The best beach camping near Washington, DC

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Washington, DC puts you within reach of over 90 beach camping spots—think sand underfoot, water views, and evenings cooled by the breeze off the Potomac. Most campsites here sit within a two-hour drive of the city, often tucked along rivers or lakes with sandy stretches for swimming, fishing, or just propping up a chair. Showers and toilets are standard at many spots, and pets are almost always welcome. Nightly prices average around $107, with some sites dipping as low as $85. Top picks include Breezy View (8 reviews) with open skies and easy water access, Mountain Lake Retreat (4 reviews) for quiet lakeside mornings, and Circe The Airstream (4 reviews) if you want a stylish spot right by the shore. You’ll find fishing gear on the docks, trails weaving through nearby woods, and enough swimming holes to cool off after a long day. Bring your sunscreen and a sense of adventure—the beach is closer than you think.

94% (24) 8 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Washington, DC

Breezy View

1. Breezy View

98%
(26)
37mi from Washington, DC · 1 site · Tent, RV
Waterfront property with great sunsets and a relaxing view. Close to Budds Creek and Maryland International Raceway. Located on the Scenic Wicomico River a potomac tributary. The property is close to the Wicomico Shores boat ramp and fishing pier. Also close by is the Wicomico Shores Golf Course, where aside from golfing you can enjoy an amazing burger and a beverage. Come kayak and fish or just enjoy a great sunset and campfire.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$51
 / night
Circe The Airstream

2. Circe The Airstream

90%
(5)
46mi from Washington, DC · 1 site · Lodging
Welcome to "Circe," our charming retro Airstream trailer inspired by the enchanting character from Homer's Odyssey. Nestled at Monroe Bay's end, this wanderlust haven offers a unique glamping experience that combines vintage allure with modern comforts. Located within walking distance to James Monroe's Birthplace on the banks of Monroe Bay. The property features a Winery (limited hours) with acres of river and land to explore. The Trailer: Vintage Charm: Step back in time with our beautifully restored 1970s Airstream, meticulously designed to capture the essence of a bygone era. Comfortable Accommodation: Circe offers a cozy and well-appointed interior with a comfortable bed, seating area, and a compact kitchenette. Guests can check in on their own with an access key. You can park in front of the end of the airstream in our parking area. Colonial Beach is 1 mile away to walk or take your car and explore. There is a kayak on the property you can launch and take down the Monroe Bay or bring your own SUP or boat.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$81
 / night
Greenbelt Park

3. Greenbelt Park

75%
(8)
12 sites · Greenbelt, Maryland
Discover Greenbelt Park: A scenic haven for camping and nature.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cedarville State Forest

4. Cedarville State Forest

67%
(3)
23 sites · Cedarville, Maryland
If you’re down for a little history (and maybe a little mystery) Cedarville State Forest will definitely dazzle. The 3,510 acre forest was once the winter camping ground of the Piscataway Tribe because of the mild climate and abundance of game. Legend claims that there is a Native American burial ground within the forest... but it has yet to be found. Spooky! Equestrian, family and youth group campsites are available for your overnight stay. 19.5 miles of horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking trails weave through the forest. They pass a number of historical features, including the loblolly pine plantations that were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, by a charcoal kiln, and through farm areas whose springs and streams were used to make moonshine!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Smallwood State Park

5. Smallwood State Park

100%
(1)
23 sites · Indian Head, Maryland
All hail William Smallwood. Not only did he serve in the Revolutionary War, but he left behind the ideal escape from beltway chaos. Just 40 minutes outside DC, Smallwood State Park is a 628 acre paradise with a marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic area, camping area, pavilions, a recycled tire playground and nature trails. The park is on the Mattawoman Creek, less than a mile from the Potomac River, but if you’re ready to swim, errrr, boat/fish with the big fish, the Potomac River is just a mile away. Feeling reflective? Go way back to the 18th century with tours of Smallwood’s Retreat House, open on the first and third Sundays, May through September.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Caledon State Park

6. Caledon State Park

1 site · Dahlgren, Virginia
Discover Caledon State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Campfires
Toilets
Picnic table
Gambrill State Park

7. Gambrill State Park

100%
(3)
29 sites · Middletown, Maryland
Located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County, Gambrill State Park is a stunner. It’s separated into two regions, Rock Run and High Knob, the latter of which looks down upon two valleys and the northern reaches of the Shenandoah Mountains.The park features a sweet 16 miles of trails and a unique stone lodge called the Tea Room. It was originally built by the CCC in the 1930s for community events and gatherings. Today, it remains true to that original purpose hosting weddings, family reunions, business meetings and other special events. The park also has a Nature Center with activity packets filled with ideas like scavenger hunts and self-guided hikes. Get explorin'!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Calvert Cliffs State Park

8. Calvert Cliffs State Park

5 sites · Lusby, Maryland
Jagged sea cliffs and sandy shores harbor prehistoric fossils at this park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers

Washington, DC puts you within reach of over 90 beach camping spots—think sand underfoot, water views, and evenings cooled by the breeze off the Potomac. Most campsites here sit within a two-hour drive of the city, often tucked along rivers or lakes with sandy stretches for swimming, fishing, or just propping up a chair. Showers and toilets are standard at many spots, and pets are almost always welcome. Nightly prices average around $107, with some sites dipping as low as $85. Top picks include Breezy View (8 reviews) with open skies and easy water access, Mountain Lake Retreat (4 reviews) for quiet lakeside mornings, and Circe The Airstream (4 reviews) if you want a stylish spot right by the shore. You’ll find fishing gear on the docks, trails weaving through nearby woods, and enough swimming holes to cool off after a long day. Bring your sunscreen and a sense of adventure—the beach is closer than you think.

94% (24) 8 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Washington, DC

Breezy View

1. Breezy View

98%
(26)
37mi from Washington, DC · 1 site · Tent, RV
Waterfront property with great sunsets and a relaxing view. Close to Budds Creek and Maryland International Raceway. Located on the Scenic Wicomico River a potomac tributary. The property is close to the Wicomico Shores boat ramp and fishing pier. Also close by is the Wicomico Shores Golf Course, where aside from golfing you can enjoy an amazing burger and a beverage. Come kayak and fish or just enjoy a great sunset and campfire.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$51
 / night
Circe The Airstream

2. Circe The Airstream

90%
(5)
46mi from Washington, DC · 1 site · Lodging
Welcome to "Circe," our charming retro Airstream trailer inspired by the enchanting character from Homer's Odyssey. Nestled at Monroe Bay's end, this wanderlust haven offers a unique glamping experience that combines vintage allure with modern comforts. Located within walking distance to James Monroe's Birthplace on the banks of Monroe Bay. The property features a Winery (limited hours) with acres of river and land to explore. The Trailer: Vintage Charm: Step back in time with our beautifully restored 1970s Airstream, meticulously designed to capture the essence of a bygone era. Comfortable Accommodation: Circe offers a cozy and well-appointed interior with a comfortable bed, seating area, and a compact kitchenette. Guests can check in on their own with an access key. You can park in front of the end of the airstream in our parking area. Colonial Beach is 1 mile away to walk or take your car and explore. There is a kayak on the property you can launch and take down the Monroe Bay or bring your own SUP or boat.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$81
 / night
Greenbelt Park

3. Greenbelt Park

75%
(8)
12 sites · Greenbelt, Maryland
Discover Greenbelt Park: A scenic haven for camping and nature.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cedarville State Forest

4. Cedarville State Forest

67%
(3)
23 sites · Cedarville, Maryland
If you’re down for a little history (and maybe a little mystery) Cedarville State Forest will definitely dazzle. The 3,510 acre forest was once the winter camping ground of the Piscataway Tribe because of the mild climate and abundance of game. Legend claims that there is a Native American burial ground within the forest... but it has yet to be found. Spooky! Equestrian, family and youth group campsites are available for your overnight stay. 19.5 miles of horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking trails weave through the forest. They pass a number of historical features, including the loblolly pine plantations that were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, by a charcoal kiln, and through farm areas whose springs and streams were used to make moonshine!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Smallwood State Park

5. Smallwood State Park

100%
(1)
23 sites · Indian Head, Maryland
All hail William Smallwood. Not only did he serve in the Revolutionary War, but he left behind the ideal escape from beltway chaos. Just 40 minutes outside DC, Smallwood State Park is a 628 acre paradise with a marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic area, camping area, pavilions, a recycled tire playground and nature trails. The park is on the Mattawoman Creek, less than a mile from the Potomac River, but if you’re ready to swim, errrr, boat/fish with the big fish, the Potomac River is just a mile away. Feeling reflective? Go way back to the 18th century with tours of Smallwood’s Retreat House, open on the first and third Sundays, May through September.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Caledon State Park

6. Caledon State Park

1 site · Dahlgren, Virginia
Discover Caledon State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Campfires
Toilets
Picnic table
Gambrill State Park

7. Gambrill State Park

100%
(3)
29 sites · Middletown, Maryland
Located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County, Gambrill State Park is a stunner. It’s separated into two regions, Rock Run and High Knob, the latter of which looks down upon two valleys and the northern reaches of the Shenandoah Mountains.The park features a sweet 16 miles of trails and a unique stone lodge called the Tea Room. It was originally built by the CCC in the 1930s for community events and gatherings. Today, it remains true to that original purpose hosting weddings, family reunions, business meetings and other special events. The park also has a Nature Center with activity packets filled with ideas like scavenger hunts and self-guided hikes. Get explorin'!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Calvert Cliffs State Park

8. Calvert Cliffs State Park

5 sites · Lusby, Maryland
Jagged sea cliffs and sandy shores harbor prehistoric fossils at this park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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