The best camping near National Capital Parks-East

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next National Capital Parks-East adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near National Capital Parks-East

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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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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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Cross Creek Farm

9 sites · Lodging, 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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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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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. Lots of great waterfront restaurants close by as well. DC 45 minutes, Baltimore 1 hour. 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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Bald Eagle Farm on the Patuxent

3 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Brandywine, MD

Bald Eagle Farm has been in our family for three generations. Today two generations still live and operate the family farm. We once raised tobacco and cattle and have now converted to growing hay and grain. My family wants to share the views and the experience of sleeping under the stars on our beautiful secluded farm. You will hear nothing but the wind, birds, frogs and insects while you doze off or enjoy the dark sky and camp fire. We live on the farm so we are always here to help you out if needed. We can provide you with the firewood you need and water from our deep well. We are here to make your stay as comfortable as possible and provide a restroom in the case of an "emergency". Recently named a finalist for 'Best Hipcamp in Maryland'! Thank you SO much for your support and we look forward to hosting you in 2022. There are three campsites on the farm, one by the pond and two by the river. Very secluded and all sites include , firepit, log bench, and a picnic table that seats 3-4 people. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN FIREWOOD. AT THIS TIME WE ARE OUT FOR THE SEASON. The original river campsite has been moved to a more remote spot so that all campers can access the pond and pier to the river. Farm encompasses nearly 300 acres on the Patuxent River. There is access to the river on high tide via our private creek (must bring your own canoe or kayak) and 150 acres of marshland. Over 100 acres of woods to walk through and a pond for wildlife watching. Local Spots to Visit: Canoe/Kayak/Fishing: Clyde Watson Boating Area, Patuxent River Park, Patuxent Wetlands Park, Cedar Haven Fishing Area Hiking: Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Patuxent River Park, Cedarville State Forest, Rosaryville State Park, Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, Maxwell Hall Park Places to Eat: Hardesty Haven Cafe, Moreland's Produce & Market, Cedarville Grocery. (Highly recommend packing well, we are approx. 20 minutes from a grocery store) Places to Drink: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Romano Vineyard & Winery, Janemark Winery & Vineyard

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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!

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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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Maple view

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Lovettsville, VA

Located in lovettsville virginia about 3 minutes from town . Close to breweries and wineries . Harpers ferry , Waterford and purcellville within 20 min. Secluded camping on 10 acres with a pond and wooded camping . This is a pack in and pack out style camping . Within 10 minutes of mid Atlantic back country discovery route (MABDR) . Motorcycles welcome !

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Button Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Germantown, MD

The Button Farm Living History Center is a hands-on education facility dedicated to preserving the history of the Underground Railroad. It is operated by the Menare Foundation through a long term lease agreement with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Several of us who work for the non-profit live in the Button Farm house and share the land with our pigs, geese, chickens and lots of wildlife. We're a close drive to Germantown and all the basic amenities of modern life, but when you come down our drive, you enter a world of natural beauty and rural quiet. When booking, keep in mind that all persons--regardless of age or whether or not they intend to spend the night--must be paid for. Our restroom includes hand sanitizer.

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Ubi Via Finis

1 site · Tent15 acres · Leesburg, VA

2 miles from the paved road, nestled in the back of Leesburg, are fifteen acres of tall trees and abundant undisturbed wildlife. Surrounded on all sides by similar wilderness, it is one of the few places in northern Virginia The Milky Way is visible on a clear night. Here you can take the dogs swimming in the stream where water ranges from 6" to over 3 foot deep. Hammocks are hung at varying places throught the property to be found by hikeing trails, varying from easy to challenging. Local firewood available for night fires, or count the fireflies. Weekday discount. Kids are free. Hate has no home here.

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Little Sparrow Farm

3 sites · Tents55 acres · Stafford, VA

Unique property! Primitive camping in an old growth forest with the convenience of being right in town. Wildlife is abundant on this conserved land which hosts 3 springs, creeks, large trees, huge fire pit, and meadows. The best part is, it's all within 5 minutes of restaurants, stores, and the conveniences of modern life!

The best camping near National Capital Parks-East guide

Overview

About

Get away from overcrowded Washington D.C. monuments and visit these lesser-known, yet equally important spots. This park system includes 13 sites, covering more than 8,000 acres of parklands from Capitol Hill to the Maryland suburbs. Visitors to the area will find a wide range of activities. Milk cows and feed chickens at Oxon Hill Farm. Visit famous forts that were built to defend Washington, D.C. Or learn an important history lesson and stop by the home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

One standout among the parks is the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Back in 1938, thirty acres of land was purchased along the Anacostia River to preserve Walter Shaw's aquatic gardens and the surrounding marshland. Visitors can stroll the grounds and enjoy garden paths that lead to 44 unique ponds. From here you can link up with the Anacostia River Trail, a paved path that is open to both hikers and bikers.

Since most of these parks are small, you'll have no problem hitting up several in one day. But why rush through an area that has so much history to absorb? Check out public and private campground listings on Hipcamp and stay in the area for more adventures!