Cunningham Falls State Park
~65 miles from Washington, D.C.
Cunningham Falls offers two unique areas for campers: the William Houck Area centers around a 43-acre lake, with access to boat rentals and swimming. The Manor Area sits three miles out from an aviary and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace in Frederick County. This state park has tent, RV, and cabin sites available for Sunday and Monday night. Pets are allowed with proof of vaccinations, but alcohol isn’t without a permit obtained in advance. Electricity and showers are available. 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, MD 21788; call (301)271-7574 or book reservations online.
Greenbelt Campground
~12 miles from Washington, D.C.
This Maryland campground doesn’t offer water or electric hookups, but if you’re seeking an escape from modern conveniences, that may be ideal. It does offer 10 miles of trails, as well as easy access to Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens and the Goddard Space Flight Center. This campground has availability for RVs and tents from Thursday through Monday night, at $16 per night. Pets are allowed on a short leash. Showers are available. 6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770; call (301)344-3948 or book reservations online.
Little Bennett Campground
~29 miles from Washington, D.C.
This Maryland campground offers over 25 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, and is located nearby the Hyattstown Mill Arts Project and Splash Playground & Mini-Golf. About a dozen tent sites are still open for Friday night, although no electricity is available. Showers and water spigots are available. 23701 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871; call (301) 528-3430 to book reservations.
Duncan’s Family Campground
~23 miles from Washington, D.C.
This family campground is full of fun, offering everything from hayrides and pools to the basics like showers and laundry facilities. It’s located only 12 miles from Six Flags America and 13 miles from Chesapeake Beach Water Park, which opens for the season this Saturday. Only tent sites are available for the weekend, but they have water access and pets are allowed. 5381 Sands Road, Lothian, Md. 20711; call (410) 741-9558 or book reservations online.
Pocomoke River State Park
~142 miles from Washington, D.C.
This Maryland campground offers two camping areas: Shad Landing and Milburn Landing. Shad Landing offers more amenities to campers, such as electric hookups and a centrally-located washhouse. Although the Milburn area has limited amenities, pets are allowed. Rowboats, electric boats, canoes and kayaks are available to rent, and fishing, hiking, and hunting are common outdoor activities here. Local attractions include the NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and the Delmarva Discovery Center. Both RV and tent sites are still available. Shad: 3461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill, MD 21863; Milburn: 3036 Nassawango Road, Pocomoke City MD, 21851. Call (888) 432-2267 or book reservations online.
Oak Ridge Campground
~37 miles from Washington, D.C.
As part of the Prince William Forest Park, this campground offers access to 37 miles of foot trails, 21 miles of paved road (great for cyclists), and 18 miles of streams for fishing. The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and the Manassas National Battlefield Park are nearby. Tent sites are available through the weekend. 6975 Oak Ridge Road, Triangle, VA 22172; call (703) 221-7181 or book reservations online.
Shenandoah National Park
~75 miles
This national park offers four campgrounds with walk-in availability for the holiday weekend, along with backcountry camping. Try an earthcache or view the Blue Ridge Mountains from the Skyline Drive. Pets are allowed on most nearby trails with a leash. Call (877) 444-6777 or book reservations online.
