Versta/Shutterstock.com
Feeling stuck in the city? Why not spend a weekend relaxing at a gorgeous waterside campsite? The District might not have many waterside views of its own, but if you’re willing to travel just outside of the beltway, you’ll find incredible natural retreats. Check out five of them below.
Sidle on up next to the Potomac River at the Harbor View RV and Camping Resort in Colonial, Beach, Virginia. At just under two hours outside of Washington, D.C., you’ll want to schedule a weekend away ahead of time. Harbor View is a fantastic site, with over 140 camping sites available and on-site amenities, including laundry, volleyball, library, mini golf, basketball, swimming pool, and, of course, a waterside view.
Westmoreland State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a delightful, waterfront view. Amenities include a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, a playground, boat rentals, and more. Westmoreland is known for having diverse wildlife, including American bald eagles, kingfishers, blue herons, and ospreys. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time, especially during prime camping season. Cabins are rented by the weekend with a two-night minimum most of the year.
Breezy Point Beach and Campground in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, is just under an hour away from the center of the capitol and features various beaches, camping, charcoal grills, picnic areas and shelters, playgrounds, shower rooms, sun bathing area, and fishing. The beach is open daily from May 1 through October 31. Rent a campsite two nights at a time, or three nights over holiday weekends. Make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time to ensure a place.
Greenbrier State Park, about an hour outside of Washington, is squarely within the Appalachian Mountains. Camp with the mountains at your back and a beautiful, freshwater lake to your front. The park features camping, a boat launch, boat rental, camp store, flat water canoeing, hiking trails, picnic area, playground, swimming, mountain biking, and hunting. Choose from 165 campsites, each equipped with a table, fire ring, and parking area.
Assateague Island boasts 350 campsites one dune-walk away from the ocean. According to the Washingtonian, “…unlike wooded campsites, the island isn’t sheltered from the weather. To prevent tents from being blow away, pick up a pack of tent stakes for the sand.” The island is in the middle of the elements, but has dazzling views of the water and the wild horses that call the island home.
