The best camping near Ford's Theatre National Historic Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ford's Theatre National Historic Site adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Ford's Theatre National Historic Site

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Bears Den Campground

5 sites · Tents66 acres · Bluemont, VA

Set up your tent in our remote but easily accessible campground, 100 yards off the Appalachian Trail. Roast marshmallows by the fire pit and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Individual site capacities are varied! Please take note of this when selecting your site upon checkout. Site #1 is on a hilly slope and accommodates 4 campersSite #2 accommodates 8-10 campersSite #3 accommodates 4 campersSite #4 accommodates 6-8 campersSite #5 accommodates 6-8 campers About the property Located on a 66-acre plot just five miles from the Shenandoah River, our property offers amazing access to hiking and the outdoors while also keeping civilization within striking distance. Bear Chase Brewery is just a half mile walk across the street, and we are 15 miles from Purcellville. The land and lodge used to be the summer home of a trained opera singer, whose singing could be heard throughout the mountain. Your Host lives onsite in the stone house that also acts as a hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Built in the 1930's all from locally sourced hand-hammered stone, the house is open every night from 5pm - 9pm. Note that we offer several campsites relatively close to each other, so you should expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. About the listing Pitch your tent in a forested area just a short walk up from where you’ll park your car. Enjoy unbeatable proximity to hiking and panoramic views while still having basic amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. You’ll have access to a composting pit toilet, and can access potable water from the tap in the lodge. That’s also where you can access hot showers. As noted above, we host Appalachian Trail thru hikers on the property, so you may see them hanging around or sleeping in the bunkhouse near the shared facilities. so please be respectful of hours when you come in for a shower. No showers after 10 pm For meals, we have picnic tables, and you are encouraged to cook over the fire pits that accompany each site. Please practice Leave No Trace practices during your stay, as the property has raccoons and other critters who will be drawn to any food scraps that are left behind. Pets are allowed! Please keep them on leash during your stay. Trash can be disposed of in dumpster up the hill Additional details to note Expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. No kitchen equipment is provided, so campers must bring their own supplies if they'd like to cook. We do not offer WiFi, but there is good cell reception for all common carriers.

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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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Stegan Farm

1 site · RV, Tent18 acres · Highland, MD

Our property is in Howard County, Maryland, and is super convenient to I-95, I-295, Hwy 32, and I-70. It is centrally located between Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, and Frederick, MD. We are located right off of Highway 32 down a long, private paved driveway. What makes our property unique is all that it has to offer--it's an 18 acre oasis with mature woods protected by a conservation deed, lightly rolling hills, beautiful fields, wetlands, and a pond. It is not surprising to see deer and our local great blue heron on the property throughout the day. There is also a fire pit, which you are free to use. Firewood is free.

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Cross Creek Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Southern Gateway, VA

Originally part of Blake Farm, built in the 1930's. Blake Farm was subdivided into 5 acres farmettes in the 1990's. The original farmhouse is next door, now known as Agape Farms. The forest has reclaimed much of the original Blake Farm land. Visit over 4 acres of available land, from the pastures, to the wooded creek, or the very back edge of the farm abutting deep woods. Spend relaxing time petting the Nigerian Dwarf goats, Rhode Island Red chickens, and the super-friendly livestock guard dogs (Thomasina, Bucky, and Sarge). We are also located adjacent to Agape Farms, with its horses, ducks, and chickens. All this in horse country just minutes from I-95 and an hour from Washington, DC or Richmond, VA.

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Little Goat Farm at the Lake

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Nokesville, VA

Sleep with friendly goats & alpacas. Fishing & hiking along the lake or trails. Friendly retired farmers offering free space for your mobile home in exchange for assisting farmer in the morning 5 days a week. Our farm grows grapes, sunflowers, herbs of lavender, mint, sage, rosemary, and a huge varied plethora of flowers. We have been established for decades. The fishing is great as Va Fish and Game stock the lake each spring with bass, perch, catfish and even walleye. Many trails abound yet you can walk to a country general store from the farm. Mobile home living here is like no other as you don’t have nosy neighbors within an arms length away. You have the opposite with tranquility, and fresh air. Your senses become keener and nights allow you to sleep in the quiet country. We hosted a fellow for a year with this setup but he’s now moving to help his son out of state. No dogs unless owner agrees prior to arrivals

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Riverside Farm by the Monocacy

7 sites · Tents30 acres · Walkersville, MD

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING... 30 acres of mostly reclaimed farmland. We are located where Glade Creek flows into the Monocacy River. There is evidence of civil war activity here and the old river ford is on our property. Creek and river access make this a beautiful, peaceful place that is full of life. The energy here is overwhelmingly positive. Our house was built in the 1850s and the neighboring farm was built shortly after—lots of history on this property. You will be able to camp right next to Glade Creek which is always cool, clean, and refreshing. Our goal with opening the land up for camping is to eventually phase out commercial farming on the property and transform it into woodlands using native plants and trees. We've already started by planting hundreds of native tree species along the creek and river banks. Each camper gets us closer to that goal! Thanks for your support! See our map in the gallery for a complete overview of our property including site locations. Please note that you will need to drive back through the crossing to access the portable toilet. Property occasionally floods. Zero flash floods, just slow river overflow. Check this site for flooding info. https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=fdkm2 Flood stage is 15 feet.

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1850's Greenock Farm, plus 4WD site

4 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Lothian, MD

Learn more about this land: 45 acre Historic farm, several sites to choose from depending on adventure wanderlust (including a 4WD drive site). Please read full description of the property. Located on private gravel lane, approximately 1/2 mile off county road. Either corn or soybeans with a woods backdrop. Secluded and private, yet 25 minutes to downtown Annapolis, 10 minutes to the Bay, great for cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking all 10/15 minutes from farm. DC 45 minutes, Baltimore 1 hour. Jug Bay wetlands, wineries, fun little waterfront towns and Bay front restaurants all within easy reach. Check out individual sites for description, each has its own personality. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. First listing actually has several options. For large campers/coach/fifth wheelers the area by the tractor shed will be the best. Around the corner there's two other choices both with firepits which will accommodate units up to 40 feet depending on your backing/maneuvering skills. Field of Dreams and Sycamore Ridge will accommodate campers under 25 feet with some backing/maneuvering skills. For those with 4WD and an off-road camper/trailer/tent choose Off the Grid, two entrances for easy access, travel along a logging road to an open site with fire pit. Suitable during dry conditions and not responsible for damage to vehicle or camper. Great spot for those who truly want to be in the woods off the beaten path, site takes about 5 minutes to reach due to low speed access. All sites as mentioned have no toilet/outhouse...for #2 please pack out or dig a hole, no presents needed for me or fellow campers.

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HUNTER'S PARK BY DC

13 sites · RVs, Tents27 acres · Damascus, MD

The campground is situated in the wooded area on the back of 27 acre horse farm which is known as "The Stables at Mezza Luna." There is Wi-Fi to all the sites. Every year in the spring there are 4-6 Thoroughbred foals born that eventually will become racehorses. They live on the farm until they are 2 years old and then they go off to begin their racing career. In the daytime, when you are not sitting around your campfire, you can walk the fence lines and visit with the Mares and Foals or just watch them frolic in the fields. Hint! "They love peppermints, carrots and apples." Who knows, you might get to meet a future Kentucky Derby winner. Nearby attractions include: BLACK HILLS REGIONAL PARK (15 minutes) for boating, hiking or biking Vineyard 61 (5 minutes) Stone Silo Brewery (5 Minutes) Leechwood Haunted Forest (5 Minutes) October weekends only There are also chickens and peacocks that are very anxious to receive your love and affection with any type of treat such as raisins. Kids can even go in the chicken coop and pick out their very own egg they can cook for their breakfast. For the energetic campers and kids there are also lots of trails that you can walk or hike on and there is a small stream the kids can play in. There also is a playground with swings, monkey bars, seesaw and trampoline. There is a dumpster in front of the barn for you to place your trash. Please drop off during your stay or on your way out of the property. Don't miss out out on this hidden gem just minutes from our nation's capital.

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Earthwalk Ways Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1000 acres · Fredericksburg, VA

We are a Nature Retreat bordering Nature Conservancy land along a tributary and up and down the Rappahannock River. You can hike along the stream down to the river and up and down the river. You can fish and float the river. There are no trails so a moderate level of fitness and comfort in the forest is needed. You can follow the water ways but it is wilderness. Camping there is primitive but available or you can camp or glamp at Earthwalk Ways Retreat. We are also adjacent to a 50 acre farm on the other side of the creek that is available for hiking. There is a reservoir nearby as well. We are in the midst of the suburbs not far from Fredericksburg, which has some great historic and community places of interest. Our facilities are private and we only rent to one or 2 guests at a time. You can glamp in a trailer, or car camp in a nice campground with power and water or you can go primitive and pack in. All spaces include access to our classical 11 circuit labyrinth and backyard gardens where you can enjoy zen rock garden and other contemplative nature crafts. There are some great extra's here as well including an outdoor jacuzzi and indoor infrared sauna and massage chair. These spa features are another great way to get your zen on here. I offer Forest Bathing and individual retreat support sessions, an quarterly sweat lodge and also vision quest support if people would like to experience a solo nature immersion feast.

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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.

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Burton Family Farm a place to relax

10 sites · RVs, Tents49 acres · Fredericksburg, VA

Learn more about this land: The Burton Family Farm is a beautiful spot to relax and get in touch with nature. This area is full of history and things to do, Civil War Battlefields, George Washington’s childhood home, Ferry Farm, Mary Washington House, Chatham, Kenmore, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Rising Sun Tavern, James Monroe Museum & Memorial Library, Rappahannock Railroad Museum, Chancellorsville Battlefield, Shannon Air Museum, United States National Slavery Museum, within minutes to Rocky Pen Run Reservoir, Motts Run, & not far from the Rappahannock River, local brewery’s, river activities, hiking, biking, visit Fred! Pitch your tent under the beautiful star filled sky! There is a pond, woods, relic hunting, wildlife and lots of fresh air! This is the perfect weekend getaway. We are very close to 95, right of Rt 17, 10 mins to historical Fredericksburg, FRED, 1 hour south of Washington DC, NOVA, 1 hour north of Richmond. RVA, Less than 5 minutes to shopping, gas and restaurants, but you would never know once you are on the farm. Come fall in love with our slice of heaven! We look forward to meeting you!

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.

The best camping near Ford's Theatre National Historic Site guide

Overview

About

On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at this site. It's now preserved as a part of the National Park Service. You'll learn the motivations behind the assassination and the state of America at that time. You can even watch a dramatic live production of it all at this active working theatre.

The self-guided museum section is about 30 minutes long. It has exhibits about Lincoln's presidency and assassinator John Wilkes Booth. You can even see the infamous gun used, and the bloodstained deathbed pillow.

The Aftermath Exhibits nearby have an interactive trip of Lincoln's funeral ride with moving stories about the gathered crowds. It also details the manhunt and trial of Booth and his cronies.

Part of the theatre collapsed in 1893, but don't worry— it's completely renovated and up to code. You can sit almost anywhere on this guided tour, but the President's Box is off-limits.

The Petersen House is self-guided. You can see the bed where he laid diagonally because of his height.

Entry is free but requires tickets. It's best to get advance tickets because the lines can get long. Plus, it's a popular place for school field trips. There are limited same-day tickets available. The museum opens at 9 AM, and theatre entry is every 30 minutes starting at 9:30 AM. Sometimes, the theatre is unavailable because of rehearsal or shows. so call ahead. While the story behind this site is sad, it's still appropriate for kids 8 and up.