Washington, D.C.

[bcovard]

We get around the U.S. and now want to try the "Capitol 4th" on, of course July 4th. Any suggestions on close and convenient campgrounds with public transportation near by to get to the activities? This may be a challenge but we are wanting to try it, once. Barbara

[Guest BillAdams]

Not many campgrounds in the area (Cherry Hill in MD is likely the most popular. There is an excellent metro system so find something nearby to a train station and go from there.

We use to take our RV to the VA side of the Memorial bridge and park in the grass (most likely you can't do this any more).

We made a day of it there and then waited for the crowds to clear and drove home. It was a great day.

You will love the fireworks, DC really puts on a show!

[dgspil]

Pohic Bay, Virginia is the closest camping area that I know of to DC.

Our family camped there many years ago. Each morning around 10am we went in to the city for all the tour stuff.

Takes about 45 minutes to get to down town DC.

[2ndgenfulltimer]

We have stayed at both Pohick Bay Regional Park - located in Lorton, Virginia and Cherry Hill - located in College Park, Maryland.

Pohick is a little more rustic and requires a drive of about 15 minutes to the closest Metro Station. Cherry Hill has a few more amenities but we found the sites to be fairly close together with limited 'outdoor' space. Cherry Hill does have a bus station right in the park which will take you to the closest Metro station. We found that waiting for the bus, along with all the stops it makes on the way to metro station to be a bit tedious, so we chose to drive ourselves to the station ( about a 5 minute project vs. 30 on the bus!)

The Metro is fast, convenient and very 'tourist' friendly. There really is no better way to get around DC. We did drive in on a couple of evenings to check out the Mall & various monuments and had no problems with parking.

[ChazzDeCo]

For viewing from a modest distance {and avoid the crowd} ~ I recommend any spot along the Alexandria, VA side of the Potomac River. For examples: on National Airport, or along Route 1, or along GW Parkway ~ plenty of grass sites.

Westmoreland State Park is our favorite CG in Northern VA ~ +/- 45 miles south of DC ~ fine for a day trip into DC.

[desertdeals69]

We started using Greenbelt National Park back in the 70's. We have been there about 5 times through out the years, the last being about 3 years ago. The subway station is close by and if you travel after 9 am and return after 7 pm you can take your bikes with you. The last time we were there the national parks service had a bicycle tour of about 4 miles that was very interesting. We will be back there in June or July.