Camp the District- Your Guide to Camping in the DMV
The warm weather has arrived which brings up longings for sipping drinks in the shade, soaking in the water, or fun summer getaways. Instead of heading out on an exotic vacation this summer, why not stay closer to home? Check out some of these local campsites where you can pitch your tent and escape to the beauty of nature! With options in both Maryland and Virginia, there’s something close to everyone!
Virginia
Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia is, what they call, “1,500 Acres of Adventure”! Set up your tent or stay in one of their deluxe cabins or cottages if you’re looking to be a little less “one with nature”. There is quite literally something for everyone at this campsite. You can rent a kayak, hit the batting cages, fish, learn archery, hike, and even visit a water park!
#FrayLife Tip: Check out Nova Parks naturalist events for sunset kayaking trips, paddleboard tours, and more!
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Make the two-hour drive to Shenandoah National Park for an exciting weekend getaway. The park has 4 campgrounds ranging from $15 to $20 per night as well as a campground for larger groups of 7-20 people. Hiking is one of Shenandoah National Park’s biggest draws. It has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail. If you’re more into two-wheeled adventures, bring a bike and take the journey on Skyline Drive.
#Fraylife Tip: If you’re looking for an adventure, plan your backcountry camping experience with Shenandoah. With 196,000 acres of backcountry, you’re sure to connect with your inner wilderness explorer. Just make sure to review the rules, plan and connect with backcountry rangers before you head out!
Lake Anna State Park is a perfect getaway if you’re a water-lover. You can camp along one of Virginia’s most loved lakes – even some of their cabins and lodges have a water view! Rent a kayak or a paddleboard, go swimming at the guarded beach, or fish for largemouth bass. Check out their trail guide for some on-land activity as well.
#Fraylife Tip: Make sure to check their website for swimming hours – and remember a fee is required for entry!
Spend a weekend at Burke Lake Park for some old fashioned fun. Take a 1.75 mile trip on the one-third-scale replica of the Central Pacific Huntington Steam Engine or go for a ride on the carousel. Afterward, make sure to stop for a hand-dipped ice cream cone at the Ice Cream Parlor. Burke Lake Park also features mini golf and one of Virginia’s oldest disc golf courses! If you’re looking for something to satisfy your inner explorer, try your hand at a geocaching course!
#Fraylife Tip: The Burke Lake Loop Trail holds the title of one of the 10 best fitness trails in the nation! Make sure to try out this 4.7-mile loop circling the lake.
Maryland
You can find the excitement of an island close to home with a getaway to Assateague Island! Camping is available on the Maryland side of the island and is about $30 per night. Bring a bicycle and head to the Virginia side during the day for a Chincoteague to Assateague ride. You can also feel at home among the wild horses and go for your own horseback ride along the beach!
#Fraylife Tip: All firewood must be purchased locally, so make sure not to bring any from out of state!
Greenbrier State Park features a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake and a white sandy beach. Camping is popular here, but you’ll also find a lot of day-trippers around for a day of swimming and grilling. Fish in the lake, hike the nearby trails, or get your tan on! You can also rent paddle boats and row boats.
#Fraylife Tip: Arrive at the beach early to get a good spot as this is a very popular day trip destination.
A three-hour drive from the DC area, Rocky Gap State Park is ideal for a longer trip away. The park consists of over 3000 acres of public land and is known to have the bluest water in the state – great for those Instagram photos! The Healthy Parks, Healthy People Program offers a variety of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle! Check out their schedule for things like canoeing, yoga, HIIT, and beach volleyball.
#Fraylife Tip: Make the short, quarter-mile-long journey on the Canyon Overlook Trail for an amazing view of the gorge.
Greenbelt Park offers the excitement of camping with a shorter drive. Only about 45 minutes from the DC area, you can find 174 campsites, 9 miles of trails, and 3 picnic areas. A variety of hiking trail lengths (from 5.3 miles to 0.8 miles) give this park a good amount of accessibility. Take a quick 7-mile drive down the road and you can also explore the Patuxent Wildlife Visitors Center!
#Fraylife Tip: This is a cash-free park, so make sure to bring a card for any reservations or purchases from the ranger station!
Where are your favorite campsites in the DC area? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social using #DCFray or #FrayLife
Looking for some day-trips around the district? You’re in luck! Check out our day trip guide.