In this era where a large number of individuals are engaged in remote work from their homes and have constant access to their laptops, it is increasingly important to prioritize reconnecting with the natural world. Camping presents an ideal opportunity to disconnect from technology and embrace an off-grid experience.
Despite the common perception of the DMV region as being solely filled with traffic and suburban sprawl, there are actually pockets of natural beauty offering great camping sites. One such spot is located by the Beltway, where you can detach from technology and relax in a zen-like state. By venturing further east or west into Maryland and Virginia, you may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way or enjoy a beach bonfire during your outdoor escape. So, take a break from your electronic devices, and discover our list of noteworthy campgrounds in the mid-Atlantic region.
What is “Free Camping”?
What is meant by free camping? Free camping refers to the act of spending a night without any charge in your camper, RV, tent, van, or even car. In the United States, there are numerous types of free camping, each having its own distinct name. Here is the essential information you should be aware of:
- Boondocking: This is the most popular term for ‘free camping.’ It refers to all styles of free camping. The term boondocking is widely used on forums and amongst RVers, roadtrippers, and other long-term travelers in the United States.
- Dispersed Camping: This is the official term used by the National Forest Service (NFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM land). If you are searching for free camping sites on either an NFS or BLM website, you will search for “dispersed camping” to find free camping sites on these grounds. As a tip for when looking for free campsites at National Forest Service or Bureau Land Management locations, call the ranger and specifically ask about ‘dispersed camping.’ When looking on a US government website, search for the term ‘dispersed camping’ as well.
- Stealth Camping: Stealth means to be cautious, unobtrusive, and to have a secretive way of moving or proceeding intended to avoid detection. With this said, when doing stealth camping, you are trying to blend in with your surroundings. People that stealth camp usually set up camp in parking lots, neighborhoods, etc., and try to blend in for their own protection and to respect locals.
- Dry Camping: This term is used when you get a free campground without any water or electrical hook ups.
- Backcountry Camping: This is a term occasionally used for free camping but usually is used more when you are wilderness backpacking. This is when you pack all of your gear, clothing, etc into a backpack and carry it out on foot deep into the wilderness to camp out there instead. People pack light for this style of camping so they can have more space for the equipment and the bare essentials needed.
- Primitive Camping: This is just another name for backcountry camping.
- Wild Camping: This is the same term as for backcountry camping but it is mainly used in the countries of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
One of the main advantages of free camping while traveling is the cost savings as there is no fee for the campsite. In addition to this, there are a few other benefits such as:
- Solitude and seclusion: You won’t be seeing as many people in these free campsites compared to in a campground. I personally love this aspect of free camping as I enjoy the seclusion.
- No need to make reservations ahead of time: This can be a good benefit because it gives you the flexibility to go with the flow of your trip. You don’t have to stress about booking your campsite ahead of time to beat the crowd.
- Flexibility: Without having to be on a timeline with reservations, it also grants you flexibility in your travels. If you need to stop you can stop at any of the free camp spots for the night without worrying about missing a reservation or adding days to your trip.
- Perfect for last-minute plans: Free camping is perfect for those last-minute, spur-of-the-moment trips. Sometimes you just pack up your bags and leave for the weekend. Getting a free campsite allows you to not worry about missing out on a fun destination due to not having made plans ahead of time. They are also good for emergency situations like getting a flat tire and needing to stop for the night.
Our List
Cherry Hill Park
You can access this campsite using the Metro bus, car, or bike. Surprisingly, this campsite is situated in the interchange of I-95 and the Beltway in College Park. However, the peaceful environment of this private campground may deceive you. It has been owned and operated by a family for five generations. Cherry Hill is a flexible camping location that caters to both tent and RV campers, as well as offering upscale glamping pods and high-quality rustic cabins. Recent additions to the amenities include express check-in and complimentary on-demand deliveries from the camp’s store and cafe.
Little Bennett Campground
Located in northern Montgomery County, Little Bennett gives the impression of a national or state park, but is in fact a county-run park that is ideal for hikers and bikers wanting to discover a vast 3,700-acre forest and meadowland. Additionally, it is highly likely to secure a camping reservation at short notice. With a total of 91 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, and lantern post, along with three cabins and three yurt choices for individuals desiring greater comfort.
Burke Lake Park
Located in suburban Virginia, there is a waterfront oasis that is ideal for campers who enjoy being close to a lake. The campsite rentals are conveniently situated near the water and include a grill, picnic table, and fire ring. Additionally, campers have access to bathhouses, showers, and a camp store. For those who prefer a more rugged experience, Burke Lake Park also provides primitive wilderness camping without any amenities, perfect for those seeking a secluded getaway.
Leesylvania State Park
Leesylvania State Park, located in Prince William County, is a peninsula that offers excellent fishing, beaches for swimming, and hiking trails along the Potomac River. This park is perfect for those who enjoy an active and adventurous camping experience. On land, there are hiking trails and a 20-station fitness trail, as well as a fishing pier for anglers. It provides a tranquil and spacious setting for campers, with five exclusive tent-only campsites and four individual campsites for those arriving by canoe or kayak. Moreover, the park also offers picnic tables, pavilions, benches, running water, and a large fire pit, essentially providing all the comforts of home plus stunning sunsets.
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
The Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is a great choice for families looking for a campground in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They offer both cabin and campground sites located next to the Potomac River. This makes it the perfect destination for river tubing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. On land, the campground also has a playground and a zipline course. We should also mention that there is an on-site brewery that offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River. Additionally, it is conveniently located just a short drive away from historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, which has numerous restaurants specializing in Appalachian-style and farm-to-table cooking.
Wilderness Presidential Resort
This campground and resort is the ideal choice for those who enjoy luxurious amenities, such as a charming log cabin equipped with a hot tub, as not everyone has a genuine passion for camping. Wilderness Presidential Resort is a family-friendly and secluded campsite spanning 600 acres of wooded areas and two lakes. It operates throughout the year and is conveniently located near Lake Anna, just a short drive away.
Elizabeth Furnace Campgrounds
For a peaceful retreat, individuals interested in stargazing should visit the George Washington National Forest in Fort Valley, Virginia. This particular area is known as the “valley within the valley.” It serves as a campsite that provides ample opportunities for rest and relaxation. From here, various trails lead to a creek where one can enjoy fishing or take a refreshing swim. Additionally, it is conveniently located within close proximity to Shenandoah National Park, Fort Valley Ranch for guided horseback riding, and the town of Strasburg, where one can savor local delicacies and visit a couple of breweries. The campsite offers plenty of pads (33 spots) on a first-come, first-served basis. Along with picnic tables, fire pits, showers, and vault toilets, the campground also provides easy access to Camp Roosevelt. This particular camp was the first Civilian Conservation Corp Camp in the nation and offers additional camping options in the event that Elizabeth Furnace is fully occupied.
