Beach Camping in Washington, DC, District Of Columbia: Best Beach Campsites 2025

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.

96% (28)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

96% (28)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Breezy View

98%

(25)

1 site · Tent, RV · Mechanicsville, MD

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.

2. Mountain Lake Retreat

100%

(8)

1 site · Lodging · 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.

3. Circe The Airstream

90%

(5)

1 site · Lodging · Colonial Beach, VA

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.

4. 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

Potable water

Toilets

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

6. Calvert Cliffs State Park

5 sites · Lusby, Maryland

Jagged sea cliffs and sandy shores harbor prehistoric fossils at this park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

7. Caledon State Park

1 site · Dahlgren, Virginia

Discover Caledon State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Toilets

Campfires

8. Greenbelt Park

75%

(8)

12 sites · Greenbelt, Maryland

Discover Greenbelt Park: A scenic haven for camping and nature.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. 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!

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds in and near Washington, DC

75%

(8)

Greenbelt Campground

12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Greenbelt Park

67%

(3)

Cedarville Campground

23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cedarville State Forest

100%

(1)

Smallwood Campground

23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Smallwood State Park

Caledon Campground

1 site · in Caledon State Park

100%

(3)

Gambrill Campground

29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gambrill State Park

Calvert Cliffs Campground

5 sites · in Calvert Cliffs State Park

Stories from the community

R

Rachel

October 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Breezy View

Beautiful spot, will be back! Right amount of space for me and my pup. Cute little beach access and gorgeous foliage in the fall. Stunning sunset/rise and great wildlife - cranes, hawks, and bald eagles!

J

Josh

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Breezy View

Great spot for camping and fishing. We had three tents and a tarp and had a ton of room. Caught a couple of perch and bullhead. Easy instructions to get to the place which felt nice and remote. Great sunset views as well. Watch your step around the banks as high water at some point did some serious erosion. The owner has a set up steps to get down to the beach, which were very helpful. Also if you’re planning on having a fire you may want to bring some wood ahead of time. There is a bunch of ash and some oak around the property that the owner was gracious enough offer up to us, but much of it was older and rotted. Some other reviews mentioned the drag strip nearby which you can hear (along with the occasional shotgun blast from hunters), but neither of those things really bothered us. Country store nearby with coffee, beer, liquor ice and gas. About 90 minutes from DC (no traffic). Closer to 2.5 hours if you leave DC at 3pm during the week. Overall a great spot if you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from the city.

Gavriela

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Breezy View

We had a wonderful time in this campsite ! The view of the water was serene, the campsite itself expansive and the instructions clear. Shane was responsive and communicated everything clearly. We had a beautiful weekend. Definitely recommend!

W

Wynton

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Breezy View

Shane’s water view spot is absolutely amazing. We were going to go to Assateague, but decided to ditch the long OSV line and sold out camp reservations. Instead we got our own little Assateague. Clean spot, and very quiet. Shane was also very helpful in terms of amenities. We will stay here again

R

Riley

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mountain Lake Retreat

There were a lot of thoughtful touches, the kitchen had everything we needed, and the backyard was really nice. The hot tub was clean enough and worked well and the fire pit was lovely. The place felt a lot bigger than the pictures implied! The hosts communicated well enough, except missing the text that one of the two toilets was broken. Other notes: It is really three, full- or queen-sized beds + one very small mattress above the bed in the basement. It could technically fit 7 people if everyone shared beds except one small person, who slept on the small mattress above. The basement bathroom was iffy, with only a small spray of water in the shower, a toilet that didn't work while we were there, and a door that doesn't fully close.

M

Marvin

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Breezy View

We had an amazing weekend camping right by the water. The site is clean, spacious, and offers beautiful lake views - waking up to the sound of nature was unforgettable. Cooking by the fire with steak and corn made the experience even better, and taking our inflatable boat out on the lake was so much fun. Overall, it's the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Highly recommended, and we'd love to come back

C

Carina

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Circe The Airstream

We had such a wonderful stay at the Circe! It was such a lovely getaway for slow mornings, sipping on coffee, reading and enjoying the views. Our favorite thing to do was cook dinner and eat outside under the stars. Mark was a great host and Colonial Beach is just 4 minutes away. We will definitely be back again!

P

Peter

July 2025

11 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Breezy View

Great spot - will be booking again! Shane was very communicative and despite this being somewhat remote, it was very easy to get to. Clear driving instructions, etc. Perfect.

A

Argenies

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Breezy View

We had an amazing time camping on Shane’s land! The property is spacious, peaceful, and extremely clean. It was the perfect spot for our family to relax and enjoy nature. The river nearby was a highlight — we spent hours fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Shane was friendly and checked in to make sure everything was going well. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate the 4th of July. Highly recommended for anyone looking to disconnect and enjoy a quiet outdoor getaway!

J

Johnnyrhette

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Breezy View

I loved camping at this location! Great view and peaceful. I’m definitely camping here again.

K

Kaja

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Breezy View

Lovely spot in nature by the water! The turtles are the highlight! Will come again!

A

APR

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Breezy View

Excellent site. Cleared and clean nice view of the river. Tree configuration makes for a nice group of hammocks. Will be back. Host was very communicative and prompt to respond.

D

Dale

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Breezy View

The site was very private and very peaceful! Lots of open space to set up your tent and chairs facing the water for relaxing! I was able to easily get to the little beach front with my paddle board and get onto the water and enjoy the day. I will definitely be camping here again!

T

Tyler

May 2025

Tent

4 nights at Breezy View

Great location and nice property. Shane was very accommodating and we enjoyed the nice Adirondack chairs. Will definitely come back!

L

Loc

March 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Breezy View

The campsite is great, with water right in front. You can camp and fish at the same time. At night, you can see the whole sky full of stars. We fished all night last time and will definitely come back. **Pros:** Lots of firewood, water in front, fishing and camping together. **Cons:** Since the campsite is near the water, you can sometimes hear boat engines and ATVs from nearby properties.

K

Kathy

March 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mountain Lake Retreat

Absolutely lovely home. Lots of thoughtful amenities and great fenced in yard.

J

Jesus

March 2025

Weekend Trip to Circe The Airstream

Cozy, clean and classic experience! Late February early March is an extremely quiet and cozy experience in the Circe airstream with likely only a visit from wild birds. I highly recommend a visit to the airstream of Virginia to enjoy your time fully in a 1984 airstream and appreciate the level of quality from this company. Mark was a super super host and thanks to his accommodations our weekend turned into some great memories. I sincerely appreciated the communication and local suggestions to open restaurants, breweries, and sunset opportunities less than 5 miles away. Mark‘s place really sets the stage for exploring a beautiful part of Virginia even further if you have more than two days or a weekend.

d

debbie

December 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Breezy View

Really great view and area to set up tent. instruction on arriving to the property was very easy to follow