The Best Places to Camp With Kids Within 3 Hours of the Washington, D.C. Area

By Nicole Roder, Guest Contributor
Posted Apr 01, 2019 Family Travel Things to Do DC/MD/VA

Every year, my huge extended family gets together for a fun outdoor weekend at a campground. We kayak, canoe, and fish. We play softball, kickball, and tetherball. We roast marshmallows and tell scary stories around the campfire.

Even though I’m generally opposed to bugs and dirt, I promise that this is the most fun I have with my kids all year. If you love camping with your family too, you’ll definitely want to plan an adventure at one of these kid-friendly campgrounds within driving distance of Washington, D.C.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Natural Bridge, Virginia

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park (Natural Bridge, VA)
If there is any campground that is thoroughly perfect for introducing kids to a love of camping, it’s Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. They have a ton of fun activities for kids and families. This site has mini golf, fishing, a giant jumping pillow, an air conditioned game room, a playground, and an outdoor movie theatre.

Parents will love the scenic views and natural surroundings. Jellystone is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.

And while camping is rarely a “posh” experience, you do have some options for lodging here. Many families choose to truly camp in a tent or an RV. And some choose to rent a cabin instead. Either way, you can save money on a two night stay if you use our deal. 

Blue Moon Rising Tiny Cabin in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

Blue Moon Rising (McHenry, MD)
BMR is less of a campsite and more of a community. You can even bring your dog! Nestled on a wooded lot on beautiful Deep Creek Lake, this getaway boasts 14 adorable “tiny cabins.” The cabins are modeled after the tiny house movement, and are made by local craftsmen from eco-friendly, reclaimed, and recycled materials.

Do your kids love the water? Rent a paddle boat or kayak. Go swimming at the nearby Aquatic and Recreation Complex or fishing in Deep Creek Lake. In the summer you can even try whitewater rafting. (If you’re brave enough, that is!)

If your family loves outdoor adventures, why not take a hike, or go exploring one of the national parks nearby? You can go horseback riding and golfing too!

Visiting in the winter? No problem! All 14 tiny cabins are heated. Plus, this is the perfect time of year to enjoy a carriage sleigh ride or go skiing at nearby Wisp, Timberline, or Canaan Valley. Certifikid readers can take advantage of our Blue Moon Rising deal for up to 34% off a 2-night stay!

The Ropes Course at Wilderness Presidential Resort in Spotsylvania, VA

Wilderness Presidential Resort (Spotsylvania, VA)
The name makes it sound like a fancy-schmancy hotel, but Wilderness Presidential Resort is so much better! You can choose to rough it in a tent, bring your RV, or stay in a fully stocked cabin. Don’t have an RV? No problem! You can rent one of those too.

And there’s plenty to do at this campground. Depending on the time of year you choose to go, you’ll enjoy campfires, pool parties, boating, fishing, walking trails, tennis, racquetball, and disc golf. They also have an Adventure Park with a ropes course and climbing wall. (I don’t know about you, but my thrill-seeking kids would go crazy for this!)

If you’re looking for more laid back amenities, you can always rent a paddle boat or take a crafting class. There’s really something for everyone here. And we’ve got a deal for this place too! You can get 30% off a 3-night RV rental plus an amenities pass.

Breezy Point Beach and Campground (Calvert County, MD)
This family-friendly campground is operated by the county parks and recreation department. They have tent and RV campsites right on the beach. How fun would it be to fall asleep to the sounds of ocean waves and wake up right on the sand?

Swim in the ocean, build sandcastles, go fishing or crabbing, and grill your dinner in the picnic pavillion. And bonus, the area is ripe for fossil hunting! Kids can dig for sharks’ teeth anywhere along the half mile of sandy beach.

Frontier Town (Ocean City, MD)
Just like the name sounds, this campground has an “old west” theme. You’re very likely to spot a cowboy on your trip. The site is home to a mini golf course, water park, western theme park, high ropes adventure park, arcade, and a “Jaws” exhibit. Plus, each weekend they have a different theme for activities on the campground. Kids can enjoy crafts, dress up, carnival games, and more.

You can choose tent camping, RV camping, or rent a cabin. Dogs are welcome. And it’s all in Ocean City, right near the beach!

Williamsburg KOA Campground, in Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg KOA Campground (Williamsburg, VA)
Near revolutionary historic sites and some of the best theme parks, this campground boasts relaxation and fun. If the classic camping-in-a-tent isn't your ideal camping trip, choose between a Deluxe Cabin or a Camping Cabin for an outdoorsy experience. Williamsburg KOA offers a cozy camping and family-fun experience with free cable and Wi-Fi, a heated pool, Splash Pad, and Kamp K9 for your furry campers. They also have fun activities like Gem Mining, themed weekends and nature trails for all your young explorers.

Williamsburg KOA is right around the corner from fun attractions like, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, Water Country and more! To explore this campsite for yourself, use this CertifiKID deal! 

Get out and enjoy nature with your kids. Happy camping!

Check out our 6 Tips for Viewing Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms With Kids for more family fun this month!

Tags: camping, family camping, maryland campgrounds, tents, cabins, outdoors, family friendly, vacation, camping with kids, camping with dogs

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