Have you camped near Washington DC? HELP!

[heartsy77]

We are group( of three families) trying to plan a summer camping trip near DC. We like the idea of Cherry Valley as it is the closest, but they basically charge per child which add up to $$$ for us and the campground doesn't seem to have a ton of stuff for the kids to do on days we don't head into the city.

We have looked at others, which are out further, and more reasonably priced but I'm unsure how to whole commute on the Metro will take.

If anyone has experience I would love to hear!

 

[mnsprk]

Last time we went to DC we stayed a Pohick Bay Regional Park in VA. It's about 25 miles out and we drove part way in to catch the Metro.

Really wasn't too bad. IIRC the park only had elec hook-ups but water was available and the showers were nice.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

In my opinion, Cherry Hill Park in College Park, Maryland is the only way to go. It is a very nice campground and is only a few minutes away from the Metro Line (subway) to DC. You can either drive to the Metro station & park ($) or take the city bus that stops at the campground that will take you to the Metro. Yes it is expensive, but like the Fort, you are paying for the conveneince.

The Metro is the best way to get around DC. It is very clean, safe, and everyone uses it (you really don't want to drive around DC). I would advise you to go to Metro's website to familiarize yourself how to get around, to get to different places, monuments, Smithsonian, etc.

There is also a Trolley system that you may also want to look into to save on walking once you are in DC. You can buy up to a day pass, hop on the trolley, get off at any location, stay there as long as you want, then hop on another trolley to continue on. This system comes in handy for seeing the areas that require some walking since they are not near a Metro station, also, the driver is your tour guide as you travel. This is their link.

http://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/

PS: Do the Washington Monument as early as possible. The line can get quite long.

 

[clkelley]

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[motherwild]

If you are going to visit the Washington Monument there is a site where you can reserve tickets $1.50. The last time we were there we resevered tickets. If you try to get tickets the day you go there is a chance they could have given them all out by the time you get there. I learned from my past experience. Lots of neat stuff in DC

 

[DaveInTN]

In my opinion, Cherry Hill Park in College Park, Maryland is the only way to go.

Ditto

Another Trolley Tour we took in 2005 was www.tourmobile.com (Same principle as the company above). We got the 2-day pass.

Ditto again.

We spent a week at Cherry Hill two years ago. It was a great base camp for exploring the area. It was a bit pricey...and we had 4 kids so I know what you mean about it adding up. But they enjoyed the pools and the mini golf was ok. But, overall we were out doing stuff every day so not much down time at the campground for us.

One other thing...and you might already know this, but if you are interested in touring the White House, contact your congressperson's office asap to request that. Has to be done way ahead of time.

 

[clkelley]

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[flamingogal]

If your main plan is to tour DC mostly and on some days hang out locally, then Cherry Hill is probably the best bet. Unfortunately there are not many campgrounds in the area and they can be pricey. If you only plan to do the DC thing for a couple of days, then maybe stay at Cherry Hill then move one to another area nearby. Once you're here, its only an hour or two to a whole lot of options. Gettysburg, Western MD, Virginia, PA.

Back to your ??'s- Use the Metro system. Its easy, convenient and safe. Cherry Hill also has some type of shuttle bus that may take you to the Metro station. During the week the Metro may be crowded w/ commuters, but that will usually be during rush hour. On weekends crowding isn't such an issue.

DC is a lot of fun and its really an adventure. Do a lot of research into what interests you most an plan accordingly. There is so much to see and do and you can get worn out quickly without a plan.

Jeanne
MD Native, DC commuter

 

[SCtigercock]

Just my opinion about Metro. YES, use it to get into DC. However, plan to walk the National Mall area and not use Metro around there. During off peak hours, the trains are spaced further apart. And most of the times you can walk between downtown redline stops in the time waiting on a train. IKEA, near Cherry Hill campground, FYI.