Washington DC

[Scott in PA]

I am planning a trip from central PA to DC in May to see all the touristy sites. Can someone recommend a good camping area outside DC where I could possibly set up camp and leave things there while in the city and have everything still be there when I get back? Will need to be a campground with showers but don't need electrical hookups or anything like that.
Probably planning on a 2 day stay.

[Rich Johnston]

The local KOA north of DC in Maryland should work for you. They have a shuttle to the Northern subway line. I would recommend making a reservation.

[Ironheadziggy76]

I can't help you with a campsite but do eat at the District ChopHouse and Brewery if you get a chance. I don't know if it was just that hot out, but they brew some of the best beer I've tasted! P^ Good food also! It's been about seven years since I was there but I'm sure it's still great!

http://www.chophouse.com/LocationHome.php?FKLocationID=10092

[DILLIGAF61]

I am planning a trip from central PA to DC in May to see all the touristy sites. Can someone recommend a good camping area outside DC where I could possibly set up camp and leave things there while in the city and have everything still be there when I get back? Will need to be a campground with showers but don't need electrical hookups or anything like that.
Probably planning on a 2 day stay.

If your going in may go on Memorial day weekend, on Sunday May 30 2010 Rolling Thunder XXIII will leave the Pentagon north lot at 12 noon sharp for a run into D.C. to show the government we have not forgotten those who are listed as MIA/POW from any war and that the government needs to keep looking till all are accounted for
you can expect anywhere between 250,000-500,000 + people and bikes in attendance. bikes start leaving the Pentagon at noon last year the last out was 3:40pm (last vehicles to leave are normally semi-trucks beautifly painted with patriotic and/or veterans themes)
please join us it is a ride you will never forget I attended my first in 1991 and haven't missed one since

as for your original question the koa of Baltimore is on I-97 meaning you ll be running some back roads over to I-95 (not really a bad thing though)most all campgrounds around D.C. are a bit pricey to the point of just going to motel6 but if you stay about 45 miles out things get way better the 45 mile circle will put you out south to Fredericksburg VA. to the north side of Baltimore and west to Fredrick MD.or east to Annapolis MD.

[TPadden]

Prince Williams Forest Park - Near Dumfries / Quantico. Don't remember whether they had showers; nice tent sites though.

http://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm

[Scott in PA]

Thanks for the responses. I was able to come up with a couple good ideas for places to go. I'm not sure which one I will choose yet but I will let you know. I may have to visit more than one.

As for Memorial Day weekend... I may give that a try and extend the trip a couple days earlier or later. I had planned on visiting mid week to try to avoid some of the crowds and I don't think Memorial Day weekend is going to be a good time to visit for someone with a goal of avoiding peak tourist days. I have wanted to go on this ride in the past but I guess I just didn't think of it this year.

[Scott in PA]

I can't help you with a campsite but do eat at the District ChopHouse and Brewery if you get a chance. I don't know if it was just that hot out, but they brew some of the best beer I've tasted! P^ Good food also! It's been about seven years since I was there but I'm sure it's still great!

http://www.chophouse.com/LocationHome.php?FKLocationID=10092


That looks good. I'll give it a try for sure. P^

[Whosoever]

Thanks for the responses. I was able to come up with a couple good ideas for places to go. I'm not sure which one I will choose yet but I will let you know. I may have to visit more than one.

As for Memorial Day weekend... I may give that a try and extend the trip a couple days earlier or later. I had planned on visiting mid week to try to avoid some of the crowds and I don't think Memorial Day weekend is going to be a good time to visit for someone with a goal of avoiding peak tourist days. I have wanted to go on this ride in the past but I guess I just didn't think of it this year.

I've been to the DC area nearly 2 dozen times over the years. With that said..."expect crowds"...they are part and parcel to the DC area...especially to the kinds of things you probably want to see. Your plan to camp outside of the district is a good one. However, I would strongly suggest you do as some others have suggested and take public transportation to the center of the district and then buy a ticket on the various trams that run in the city. They go from site to site....it's one of those get on get off where you want to. You can then enjoy what you came to see and you won't be hastled with were to park the bike and is it safe? It's a great trip...enjoy!

[aysrav]

I was just there last week. I spent two nights at a place called Cherry Hill Park. I had a few things to say about it. You can read it in Campground Reviews. Here's the link:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2777