, and miniature golf.
801 Hoods Mill Road, Woodbine, Maryland
Lake Fairfax Park
Featuring a wide range of RV and tent sites, including electric-only and no hookup, Lake Fairfax Park is situated 20 miles west of Washington DC. Undoubtedly the stand-out attraction for kids is the western-themed activity pool complete with fun-packed interactive play features such as Rattlesnake River, Box Canyon Crossing, slides and flumes. Elsewhere in the park, there’s a playground, swimming pool, and an 18-acre lake offering pedal boat rentals, tour boat rides and fishing in both the lake and seasonally-stocked trout stream. Practical amenities to add comfort and convenience to your stay include a bathhouse and restrooms with hot showers.