Marsden Tract Group Campsite

Mason Neck State Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Where the historic C&O Canal meets the rushing Potomac at Mile 16.6, Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience just minutes from civilization. This cherished primitive campground draws outdoor enthusiasts with its chemical toilets, sturdy picnic tables, fire grills, and access to untreated water—though seasoned visitors recommend bringing a filter. Free and first-come, first-served, this popular spot fills quickly on weekends as cyclists, hikers, and paddlers converge, drawn by its proximity to the spectacular Great Falls and the limited parking that keeps crowds naturally in check.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at mile marker 34.4 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite beckons weary travelers with its rustic charm and riverside tranquility. This free wilderness retreat caters exclusively to those exploring the towpath on foot or two wheels, offering essential amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table for trail-side meals, and a grill for evening cookouts. A water source is available on-site, though adventurers should come prepared with purification tablets or filters, as treatment is required before drinking. Note that water access hibernates with the cold, shutting off from mid-November through mid-April when frost grips the region.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton, Virginia, 22079, United States

Nestled along the shores of the Potomac River, Pohick Bay Regional Park invites adventurers to discover a perfect blend of outdoor excitement and serene natural beauty. Whether you're perfecting your putt at the scenic mini golf course, paddling through calm waters with rental boats, or watching kids splash with joy at Pirate's Cove Waterpark, this versatile campground transforms every stay into an unforgettable experience. Winding trails beckon hikers through lush forests, while families gather for lakeside picnics as the sun sets over the water.

7700 Bull Run Drive , Centreville, Virginia, 20121, United States

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia, Bull Run Regional Park Campground beckons adventurers with its diverse array of accommodations tailored to every camping style. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies, parking your RV at a full-service site complete with electric, water, and sewer hookups, or seeking the comfort of rustic cabins, this woodland retreat delivers the perfect balance of nature and convenience. Spacious group camping areas make it ideal for family reunions and scout troops, while solo travelers find solace in the peaceful tent sites scattered throughout the property. As one enchanted visitor noted, "Bull Run Regional Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers," capturing the essence of what makes this campground a cherished escape from city life.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Greenbelt Park

Rock Creek Park

Fort Dupont Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 50.3 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite welcomes weary travelers with open arms and no reservation hassles. This free wilderness haven invites adventurers to rest their heads for a night under the stars, offering essential amenities without the fuss of fees or lengthy stays. Whether you're pedaling through on two wheels or trekking the towpath on foot, this rustic retreat provides the perfect pause in your journey.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 47.6 along the legendary C&O Canal Towpath, Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite beckons weary travelers with its peaceful solitude and essential comforts. This hidden gem offers complimentary camping with thoughtfully provided amenities including a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, cooking grill, and access to treated water. Far from the crowds, this tranquil waypoint serves as an ideal rest stop for adventurous souls journeying along the historic towpath by foot or bicycle.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 26.1 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite offers weary cyclists and backpackers a welcome respite without the price tag. This free wilderness retreat provides essential amenities for the modern adventurer: a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, campfire grill for evening meals, and treated drinking water to refill your bottles. During warmer months, the iodine-treated water flows freely, though winter visitors should plan to pack their own as the taps run dry when temperatures drop.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled along the legendary Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite beckons adventurers seeking an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience. This free riverside retreat welcomes weary cyclists and hikers with essential comforts: chemical toilets, sturdy picnic tables, grills for evening cookouts, and iodine-treated drinking water. Beloved by outdoor enthusiasts for its generous space and easy access, the campsite rewards visitors with sweeping views of the mighty Potomac River that have captivated travelers for generations.

6565 Greenbelt Road

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.

6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA

Escape the bustle of the nation's capital without venturing far at Greenbelt Campground, where towering trees and gentle wilderness create an unexpected sanctuary just minutes from Washington, D.C. This hidden gem offers budget-conscious adventurers a chance to wake up to birdsong instead of traffic, while keeping world-class museums, monuments, and urban attractions within easy reach. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and grills, perfect for evening cookouts after days spent exploring. Despite its primitive nature, the campground has earned a reputation among savvy travelers for its remarkable safety, tranquil atmosphere, and unbeatable value.

Fort Washington Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Tucked away at mile marker 42.5 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Indian Flats Hiker-Biker Campsite offers weary travelers a welcome respite without the price tag. This intimate, free-access haven caters specifically to adventurers exploring the towpath by foot or pedal, providing essential amenities including a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, and grill for evening meals. Multiple groups can share this peaceful space, creating opportunities for trail stories and camaraderie under the stars. While the water source is non-potable, it's a valuable resource for filtering or boiling during your journey.

6565 Greenbelt Road

6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

7700 Bull Run Drive , Centreville, Virginia, 20121, United States

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton, Virginia, 22079, United States

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Rock Creek Park

Fort Dupont Park

Greenbelt Park

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Fort Washington Park

Mason Neck State Park

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

46970 Bauhof Road, Patuxent River, MD, 20670

Discover a hidden gem where military heritage meets natural beauty at Pax River Hog Point Campgrounds. Tucked within the prestigious Naval Air Station Patuxent River, this exclusive retreat welcomes those who've served and continue to serve our nation—Active Duty personnel, Reservists, Retired Military, Veterans, and Department of Defense employees. Here, the rhythm of naval aviation mingles with the gentle lapping of tidal waters, creating a unique camping experience that honors both service and serenity.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 82.7 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, Big Woods Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite serves as a welcome respite for adventurous souls traversing this storied waterway. This thoughtfully designed campground caters exclusively to hikers and cyclists exploring the canal's scenic route, offering essential amenities in a pristine natural setting. Best of all, this hidden gem comes with no price tag and no reservation hassles—simply arrive, set up camp, and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780

Nestled within the verdant embrace of Catoctin Mountain Park, Owens Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience across 48 primitive tent sites. This cherished retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and untamed nature, where families gather under towering canopies and solo adventurers find solace in the rhythmic babble of mountain streams. As your basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails, this rustic haven strips away modern distractions, inviting you to reconnect with the simple pleasures of campfire conversations and starlit nights.

14764 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Step back in time at Camp Misty Mount, where rustic stone and wood cabins from 1937 beckon modern adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Nestled within the lush Eastern deciduous forests of Catoctin Mountain Park, these historic structures offer a unique blend of heritage charm and natural beauty, inviting guests to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

7206 NATIONAL SEASHORE LN

Where wild horses roam free and ocean waves kiss pristine shores, Assateague Island National Seashore Campground beckons adventurers to experience one of the East Coast's most enchanting barrier islands. This remarkable destination seamlessly blends tent and RV camping with unparalleled natural beauty, offering campers the rare opportunity to fall asleep to the rhythmic sounds of the Atlantic while knowing that legendary wild horses might graze just beyond their campsite. Whether you choose the dramatic oceanside sites or the tranquil bayside locations, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where coastal wilderness meets accessible adventure, with winding nature trails and historic attractions waiting just beyond the dunes.