Greenbelt Campground

4.03

563 reviews

6565 Greenbelt Road

Quick Facts

115 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

115 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Greenbelt Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are $20 per night for all site types, including standard non-electric, tent-only non-electric, and RV non-electric sites. Discounts such as the...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

301 344-3948kevin_barry@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.03

Satisfactory

Based on 563 reviews

131 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showersshadefriendlysites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Greenbelt Campground vary widely, with many praising its affordability, proximity to Washington, D.C., and quiet surroundings. However, facility conditions, particularly bathrooms and showers, are commonly criticized. Noise levels, ticks, and storm damage are frequent complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

6565 Greenbelt Road

Greenbelt Campground

6565 Greenbelt Road

Driving directionsFrom I-95/495 (Capital Beltway), take Exit 23 Kenilworth Avenue South (Route 201) to Greenbelt Road East (Route 193). The park entrance is a quarter mile down Greenbelt Road on the right. The park address is 6565 Greenbelt Road.

Access to the campground is via paved roads. Roads are generally well maintained though some users have noted that paving within the campground itself could use improvements. All loops (A, B, C, D) are accessible year-round, but larger RVs may face challenges due to tight turns and slopes. No seasonal closures are explicitly mentioned.

Nearby places

Greenbelt (1 mile), Washington, D.C. (10 miles), Goddard Space Flight Center (3 miles), major shopping centers (0.5 miles).

Nearby supplies

Major shopping centers are located within half a mile from the park entrance, offering groceries, camping supplies, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Greenbelt Campground

Experience four distinct seasons in this year-round camping haven. Winter transforms the forest into a quiet wonderland, occasionally dusted with snow and perfect for peaceful reflection. As spring awakens the woodland, warmer days invite exploration, though mindful campers should prepare for increased humidity and tick activity. Summer brings lush greenery and vibrant forest life under the warm Maryland sun. But it's autumn that truly steals the show—when temperatures cool to perfection and the surrounding oaks and maples burst into a spectacular display of golden yellows, burnt oranges, and deep crimsons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Affordable and shaded but summer reviews cite ticks, noise and storm damage concerns.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Deciduous forest implies good fall foliage; reviews note fall positively though less detail provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Understory blooms in May but spring also brings frequent tick reports and trail closures.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 5% in MD

Open year-round; visitors enjoyed snow camping and warmed/heated bathrooms in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 (Peak Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates year-round.
Current Alerts: Some trails remain closed due to storm damage from July 2022. Cleanup efforts are ongoing but progress is slow.

About Greenbelt Campground

Escape the hustle of the nation's capital at Greenbelt Campground, where towering trees and tranquil trails await just 10 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. This National Park Service gem seamlessly blends the convenience of urban proximity with the serenity of a woodland retreat. Modern amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and a convenient dump station ensure comfort during your stay, while easy Metro access opens the door to endless adventures. Whether you're here to explore the capital's monuments or simply unwind beneath the canopy, this affordable sanctuary offers the perfect basecamp for both nature lovers and city explorers.

Greenbelt Campground primarily caters to a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. It is a primitive campground without electrical or water hookups.

Historical SignificanceCamp at the crossroads of American history and natural beauty. Your tent or RV sits mere miles from where our nation's story unfolds daily—the iconic National Mall stretches before the Capitol, world-renowned Smithsonian museums house treasures of human achievement, and monuments honor those who shaped our country. This unique location offers an extraordinary opportunity to spend your days exploring the corridors of power and culture, then return each evening to the peaceful embrace of nature, creating a camping experience unlike any other in the country.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons in this year-round camping haven. Winter transforms the forest into a quiet wonderland, occasionally dusted with snow and perfect for peaceful reflection. As spring awakens the woodland, warmer days invite exploration, though mindful campers should prepare for increased humidity and tick activity. Summer brings lush greenery and vibrant forest life under the warm Maryland sun. But it's autumn that truly steals the show—when temperatures cool to perfection and the surrounding oaks and maples burst into a spectacular display of golden yellows, burnt oranges, and deep crimsons.

ElevationNestled in the gently rolling terrain of the Maryland piedmont, the campground offers level, comfortable camping conditions ideal for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry of Mid-Atlantic forest beauty. Majestic pines stretch skyward alongside sturdy oaks and graceful maples, creating a multi-layered canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Come May, the understory explodes with the delicate pink and white blooms of Mountain Laurel, Maryland's state flower. Still Creek meanders through the landscape, its gentle waters attracting white-tailed deer at dawn and dusk, while playful chipmunks dart between the trees. This verdant pocket of wilderness serves as a vital green lung for the surrounding metropolitan area, offering campers an authentic forest experience.

Geological RegionDiscover an unexpected natural sanctuary within Maryland's bustling suburban landscape. This forested haven occupies a special place where urban development yields to preserved woodland, creating a remarkable contrast that defines the camping experience here. The mixed hardwood and evergreen forest thrives on the region's characteristic clay and sandy soils, while Still Creek carves its ancient path through the terrain, supporting a surprisingly diverse ecosystem. Though surrounded by the energy of metropolitan life, this green refuge stands as testament to the enduring power of protected natural spaces, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with the wild heart that still beats within America's most developed corridor.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in available from 1:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out required by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights per visit and up to 28 total nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site allows up to 6 people, 2 vehicles, and 3 tents.

Groups

Designated group sites are available on the 'Scout/Youth/Organized Groups Only' loop, which is open year-round. Specific capacity details are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into four loops (A, B, C, D), including designated group sites for youth and scouts in A Loop. Sites vary in slope and spacing, with some RV sites requiring leveling blocks.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov using the website, app, or call center. Payment is not accepted on-site.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up reservations are allowed; all reservations must be made in advance online or through the call center.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before scheduled arrival incur a $10 fee plus any prior change fees. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's fee. Modifications to reservations can be made up to five times without additional charges if there is no balance change.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites and grills are available. However, the overall accessibility experience is mixed, with some areas being difficult to navigate due to poor maintenance and outdated facilities.

Site SizeMost campsites can accommodate up to three tents, two vehicles, and six people. RV sites in the B Loop are limited to 30 feet, while the D Loop accommodates up to 35 feet.

PrivacyCampsites are moderately spaced, offering some level of privacy. However, users noted that the layout of certain loops results in close proximity to neighboring sites.

Total Campsites232 campsites

Recommended SitesLook for sites in Loop D for larger RV accessibility and Loop B for privacy. Tent campers should opt for sites with shaded areas and avoid heavily sloped sites.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Greenbelt Campground offers a variety of activities emphasizing outdoor recreation and proximity to urban attractions. Hiking trails are a significant highlight, and the campground is a convenient base for exploring Washington, D.C. Wildlife viewing and picnicking are also mentioned by users.

HikingThe campground boasts ten miles of hiking trails, including the Perimeter, Azalea, Dogwood, and Blueberry Trails. However, many trails have been closed due to storm damage, which has not been fully addressed as of recent reviews. When open, the trails are described as scenic and enjoyable.

BikingSome users appreciated the camp's paved roads for biking and recommended bringing a bike to explore the area.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to deer, chipmunks, and various bird species, making it suitable for casual wildlife viewing. Users frequently commented on the natural setting and the prevalence of ticks.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsOccasional ranger-led programs and activities are available, particularly for children and organized groups.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are prevalent during spring and summer, requiring precautions. Occasional storms have caused fallen trees and damage in the past. Wildlife sightings include deer and chipmunks.

Active AlertsSome trails remain closed due to storm damage from July 2022. Cleanup efforts are ongoing but progress is slow.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent pest infestations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe closest emergency services are within the City of Greenbelt, approximately 1 mile away. This includes police stations, hospitals, and fire departments, all within quick access due to the urban location.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, though specific details about their location or schedule are not provided.

Water FeaturesStill Creek flows through the campground and adds scenic value, although it is not explicitly described as accessible for recreational activities.

Camp HostHosts are available and generally described as helpful. They monitor quiet hours and ensure safety within the campground.

Weather at Greenbelt Campground

Reviews

4.0

563 reviews

Satisfactory

Greenbelt Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Greenbelt Campground vary widely, with many praising its affordability, proximity to Washington, D.C., and quiet surroundings. However, facility conditions, particularly bathrooms and showers, are commonly criticized. Noise levels, ticks, and storm damage are frequent complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 563 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Great proximity to DC and affordability.' - 'Well-shaded campsites with fire rings and picnic tables.' - 'Hot showers and warm bathrooms during winter.' - 'Convenient access to metro stations for...

Based on 563 reviews

Common Concerns

- 'Bathrooms and showers are outdated and poorly maintained.' - 'Ticks are a major issue, especially during spring and summer.' - 'Storm damage has led to trail closures and campsite cleanup needs.'...

Based on 563 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring strong bug repellent to combat ticks. - Check campsite descriptions and photos before booking to avoid unlevel or unsuitable sites. - 'Bring a bike!' - Use the metro for hassle-free access to...

Based on 563 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the convenience of heated bathrooms. Spring and summer reviews frequently note issues with ticks and noise levels due to higher occupancy. Fall is...

Based on 563 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The location is great—you really can't beat it if you live in the area and want a quick place to camp or are visiting DC.' - 'Ticks were alive and well everywhere in the park. Check yourself every...

Based on 563 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site B55 (Loop B): Negative—A user reported a tree falling on them, highlighting safety concerns. Site D141 (Loop D): Mixed—Spacious but sloping ground and tick prevalence. Site B74 (Loop B):...

Based on 563 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is mixed. While there are accessible campsites and bathroom facilities, some areas are challenging to navigate due to poor infrastructure and maintenance.

Based on 563 reviews