The best waterside campgrounds in Washington, DC

Washington, DC doesn’t just mean monuments and museums—you’ll find over 350 waterside campsites within easy reach of the city. Pitch your tent or park your camper near rivers, lakes, and creeks. Average prices hover around $75 a night, with options dipping as low as $15 if you’re watching your budget. Top picks like Bald Eagle Farm on the Patuxent (245 reviews), Hawkwood Farm (208 reviews), and Cross Creek Farm (195 reviews) draw regulars for their easy access to fishing and wildlife-watching. Showers, pet-friendly spots, and toilets are common, so you don’t have to rough it. Bring your binoculars—bald eagles and herons are local fixtures. Horseback trails and lazy afternoons by the water keep things interesting when you’re not grilling your catch or swapping stories by the fire.

97% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome! Unwind and retreat to the mountains

1. 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.

Washington, DC doesn’t just mean monuments and museums—you’ll find over 350 waterside campsites within easy reach of the city. Pitch your tent or park your camper near rivers, lakes, and creeks. Average prices hover around $75 a night, with options dipping as low as $15 if you’re watching your budget. Top picks like Bald Eagle Farm on the Patuxent (245 reviews), Hawkwood Farm (208 reviews), and Cross Creek Farm (195 reviews) draw regulars for their easy access to fishing and wildlife-watching. Showers, pet-friendly spots, and toilets are common, so you don’t have to rough it. Bring your binoculars—bald eagles and herons are local fixtures. Horseback trails and lazy afternoons by the water keep things interesting when you’re not grilling your catch or swapping stories by the fire.

97% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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.

Stories from the community

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.

K

Kathy

March 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mountain Lake Retreat

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