aysrav
03-24-2010, 10:53 PM
They claim it's the closest campground to the downtown area - "only 10 minutes". I found it to be more like 20 or 25 minutes, even without traffic (which would have to be around midnight in DC). Their #1 priority is to provide transportation to and from the attractions. Although I did not utilize the service, I believe they do a good job with it. There's actually a bus stop on the camp grounds and I saw it come and go a few times. That's a pretty nice benefit since driving/riding in the city isn't much fun, IMO. Having said that, the special lanes for HOV and motorcycles on the main roads was sweet. Not sure how many other cities have that but I like it!
Anyway, about the park, it's mostly for RV's, but they do have a designated area for tents. Picnic table, firepit, electric and wifi -- all worked well. Water spigots, trash cans and fire extinguishers were all handy. Good clean bath houses and rest rooms were close by too. As for other amenities, they've got all the other KOA-type stuff as well -- tv room, game room, exercise room, sauna, hot tub (broken when I was there), playground, etc.
All good, so far, but here's what I didn't like. In terms of logistics, it's good to be close to the highway, but this one's a bit too close. The sound of trucks going by can be heard throughout the night, so ipod with earbuds are a must. Next, I like setting up camp alongside a lake or river. There's just something open-feeling about it. There are a couple of little fishing ponds at the park, but no tent sites there. I also have a thing about being on grass (the kind that grows on the ground, that is). Even though I've got all sorts of sleeping pads and cots, dirt (especially wet dirt) and rocks play hell on your gear and add another element of clean-up to your camping experience, one that I don't much care for.
Lastly, and perhaps this should have been mentioned earlier -- PRICE!! Man is this place expensive, but I guess everything in DC is. I know that the hotels run double and triple what they do back home, and it seems the parks do too. 43 dollars a night! Where I come from you could stay at a Hojo's for that -- in 2010! I know, them are apples and oranges but I'd stay in a campground over a hotel any day, even at a ridiculous price like that.
Anyway, about the park, it's mostly for RV's, but they do have a designated area for tents. Picnic table, firepit, electric and wifi -- all worked well. Water spigots, trash cans and fire extinguishers were all handy. Good clean bath houses and rest rooms were close by too. As for other amenities, they've got all the other KOA-type stuff as well -- tv room, game room, exercise room, sauna, hot tub (broken when I was there), playground, etc.
All good, so far, but here's what I didn't like. In terms of logistics, it's good to be close to the highway, but this one's a bit too close. The sound of trucks going by can be heard throughout the night, so ipod with earbuds are a must. Next, I like setting up camp alongside a lake or river. There's just something open-feeling about it. There are a couple of little fishing ponds at the park, but no tent sites there. I also have a thing about being on grass (the kind that grows on the ground, that is). Even though I've got all sorts of sleeping pads and cots, dirt (especially wet dirt) and rocks play hell on your gear and add another element of clean-up to your camping experience, one that I don't much care for.
Lastly, and perhaps this should have been mentioned earlier -- PRICE!! Man is this place expensive, but I guess everything in DC is. I know that the hotels run double and triple what they do back home, and it seems the parks do too. 43 dollars a night! Where I come from you could stay at a Hojo's for that -- in 2010! I know, them are apples and oranges but I'd stay in a campground over a hotel any day, even at a ridiculous price like that.