Summer’s over, but that doesn’t mean camping has to be. In fact, October is one of the best months to camp in D.C. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsperson or just testing the waters with a little car camping, there’s still time to get outside. Leo Murray, founder of D.C. outdoor group Kibiboyz spilled all his fav camping spots and we added a few of our own.
Tips For Getting Started:
- Borrow gear! Buying all your camping gear at once can be intimidating but you don’t need to invest a ton right away. Borrow from friends or buy second hand from facebook marketplace or sites like Geartrade.
- Book early. Camping spots go fast, especially during peak foliage, so make sure to find out when they open and book right away.
- Pack warm, this time of year gets cold at night, especially at higher elevations, so be sure your sleeping bag is warm enough for the temps. Being cold is a sure way to be miserable all night.
- Don’t be afraid to grab takeout. Cooking outside is fun, but can add a lot of logistics and gear. If it's your first time, grab a pizza on your way instead. Save the cooking for the s’mores.
Setting up camp with Kibiboyz. (Photo courtesy of Kibiboyz)
The Spots:
☝️Note: National Parks might be affected by the government shutdown, so check before you go!
Greenbelt Park Campground (Riverdale, Maryland)
30-45 minute drive, 1 hour metro
You can literally Metro to this campground, which is located in the beautiful Greenbelt Park. With so much hiking and wildlife around, you would never know you were so close to the city. But beware, this is also a favorite among local scout groups and youth programs so can get busy on weekends.
Green Ridge State Forest (Flintstone, Maryland)
2 hour drive
This is more what I would call “primitive camping.” No bathrooms (bring your shovel!), no water, and no electricity. But in return, you get absolutely stunning quiet outdoor space and a lot of privacy. For your first time, I recommend going when the park office is open to ask the ranger about the best open sites and how far they are. It’s easy to get lost.
Car camping grill setup. (Photo courtesy of Kibiboyz)
Fletchers Cove Campground (Palisades, DC)
20-minute drive
A lovely local campground right on the Potomac River that you can literally bike to on the Capital Crescent Trail. It has grills at each site for easy cooking. It’s also a popular spot for kayaking, hiking, and fishing.
Oak Ridge Campground (Prince William Forest Park, Virginia)
40-50 minute drive
A shockingly nice campground considering how close it is to the city. They have bathrooms, showers, and grills, plus the sites are spaced far enough apart to be private. There are campfire talks by rangers on summer weekends, and lots of easy hikes around. It’s accessible without a car via the 971 bus and a 20-minute Uber.
Mathews Arm Campground (Shenandoah, Virginia)
2 hour drive
The closest campground to D.C. in Shenandoah National Park, this is the perfect spot to see foliage. It’s also a great basecamp for nearby hikes like Mary’s Rock and Hazel Mountain. Get a site away from the RV spots if you can and make sure to bring lots of firewood as you can’t buy it there.
