Camping near Wash. DC

[Sweens]

I'm looking for a campground near Washington, DC for one night at the end of the month. Any suggestions? We will be tenting. Thanks!

[imported_Pete]

Cherry Hill Campground is great.

Pete

[Mark Sedenquist]

Cherry Hill is an urban RV park, but still ranks as one of our avorite places in the NE (proximity to DC). One suggestion, there is a section of the park that is reserved for roadies and carnies (Park mgmt is loath to expose middle american RVers to THAT crowd) and we always ask to stay in that section -- believe me the conversations you will have with that slice of life will be memorable for the rest of your life!

Mark

[Sweens]

Thanks, Pete & Mark. What are roadies and carnies? Sounds intriguing. We do, however, have three small children (ages 2 to 10). Anything we should know?

[Mark Sedenquist]

Oh yes, I should have remembered them. Forget it -- Park Mgmt won't let you camp in the Carny section when you are family unit.

Roadies are support personnel for bands and special events. Carneys (carnival workers) are the folks who work the midway attractions at county and state fairs. It is a very insular culture -- with indentured servantitude and a whole bunch of stuff you probably thought died in the early 18th Century. And include some of our favorite on-the-road-type-folks. But not a real good mix for folks vacationing with family.

Mark

[Sweens]

Wow, that DOES sound intriguing, but maybe after the kids are off in college (about 16 years from now). Thanks for all the input, but I think we are actually leaning toward finding a Comfort Inn in Maryland or something for the first night, rather than camping (we already have hotels in DC since I'm partly on business travel). I forgot I have a free stay to use up. But thank you again - I will remember Cherry Hill sometime when we do decide to camp in that area.

[kristy]

I assume you are going to see all the tourist sites ie. capitol, white house etc. I just spent the weekend there in 90 degree weather. If it is going to be that warm there during your stay make sure you buy/take LOTS of water. If you go to Arlington cemetary they DO NOT sell water bottles there. Thankfully I still had a half bottle of warm water in my back pack!! If it is hot then i suggest getting an early start in the a.m., find somewhere cool to set out for the afternoon and then head outside again in late afternoon when it cools off. I cant tell you how many miserable crying kids i saw and sweaty cross parents pushing strollers and carrying 3-4 yr olds.(and women in high heel boots and sandals still trying to figure that one out)anyway have fun

[Nevermore]

Pohick Bay Regional Park isn't bad. It's a little ways from DC (about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic). They'll take RV's or Tents and do have bathroon facilities (if you don't want to really rough it).