7 Glorious Campgrounds Near Washington DC Where No Reservation Is Required

Sometimes in DC, you just really need to getaway and those plans can happen at last minute. If you are itching to get out into nature for a camping trip and want to plan a last-minute trip then you are in luck. While many of the campgrounds around Washington DC book up quickly, there are a few campgrounds around the area that don’t require reservations. These are the 7 best no reservation campgrounds near Washington DC.

Flickr/Mrs. Gemstone

Oak Ridge Campground is in Prince William Forest, which is about an hour away from DC. There are three different loops at this campground with 100 tent and RV sites and the A Loop is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground can accommodate tents, RVs and trailers and the fee per campsite is $20.
6975 Oak Ridge Rd, Triangle, VA 22172

Yelp/Michele W.

Swains Lock is a free campground less than 20 miles outside of DC in Great Falls Park. The area is just north of Great Falls in Maryland and has gorgeous views of the Potomac River. Stays are limited to one night per site, per trip so don’t plan on staying a full week but it’s perfect when you need a quick getaway right outside of Washington DC!
10700 Swains Lock Rd Potomac, MD 20854

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Yelp/Bill P.

Camp among acres of beautiful forest and right next to the stunning Burke Lake in Fairfax, VA, about 30 minutes away from DC. There are 100 shaded campsites available on a first come, first served basis at Burke Lake. The campground has plenty of amenities including bathhouses, toilets, picnic tables and grills. Camping fees range from $18-$28, depending on your residency.
7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

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Yelp/Kathleen S.

Green Ridge State Forest is two hours away from DC so a bit farther away than some of the other campsites on our list but it’s perfect for those who want the most peaceful and primitive camping in the area. There’s hiking, fishing, hunting and plenty of spacious, gorgeous forests surrounding you. There’s no toilets or running water and registration is available outside the ranger office for $10 per night.
28700 Headquarters Dr NE, Flintstone, MD 21530

Yelp/Dave L.

Big Meadows is two hours away from DC in Shenandoah National Park. This is a beautiful campsite that is within walking distance of three waterfalls and plenty of popular hiking trails. Parts of Big Meadows are available for reservation while they also keep sections open for booking on a first come, first served basis and costs $20 per night.
Skyline Dr & Tanners Ridge Rd Luray, VA 22835

Yelp/Brooks M.

Another campground in Shenandoah National Park, Lewis Mountain is one of the smallest campgrounds in the area. It’s only seven miles away from Big Meadows and is perfect if you prefer quieter camping. This campground is only available on a first-come, first-served basis and is $15/night.
Skyline Dr, Stanardsville, VA 22973

Yelp/Mac O.

Matthews Arm is the third of the Shenandoah campgrounds that offers campsites are a first come, first served basis. Much like Big Meadows, part of their campsite is also available for reservations. The campground has over 150 campsites, each with space for a tent or RV, a fire ring and picnic area. There is also amenities including toilets, drinking waters and dump stations for a comfortable camping experience.
Rileyville, VA 22650

Which no reservations campground will be your first choice for last minute camping trips? If you want something a little more glamorous, try “glamping” at this beautiful glampground near the district!