With many of us working from home and strapped to our laptops almost 24/7, it's more important than ever to reconnect with Mother Nature and camping can be a great way to go off the grid.
While the DMV region may be associated with traffic and suburban sprawl, there are also areas of nature with wonderful camping spots, including one near the Beltway, where you may disconnect and unwind to a zen-like condition. And if you venture further east or west in Maryland and Virginia, you might be able to glimpse the Milky Way or build a campfire on the beach during your outdoor trip.
So turn off your computer, put aside your phone, and read our pick of 10 best campgrounds worth visiting. It is a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation at most of these campgrounds, especially during the peak season in the late spring and early fall.
Camping in Maryland
1. Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park, located in the Catoctin Mountains in Thurmont, Maryland, includes a spectacular 78-foot cascading waterfall, a 44-acre lake, campsites, playgrounds, picnic spots, and numerous hiking routes. It's one of Maryland's most popular parks, and you'll find it packed with residents all summer long, whether they're swimming in the lake, hiking through the trails, or camping out with friends and family.
The main attraction at Cunningham Falls State Park is its namesake waterfall, the largest in the state of Maryland. You can view the falls from a boardwalk or climb up the rocks on the right side of the falls. The easy out-and-back half-mile Lower Trail from the lake leads to the falls, while the Boardwalk Trail provides access for wheelchairs. Swimming at the falls is prohibited, but you can swim at the lake located inside the park.
The campground includes 171 campsites and 9 cabins with hot showers, flush toilets, and a camp store. Reservations: (8880 432-2267, Park Information: (301) 271-7574.
2. Greenbelt National Park
Greenbelt National Park, located approximately 12 miles outside of Washington, D.C., is a gorgeous forested park with 174 campsites for tourists to enjoy. All campsites have hot showers and restrooms, and guests are allowed to use the campground's three communal picnic areas. Anyone who wants to explore the park can take advantage of its 9 miles of trails, which range from a 5.3-mile perimeter route to casual strolls of less than a mile. The park is open all year, but prior reservations are always required. Reservations: (301) 344-3944.
3. Cherry Hill Park Campground
Cherry Hill Park Campground is one of the closest campgrounds to Washington, D.C., making it an ideal place to stay if you want to spend some time in the capital while on vacation. The campsite provides cabins, yurts, and even unusual glamping pods with air conditioning and power, in addition to standard tent and RV sites. The majority of the property has free Wi-Fi, and other amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, water, and a bathhouse. Tent and RV sites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, but all other accommodations can be reserved in advance. Phone: 301-937-7116
4. Jellystone Park
Located along Maryland’s western scenic foothills, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ near Williamsport, Maryland, offers an unforgettable camping experience the whole family will enjoy. Situated just down the road from historic landmarks such as the Antietam National Battlefield and breathtaking scenery along the Appalachian Trail, Jellystone Park™ Williamsport is the perfect “home-base” for those wanting to explore the area. When our campers aren’t busy swimming and splashing at the Water Zone, zooming down our 400-foot water slides, or relaxing in our lazy river, they can test their skills at the ninja course, play a round of mini golf, jump high to the sky on the jumping pillow & pad, and so much more! Reservations: (800)421-7116
5. Little Bennett Regional Park
Little Bennett Campground is Montgomery County’s only campground. For County residents, it offers the perfect getaway close to home. For RV travelers from near and far, it offers Full Hook-Up and Pull-Thru sites that are beautiful and wooded. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a veteran camper, Little Bennett Campground will provide you with immaculate facilities in the heart of the woods.
Enjoy miles of hiking, biking and trails throughout 3,700 acres of forests and meadows. With more than 25 miles of trails to explore, 91 wooded campsites from which to choose, three cabins, three yurts, and a variety of weekend activities available in season for all age groups and interests, Little Bennett Campground is a perfect weekend getaway or vacation spot.
Each of Little Bennett’s 91 campsites offers a tranquil setting with ample opportunities to enjoy the scenic splendor of the park. Campsite amenities include a two-vehicle gravel parking area, picnic table, campfire ring, and lantern post. Each of the 63 tent sites have a tent pad. 22 sites are available with Full Hook-Ups (Water/Electric/Sewer). There are also 3 cabins and 3 yurts.
Bathhouses with sinks, showers, toilet facilities and drinking fountains are located within walking distance of each site. Water spigots are randomly located throughout each camping loop. The dump station is situated adjacent to the Campground Entrance Gate. Reservations: (301) 972-9222.
Camping in Virginia
6. Bull Run Campgrounds
Bull Run Campground is an excellent starting point for visiting Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. The campground is located in Bull Run Regional Park and is close to major attractions such as Great Falls and Prince William Forest Park. It is also the closest campground to Manassas Battlefield Park. The Washington, D.C. metro orange line is less than 15 miles from the campsite. This is ideal for day visits to the nation's capital to see the monuments.
Bull Run Regional Park, in addition to being close to these Northern Virginia attractions, has a lot to offer. Bull Run Regional Park is set against a landscape of beautiful rolling farmland flanked by woodland and the meandering Bull Run. Many hiking routes in the park may be reached easily from the campsite. The Occoquan Water Trail runs through the park, and there are canoe and kayak pathways as well.
Another big feature on the property is the Atlantis Waterpark. There are two major waterslides and several pools in the waterpark. The park also has a skeet shooting range and a disc golf course. Bull Run hosts a variety of special and seasonal events throughout the year.
The park has around 140 campsites, including tent sites and RV sites with full hookups. Most big motorhomes can fit in the RV sites, which are huge pull-throughs. These are 50 amp and 30 amp sites with full hookups. Over 100 tent sites are available, many of which are smaller and more isolated. These places might range from having electricity and running water to having no utilities at all. The typical fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table are available at all tent and RV sites. There are also group campsites available.
The campsite has nine rustic cottages available for rent. The cabins are equipped with power, air conditioning and heat, as well as a microwave and a small refrigerator. A bunk bed, a double bed, a sofa (with pull-out bed), and a table and chairs are located within the cabin. Outside the cabin, the tent sites include all of the usual conveniences. All of the cottages include porch swings, which are ideal for relaxing in the evening.
The campsite has two full-service bathhouses in strategic areas. Firewood, ice, snacks, and other camping items are available in the camp shop. A playground, picnic shelters, and a huge group fire pit with surrounding benches are among the other features. Reservations: (703) 631-0550.
7. Lake Fairfax park
Lake Fairfax Park is a great site to camp in Northern Virginia, especially if you're planning a trip to Washington, DC. The campsite is conveniently located about 22 miles west of DC, near the Weihle Reston East metro station. Campers may also use park pathways to walk or cycle to the metro.
The campground has a nice mix of wooded and open sites for tent and RV camping. Lake Fairfax park has 72 sites, most with electricity, plus group sites, RV camping open year-round, tent camping March 1 - November 30, online reservation strongly recommended, leashed pets are welcome. Lake fairfax also offers hiking and biking trails, a popular water park, a small lake for fishing, seasonal pedal boats and carousel, athletic fields and a skate park. There are also excellent restaurants, breweries, and fun things to do nearby in Reston and Vienna. The park is also a good base to see cherry blossoms in Virginia, DC and Maryland.
Sites on the western side and back are the most wooded. Sites in the center are in an open field and popular with RVs. There is a skate park across from the campground entrance so noise could be a factor at some sites. Reservation - (703) 757-9242.
8. Wilderness Presidential resort
If you’re looking for the best place to go camping in Virginia, you can’t go wrong with Wilderness Presidential Resort.
Located in the heart of Spotsylvania County near Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Wilderness, and just an hour’s drive from Washington DC, Wilderness Presidential Resort is a good pick if you want a large range of activities to choose from while camping.
Whether you’re looking for a tent site, RV site, or cabin rentals near Washington DC, Wilderness Presidential Resort has something for you on its 600 acres of beautiful woodland and lakes.
You’ll have a large selection of activities to choose from during your stay. Zipline through the adventure park, learn to shoot in an archery lesson, or try the escape room. Play mini golf, disc golf, Knockerball, tennis, or basketball. Swim in the indoor or outdoor pool, or lounge at the lakeside beach. And just a short drive from the resort, you can explore the area’s Civil War attractions or visit Old Town Fredericksburg.
Whether you come for adventure or relaxation, Wilderness Presidential Resort will give you a fun and authentic camping experience with your family.
9. Burke Lake Park
Burke Lake camping is a convenient way to camp close to home without having to go too far. While it’s not the top camping spot nearby, it’s a good option if you don’t want to travel or if you don’t want to be fully immersed in the woods away from everyone and everything.
Most of the camping sites are under the canopy of trees which keeps things cooler on hot days. It is close to the D.C Metro areas. Since it is not a long drive, it makes getting back and forth a breeze.
Imagine the relief of being able to go back home quickly if you forget an essential item (like a tent). There are a number of restaurants in the Burke Lake Park, making dinner prep a snap for those who prefer not to cook or bring their own meals. There are also several grocery stores and a Walmart within a 10-minute drive.
There are so many other activities you can do while camping at Burke Lake which keeps the kids entertained and adds some variety to camping. Or if you prefer to spend your time in nature, you can just choose activities such as hiking, swimming etc to enjoy your day. These really add to the experience.
Many other parks require a two-night stay during the summer weekends but Burke Lake does not. This is great for those that only want to go for one night and not pay for an extra night stay. Reservations: (703) 323-6600.
10. Pohick Bay Regional Park
Pohick Bay Regional Park's location allows campers to enjoy the natural beauty of the Mason Neck Peninsula and Pohick Bay as well as the numerous nearby attractions of Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. A network of trails leads walkers to the waterfront, mini golf, boat rentals and Pirate's Cove waterpark. A one-mile trail connects the family campground to Gunston Hall Plantation, home of George Mason. The camp store has limited groceries and camping supplies including ice, charcoal, lighter fluid and firewood. Comfort stations have hot showers, sinks, toilets and laundry.
Pohick Bay offers canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and jon boats for rent on the weekends. In addition to water activities the park also offers family and group camping, hiking, picnic areas and a large play area for children. For those of you interested in swimming, they also offer one of the largest, outdoor freeform pools on the east coast! you can contact the park about swim lessons for your family. Pohick Bay Regional Park, located on Mason Neck Pennisula is an ecologically fragile land that shelters an abundance of wildlife, including the bald eagle. Nature lovers can expect to see blue birds, osprey, heron, deer, beavers and rare sightings of river otters.