Lakeside camping in Washington, DC

Hike tree-covered trails or wander into America’s historical sites while camping near DC.

88% (415 reviews)
88% (415 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Washington, DC

Under $50

Star Hosts in Washington, DC

10 top lakeside campgrounds in Washington, DC

Booked 8 times

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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$1
 / night
99%
(243)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$75
 / night
99%
(264)

Hawkwood Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents91 acres · Myersville, MD
Hawkwood Farm is a historic property in the Catoctin Mountains. The house dates back to 1803. At that time, it is documented that there was a blacksmith shop on the property. There is a functioning blacksmith shop today, as well as an expansive wood working shop. A ;band of rhyolite runs through the property that was used by Native Americans for spear points dating back to the paleolithic period. Presently, we strive to live as sustainably and as closely to nature as possible, being good stewards of the land that we are blessed to call home. If you are looking for lots of open space with a sensational view of the sky then this is the place for you! This site is great for viewing all kinds of celestial events. You will also have access to the rest of what Hawkwood Farm offers including forest trails and an array of wildlife. Pitch a tent, or sleep literally under the stars. ;We are abiding by social distancing procedures, so our contact will be limited at this time. You may be visited by our good natured Labrador Sawdust and our sweet Great Pyrenees Ivory. We are asking that people take their trash with them.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
$30
 / night
98%
(42)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$55
 / night
67%
(3)

Harpers Ferry Campground

8 sites · Tents20 acres · Harpers Ferry, WV
Our Harpers Ferry Campground offers a natural setting with comfortable accommodations by the Potomac River. We have options for tent camping, RV sites, glamping, and cabins to cater to different camper preferences. Experience the only waterfront camping in Harpers Ferry! River Riders Campground offers a tent site to fit every need. Choose from riverfront sites, trailside and hike-in island sites, cliff tops, as well as deluxe tent sites that have electricity and water. There is a handicap-accessible bathhouse with 3 showers as well as a portable restroom trailer with running water. The campground is in a beautiful and unique location. Because of that it is a mixed-use site. The last zip-line in the Harpers Ferry Zipline Canopy Tour passes over some of the Cabin/RV/Deluxe Tent sites. The boat launch is used by River Riders to drop off some of our guests. A 1.5-mile walking and biking trail leads directly to Harpers Ferry from the campground to the town of Harpers Ferry. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available on-site. NOTICE:There is an active railroad that runs adjacent to the campground and a one way tunnel nearby. The train runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, although the frequency varies and you may hear honking from the tunnel. Light sleepers should bring earplugs. Check-in is at 4 pm at our main office 408 Alstadts Hill Rd, Harpers Ferry, and check-out is at 11 am.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$47.99
 / night
75%
(12)

Paradise Lake Campground - Secluded

1 site · Tent3 acres · Waldorf, MD
They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city and with the cool waterfront breezes, fishing and canoeing, early evening tequila on the dock, and a generally life-affirming vibe beckoning, who are we to argue with that logic? Just bring your sleeping bag and sleep in our tent at our designated camping spot that offers a picnic table, fire pit and beautiful river and scenic lake views. Wake to see deer drinking at the lake or geese swimming and fishing in the lake and creek. At night clearly see all the stars that twinkle while enjoying total peace and quiet. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish and fishing is allowed. We have two wooded acres behind our house that offer a safe, quiet, secluded spot to spend some time relaxing, away from the horns blaring, sirens screaming and cars honking. Located just 20 minutes outside the beltway we offer a close getaway that makes it feel like the city is hours away. The site is located in an area of expensive homes with each property being 3 or more acres and inhabited with some of the friendliest people you'll meet. They wave at you when you pass and if close enough, will speak and exchange a few friendly words. Nearby are great sites to visit. The Dr. Samuel Mudd house, Regency furniture Stadium, a site for amateur baseball games, the Schaegel Farms where the kids can play. eat lunch, pet all the animals and pick fresh strawberries, and the Scary Strokes indoor miniature golf course set to a Halloween theme. See the "DC at Dusk" guided tour in Wash, DC and see DC lit up at night on a guided mini-bus tour. Drive by and stop at some of the city’s top memorials and attractions, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial, which are usually less crowded after dark. With transportation and navigation taken care of, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and sightsee. Want to have a little fun at the slot machines or poker tables? The MGM Grand is only about twenty minutes away in National Harbor which offers an outlet mall with many shopping and eating venues. They also have concerts with big celebrities, free jazz concerts outdoors every Thursday, a variety of restaurants plus a huge Ferris Wheel that lets you see DC. Maryland and VA all from a great vantage point. Parking is in our driveway and the site is about 30 yards away, a two minute walk along a lighted pathway. Camper vans or trailers will not be able to drive to or park at the camping area and are therefore not recommended. Come stay at Oscars' Oasis and enjoy what nature and the surrounding areas have to offer!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$29.25
 / night
95%
(11)

Charity’s Hope Family Farm Resort

16 sites · Tents20 acres · Port Tobacco Village, MD
Enjoy the perfect retreat for families, couples or anyone looking for rest and relaxation among a quiet, breath-taking location. This revived historic farmland is an icon in the area. Located just 30 miles outside of Washington DC, features a grand Victorian home on 20-acres w/ modern amenities. This small “farm resort” features pasture areas with alpacas, mini-cows, horses, goats, pigs, ducks, chicks, bunnies, barns, a private pond for fishing, and more. Come experience it yourself. We have an amazing list of free and paid amenities and attractions including go kart, golf cart, kayak, inflatable pontoon, golf simulator, fishing, hiking, farm tours, 20-foot inflatable outdoor movie screen and projector, Bluetooth speakers, pool toys, basketball hoop, kick ball, cabanas, giant checkers, small moonbounce, board games, and much much more. Ask our hosts for our onsite Amenities and Attraction List.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$40
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside 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.

Top regions near Washington, DC

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.