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Greenbelt/Greenbelt Park Campground
Overview
Greenbelt Park Campground offers a unique opportunity to camp in a lush, forested environment just a few miles from the nation’s capital. Managed by the National Park Service, this 1,100-acre urban oasis provides a serene escape from the surrounding metropolitan bustle. It serves as an affordable and scenic basecamp for travelers who want to explore Maryland and the District of Columbia while staying immersed in nature. The park acts as a green lung for the region, preserving a quiet pocket of wilderness amidst the busy East Coast corridor.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Greenbelt, Maryland, the park is conveniently located near the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Despite its proximity to major highways, the dense canopy of oak and pine trees creates a peaceful atmosphere. The campground is only a short drive or bus ride from the Greenbelt Metro Station, making it one of the most accessible natural areas for visitors planning to tour the capital's historic landmarks. Its location allows for a seamless transition from the busy streets of D.C. to the tranquility of the forest.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic camping experience with no water, sewer, or electrical hookups at the individual sites. However, the park provides essential facilities including a central dump station and fresh water fill-up stations. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring for evening campfires. While the amenities are simple, the well-maintained restrooms and seasonal hot showers ensure a comfortable stay for those prepared for dry camping. The park also maintains several paved roads that are suitable for cycling through the trees.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Within the park, visitors can explore over nine miles of wooded hiking trails perfect for birdwatching or morning strolls. Just outside the gates, the wealth of Washington, D.C., awaits, including the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall. For local history, the Goddard Space Flight Center is located nearby, offering fascinating exhibits on space exploration and satellite technology. This combination of outdoor recreation and world-class cultural attractions ensures there is always something interesting to do nearby.
Who This Park Is Best For
Greenbelt Park is ideal for budget-conscious travelers and nature lovers who prioritize a quiet, wooded setting over resort-style luxuries. It is a fantastic choice for RVers who are self-contained and comfortable with dry camping. Those looking for a convenient, low-cost way to visit the D.C. area while enjoying the sights and sounds of a forest will find this park to be a perfect match. It is especially suited for those who appreciate the historical significance and natural beauty of the National Park system.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Vicente Tovar-Marquez
Nice enough place, bathrooms are old but kept clean. -1 star because you can hear the occasional plane/helicopter/emergency vehicle but that’s kind of expected. -1 star for the park rangers. They have very silly rules (no hanging lights on trees, no tying pets to anything while on a leash, if your car is an inch off the concrete they will make you move it). They’re very strict about enforcement. Someone drives around every hour or so.
Kyle Fannin
Do not believe the bad reviews! We usually do despersed camping on forestry roads not campgrounds. Not to many choices if visiting DC. Just a bit close together for my taste but not to bad for a campgound.. clean, quite, nice place.
Eduardo Soria
Beautiful place and peaceful, perfect for camping, also have some nice trails to hike,
David Kotrč
The restrooms and bathrooms in the B loop are worn down and not well maintained, with a lot of long-dead insects—they probably needed renovations 20 years ago. The camp spots are alright; we stayed at B46 once and later at B78. Those on the outskirts of the loop are definitely quieter, but they’re farther from the bathrooms. Not all sites are level, so keep that in mind. Overall, it’s a good deal for the price and the location, which is close to the metro. We were car camping and drove to the Greenbelt Metro station parking lot.
Theresa Brooks
I was awestruck by this campground! I've been camping for 60 years so I've seen all kinds of campgrounds, restrooms, etc. This campground is beautiful! There was a huge mountain laurel right in our campsite, and the campsite was large enough to put 3 big tents on, plus extra room to move around. The restrooms are a little dated, but they were very clean and well-maintained. The showers were nice and hot. We stayed in site C86 and I would stay in that same spot if I ever visit DC again. The campground was very quiet, but we could hear noise in the background such as the occasional airplane or helicopter, and occasional loud vehicle. That just reminded us that we were in the city and not the mountains (we live near the Smokies). It was a short trip to the Metro station with not much traffic involved, and we got all-day passes for just under $14 each plus the parking fee in the Metro lot ($10 per day). The only real traffic we encountered was on our way into DC and on our way out. I can't recommend this overnight option enough for those who like camping. At $20 per night, it's pretty much a no-brainer for accommodations while visiting DC. It cost more to board my dog for the week than it did to accommodate 4 adults!