Beach Ponies
location_on Assateague Island National Seashore
language Website
Assateague Island Distance from DC: Two hours and 45 minutes
For sandy panoramas and a chance to vacation among wild horses, park your car or RV on the Maryland section of the barrier island. Tents can be set up on either the bay or ocean side. Look out for some horseplay: The island’s famous ponies sometimes stroll past tents–just be sure to give them space. Reservations are required.
Celestial Sights
location_on Big Meadows Campground
language Website
Stanley, Virginia Distance from DC: Two hours and 15 minutes
This campground at mile 51 of Skyline Drive offers easy access to hiking and other activities in Shenandoah National Park. The 221 sites are reservation-only, and each spot has a fire ring, with wood available for purchase. Outside the grounds, the park and its partners host Night Skies, a stargazing program with telescopes, on select Fridays.
Little Luxuries
location_on Cherry Hill Park
language Website
College Park Distance from DC: 30 minutes
This is less rustic than some other campgrounds: There’s electricity and wi-fi plus the option to upgrade to a site with a gazebo, hammock, and grill. The grounds also include two swimming pools, a splash park, mini-golf, a pickleball court, and outdoor movies in summer. You must reserve a spot in advance.
This article appears in the April 2024 issue of Washingtonian.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Northeast DC.
