Discover the best mountainous campgrounds in Washington, DC

United States
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District Of Columbia
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Washington, DC

96% (626 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Washington, DC

Available this weekend

Under $50

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Basecamp Frederick

1 site · RV2 acres · Frederick, MD

Basecamp Frederick is located on almost 2 acres adjacent to the Frederick Municipal Forest & Watershed on Hamburg Rd. There is a small creek that borders one side of the property, a wooded area in the back, and access to trails across the street. This area of Frederick is prime for outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, fishing, foraging, and wildlife watching. Both Gambrill State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park are nearby and easy to access for day trips.

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Crowspeak

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Hillsboro, VA

From the flat land at the bottom to the top of the mountain, this is a place where you can find a spot to sit and think, draw, paint, nap, or identify over 30 medicinal plants in their natural habitats (absolutely NO harvesting of medicinals or wildflowers!). Listen to the many birds, spot the wildflowers. Some areas are accessible by wheelchair, while others are not, but all areas offer something to sustain your spirit. If you feel the need to explore the area, you are within walking distance of NotaViva Farm Brewery and Winery, 15 dirt road minutes from the new Sweet Run State Park one direction and Breaux Vineyard in the other direction. The Appalachian Trail is just over the top of the mountain and Harpers Ferry National Park is down the road and over the Shenandoah River. We might be a teeny bit biased, but we think this is area of northwest Loudoun County, VA is one of the loveliest places in the world.

Rafeen Farm

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Middletown, MD

Tucked up against the Appalachian Mountain range, Rafeen Farm is a bucolic hideaway just an hour away from the nation's capital. This working horse farm offers shade and soft breezes in the summer by the pond and the autumn tapestry of falling leaves in the autumn. You can hike, paddle down the Potomac, take a trial ride on horseback, sip wine at a local vineyard, do sunset yoga, and make your own pottery all within a stone's throw of this serenity that is Rafeen Farm.

Willows Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents165 acres · Union Bridge, MD

Willows Farm is a beautiful 165 acre, regenerative, cattle farm, raising 100% grass finished beef and high quality hay. We are excited to announce that we have our first 100% grass finished beef ready and waiting (May 2023) for your purchase here at the farm. Give Curtis a call at 301.252.1122 or visit our website https://willowsfarmbeef.com to see what we have to offer. Our farm is family owned and operated and is located in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Frederick County in Union Bridge Maryland, just off route 75 on a quiet, country road. Please note the farm entrance address is 11935 Simpsons Mill Road, Keymar, MD, but the farm is technically located in Union Bridge. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and relax near the campfire with your wood fired dinner. This site has electric and water hookup and firewood is available for a small fee. The campsite is situated at the highest point of Willows Farm, offering tranquil farm views, gorgeous mountain vistas and spectacular sunsets. Soak up the beautiful countryside during your stay on the farm and hike our 25 acres of wooded property and chase a few bunnies and spot a herd of deer. Take a brisk walk to the cattle pastures and chat with our curious and friendly Black Angus heifers, Eleni, Lola and Maggie and say hi to our horse Albe. All of the fencing at Willows Farm is electric to keep our cattle and horse in and you will get shocked if you touch it. Please be mindful of this with your pets and children. If you are fortunate enough to have the timing right, you can even watch an airplane take off and land on our farm grass strip — "Willows Landing", which is just to the north (cardinal direction) of the campsite. Just 30 minutes to Gettysburg battlefields, historical downtown Frederick, and many other exciting places for exploration, Willows Farm is a great location for fun! Spend an evening watching Bull riding and barrel racing at J Bar W Ranch just a few minutes down the street in Johnsville. If vineyards and breweries are your thing we are just 15 - 30 minutes from many fine establishments. A few of our favorites are Black Ankle Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars and Attaboy Beer. Antique shopping abounds in the nearby charming, little town of New Market. So you're hungry and have a hankering for local cuisine? Take a five minute drive to the quaint downtown of Union Bridge and visit one of the three delicious family run restaurants. You can even take a few minutes to give your truck a bath at the Union Bridge Car Wash in the middle of town. Enjoy your stay and please contact us if we can help with anything.

Rohrersville Roost

1 site · RV4 acres · Rohrersville, MD

Learn more about this land:Peaceful surroundings with mountain view of the Appalachian Trail. 3 to 18 minutes from multiple trailheads, Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, C&O Canal, Historic Harpers Ferry, WV and Antietam National Battlefield. Just 4 minutes to Big Cork Vineyards and 10 to the famous Crystal Grottoes Caverns!! Lots of colorful chickens, guineas, pigeons, turkeys, quail, emus, goats and sheep to see and fresh eggs available daily *30 foot clearance is combined length of truck and trailer, there has been a 25 and 26 foot pulled by 4 door trucks but the turn in was a tight squeeze*

12 top mountainous campgrounds in Washington, DC

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Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

6 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Bolivar, WV

Surrounded by tall Oak and Poplar trees 1mile off the Appalachian trail. Cars do fine driving into the spot to park. There is some wood around to burn to forage for. Lots of trails l, breweries, wineries, rivers and such nearby. This is not good for toddlers but kids 6 and up will be fine. Thank you and enjoy

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Korgemae Farm Happy Heart Highlands

2 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Knoxville, MD

Peaceful camping with privacy on a 160-acre historic farm! Minutes from Harpers Ferry, Antietam Battlefield and the C&O Canal to name a few. We are within an hour of Gettysburg or DC is within an hour and a half if you're planning a day trip. We have a prime central location with close access to so many things to do. This beautiful property is nestled in a narrow valley between Elk Ridge and South Mountain with incredible sunrises, sunsets and starlit night skies. Walk out to the fishing pond, or follow the trails around the pastures to meet the cattle grazing in our pastures. We have Scottish Highlands grazing in one of our pastures and Black Angus in another. We are a working farm so expect to see tractors and you may even see us baling hay or tending to the cattle. We enjoy talking to our guests so feel free to stop us for a chat.

Willows Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents165 acres · Union Bridge, MD

Willows Farm is a beautiful 165 acre, regenerative, cattle farm, raising 100% grass finished beef and high quality hay. We are excited to announce that we have our first 100% grass finished beef ready and waiting (May 2023) for your purchase here at the farm. Give Curtis a call at 301.252.1122 or visit our website https://willowsfarmbeef.com to see what we have to offer. Our farm is family owned and operated and is located in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Frederick County in Union Bridge Maryland, just off route 75 on a quiet, country road. Please note the farm entrance address is 11935 Simpsons Mill Road, Keymar, MD, but the farm is technically located in Union Bridge. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and relax near the campfire with your wood fired dinner. This site has electric and water hookup and firewood is available for a small fee. The campsite is situated at the highest point of Willows Farm, offering tranquil farm views, gorgeous mountain vistas and spectacular sunsets. Soak up the beautiful countryside during your stay on the farm and hike our 25 acres of wooded property and chase a few bunnies and spot a herd of deer. Take a brisk walk to the cattle pastures and chat with our curious and friendly Black Angus heifers, Eleni, Lola and Maggie and say hi to our horse Albe. All of the fencing at Willows Farm is electric to keep our cattle and horse in and you will get shocked if you touch it. Please be mindful of this with your pets and children. If you are fortunate enough to have the timing right, you can even watch an airplane take off and land on our farm grass strip — "Willows Landing", which is just to the north (cardinal direction) of the campsite. Just 30 minutes to Gettysburg battlefields, historical downtown Frederick, and many other exciting places for exploration, Willows Farm is a great location for fun! Spend an evening watching Bull riding and barrel racing at J Bar W Ranch just a few minutes down the street in Johnsville. If vineyards and breweries are your thing we are just 15 - 30 minutes from many fine establishments. A few of our favorites are Black Ankle Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars and Attaboy Beer. Antique shopping abounds in the nearby charming, little town of New Market. So you're hungry and have a hankering for local cuisine? Take a five minute drive to the quaint downtown of Union Bridge and visit one of the three delicious family run restaurants. You can even take a few minutes to give your truck a bath at the Union Bridge Car Wash in the middle of town. Enjoy your stay and please contact us if we can help with anything.

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Tiny House at Tiny Hidden Ridge

3 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Knoxville, MD

We are 1 mile from the C&O canal for bicycle riding, and 1 mile from Maryland Heights hiking trail, and two miles from the Appalachian Trail. This tiny house is on our 5 acre mini farm where we have a few animals and a small garden. Enjoy the outdoor fire pits, grill, and swing for relaxing and watching the deer pass by.

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Peaceful Hollow Pines

1 site · RV, Tent29 acres · Bluemont, VA

Learn more about this land: Just 1.6 miles from an Appalachian trail access point, our site is a beautiful slice of Blue Ridge mountain life. We have a small hobby farm with chickens, peacocks, and livestock guardian dogs (who bark at night). The rest of the property is wooded, with a 1/2 acre clearing great for tents and campers. PLEASE NOTE: at least one camper must be 21+. Until May 1, fires only from to 4pm-midnight due to local restrictions. You may purchase firewood from us or gather your own. :-)

Rohrersville Roost

1 site · RV4 acres · Rohrersville, MD

Learn more about this land:Peaceful surroundings with mountain view of the Appalachian Trail. 3 to 18 minutes from multiple trailheads, Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, C&O Canal, Historic Harpers Ferry, WV and Antietam National Battlefield. Just 4 minutes to Big Cork Vineyards and 10 to the famous Crystal Grottoes Caverns!! Lots of colorful chickens, guineas, pigeons, turkeys, quail, emus, goats and sheep to see and fresh eggs available daily *30 foot clearance is combined length of truck and trailer, there has been a 25 and 26 foot pulled by 4 door trucks but the turn in was a tight squeeze*

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Harpers Ferry Campground

8 sites · Tents20 acres · Harpers Ferry, WV

Our Harpers Ferry Campground offers a natural setting with comfortable accommodations by the Potomac River. We have options for tent camping, RV sites, glamping, and cabins to cater to different camper preferences. Experience the only waterfront camping in Harpers Ferry! River Riders Campground offers a tent site to fit every need. Choose from riverfront sites, trailside and hike-in island sites, cliff tops, as well as deluxe tent sites that have electricity and water. There is a handicap-accessible bathhouse with 3 showers as well as a portable restroom trailer with running water. The campground is in a beautiful and unique location. Because of that it is a mixed-use site. The last zip-line in the Harpers Ferry Zipline Canopy Tour passes over some of the Cabin/RV/Deluxe Tent sites. The boat launch is used by River Riders to drop off some of our guests. A 1.5-mile walking and biking trail leads directly to Harpers Ferry from the campground to the town of Harpers Ferry. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available on-site. NOTICE:There is an active railroad that runs adjacent to the campground and a one way tunnel nearby. The train runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, although the frequency varies and you may hear honking from the tunnel. Light sleepers should bring earplugs. Check-in is at 4 pm at our main office 408 Alstadts Hill Rd, Harpers Ferry, and check-out is at 11 am.

Romantic Stone Cottage

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Leesburg, VA

Plan a getaway in our newly renovated Stone Cottage nestled on hill top just 15 minutes from Leesburg & less than 90 minutes from DC. The property adjoins next to a hidden state park, not on the map with gentle hiking trails. Secluded location however 10 min to some of the areas finest wineries & breweries.

Basecamp Frederick

1 site · RV2 acres · Frederick, MD

Basecamp Frederick is located on almost 2 acres adjacent to the Frederick Municipal Forest & Watershed on Hamburg Rd. There is a small creek that borders one side of the property, a wooded area in the back, and access to trails across the street. This area of Frederick is prime for outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, fishing, foraging, and wildlife watching. Both Gambrill State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park are nearby and easy to access for day trips.

Rafeen Farm

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Middletown, MD

Tucked up against the Appalachian Mountain range, Rafeen Farm is a bucolic hideaway just an hour away from the nation's capital. This working horse farm offers shade and soft breezes in the summer by the pond and the autumn tapestry of falling leaves in the autumn. You can hike, paddle down the Potomac, take a trial ride on horseback, sip wine at a local vineyard, do sunset yoga, and make your own pottery all within a stone's throw of this serenity that is Rafeen Farm.

Romantic Treehouse

1 site · Lodging24 acres · Leesburg, VA

Attached to the Forest this Treehouse has everything to live in the sky, king bed, kitchen, bath, wifi, ac, heat and a view. Located in the heart of DCs wine country there is plenty to explore within minutes. You will never wish to leave after a stay in one of Waterford Reservations desired locations

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Mountain Lake House Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Harpers Ferry, WV

Romantic get away, gather with friends or bring the kids- this vintage Mountain Lake resort house boasts spacious gathering areas, wonderfully appointed bedrooms, an expansive, private fenced yard, large deck, fire pit and hot tub! The kitchen is fully stocked and the coffee lounge and dining room beckon you to relax as you plan your day. The third bedroom is a unique, flex space with its own full bathroom. Spend your days on the sandy lake beach then walk back to the Mountain Lake Club for dinner and drinks at sunset.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Mountainous camping in Washington, DC guide

Overview

Camp, glamp, or stay in a rental cabin near the capital of the United States. The area around Washington DC offers campers the chance to explore nature-diverse landscapes and the nation’s most notable landmarks. Set up shop at Greenbelt Park for well-maintained campsites not far from the White House. Or journey farther to Virginia for Shenandoah National Park and Prince William Forest Park, both of which offer on-site camping and RV sites, as well. The DC area is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway to nearby parks along the Potomac River—on both the Maryland and Virginia sides. With cityscapes and nature to explore, Washington DC campers will find it easy to balance urban amenities with epic natural adventures.

Where to go

Greenbelt Park

Cozy up for camping less than 15 miles from the White House. With over 170 campsites, Greenbelt Park is the perfect urban camping getaway. It features flower-filled hiking and equestrian trails and Sweetgum Picnic Area, which has a playground for kids. Full hookups, fire pits, potable water, and picnic tables offer RVers and tent campers alike a comfortable home base near the nation’s capital while exploring local nature, historical sites, and NASA Goddard Visitor Center.

Shenandoah National Park

Venture to Northern Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, less than two hours from Washington DC. Rolling hills, hiking trails, and waterfalls wisp through the land, creating epic views and scenic sites. Traverse a piece of the Appalachian Trail and get a glimpse of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Featuring over 600 RV and tent sites, Shenandoah National Park also offers permit-only backcountry camping. It should be noted that there are no electrical hookups in the park, though campers can find seasonal dump stations and potable water.

Prince William Forest National Park

Pull into Prince William Forest National Park for a perfect blend of history and nature. Preservation and conservation remain top priorities for the park, which was nominated for the National Register of Historical Places. With 15,000 acres to explore, the park features miles of hiking along tree-covered trails with off-road biking options and orienteering classes too. Find two on-site campgrounds and clusters of historic cabins in the park. Campsites include fire pits, potable water, and picnic tables surrounded by lush forest.

When to go

Experience the beauty of changing seasons in Washington DC. The area's subtropical climate creates hot and humid summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures reach an average of 85°F, while winter weather brings lows in the mid 20s. DC area summers are perfect for hiking, biking, and late-night stargazing, though the humidity means mosquitoes and other bugs are prevalent—bug spray, mosquito nets, and after-bite relief products may be necessary.