Discover the best mountainous campgrounds in Washington, DC

United States
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District Of Columbia
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Washington, DC

97% (612 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Washington, DC

Available this weekend

Under $50

100%

(1)

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.

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.

Crowspeak

2 sites · 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.

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Down by the River!!!

4 sites · RVs, Tents1 acres · Harpers Ferry, WV

Beautiful spot on the Shenandoah River....you will see eagles, deer, ospreys, beaver and numerous other critters. Great fishing, boating and swimming not to mention the views. Lots of local cuisine and pubs. Flea markets and BBQ on the roadside and for those who dare the casino and horse racing!!!... Each site has a picnic table, firepit and pavilion canopies for creature comfort. We do have firewood available along with boat rentals. All boat rentals and firewood are cash only. Please limit glass containers. We no longer allow outside firewood coming in as we have had guests bring pressure treated wood and all sorts of junk wood and the next guests are trying to cook over nasty residues on the sides of the firepits. Thanks for your understanding!

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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

96%

(89)

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

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.

97%

(39)

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.

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*

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. :-)

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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.

Crowspeak

2 sites · 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.

99%

(50)

Cobbler Mountain Cellars

50 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Delaplane, VA

Enjoy tastings, tours, hiking, camping and picnics on 90 acres of wildlife protected forest located on Big Cobbler Mountain, just 45 miles West of D.C. Open year-round for visitors to enjoy each season on the mountain.As the scenery changes, the menu changes...including summertime seasonals of Ginger Peach, Wild Blackberry Hop and Smackin' Orange. Winter favorites start in the Fall with Harvest Pumpkin before Halloween and keep us warm with Maple Stout and Jammin' Cranberry Ginger to celebrate the holidays, crackling fires and the winter wonderland of the mountain. Year-round, enjoy the classic Traditional Jeffersonian, Original Honey, Mountain Top Hop and our Kickin' Cinnamon! Award-winning Farm Winery & Cidery products are distributed in retailers near you in DC, VA, MD, & WVA. Residential and business shipping available via UPS.From Highway 66, exit 27 and follow state signs.Learn more about this land:Update: Unfortunately, we are unable to host overnights at this time due to regulations. We are sad to not be able to have you here but could recommend Sky Meadows or Shenandoah State Parks nearby. You are welcome to visit the cidery to order drinks and bottles-to-go during our open hours (Sat.11-5; Sun 12-5; weekdays by appt.) or request after-hours pick-up. We hope to be available by Fall or Spring and offer you a $15 credit to use on your next visit. We recommend advance reservations especially for Columbus Day & Memorial Day. Usual Listing: Enjoy self-sufficient camping at our 90-acre VA Cidery located 50 miles west of D.C. Visit year-round to enjoy the wildlife, serenity and changing seasons on Big Cobbler Mountain! HipCamp uses a number system but we do not. You may choose your own spot, from our vast property, depending on your needs. Everyone should be spread out, giving privacy to each site. Many, many areas to camp all the way up into the mountain foothill. Welcome to arrive after 8:00 a.m. to begin setting up. Prior to arrival, reply back to our check-in email letter we will send you requesting a copy of photo IDs per adult, names & description of children and pets, emergency contacts per person and a Release of Liability statement, all due via email PRIOR to your arrival. Tents, trailers and RVs are welcome. Bring portable potties for comfort. No smoking allowed on property. No charge for children and pets camping. Do not bring wood to the property (may transfer insects). Plenty of fallen wood to forage for your campfires. Fires out @ midnight. If planning to build a campfire, pack a shovel for assistance in managing the fire and water buckets for emergency. We have hoses for filling (unless you are camping near the creek you won’t need). Cider Bar open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays / 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays and weekdays by appointment. Order our seasonal ciders for the campsite. Available by the pint, 64 oz. growler, 4-pack & 24 bottle case for take-home selections.

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

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.

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.

Booked 2 times

Hard Struggle Homestead

1 site · Lodging30 acres · Jefferson, MD

30 acre mountain side farm right outside of Frederick MD. We are a small startup farm raising pigs and poultry looking to incorporate some camping. We have a set up campsite with a bell tent, luggable loo, and outdoor shower available along with a handful of sites for primitive camping. We look forward to hosting you.

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.