Washington, DC, is a great destination for a road trip, but most big cities aren’t car or RV friendly. Sometimes, though, you can get lucky and find a campground that allows you to enjoy the best parts of the city and the best parts of camping out at the same time. Cherry Hill Park is one of these spots; it allows you to put it in park and camp out, but provides transportation into DC multiple times a day. You get the best of both worlds!
Originally part of George Washington’s vision for the country’s capital, the United States Botanic Garden’s Conservatory is located on the grounds of the Capitol Building and houses a jungle and a desert, and tons of other plants, ranging from rare species to an impressive collection of common roses. There’s also the National Garden and Bartholdi Park... you can definitely spend hours here escaping the hustle and bustle of this busy city!
International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum tells the history of secret agents through firsthand accounts, primary sources, and a collection of gadgets that puts Get Smart to shame. They have some pretty crazy stuff: from cipher devices and enigma machines to shoes with transmitters in the heel and glasses with cyanide capsules hidden inside. They have guns disguised as lipstick tubes, flashlights, and tobacco pipes, and cameras concealed in cigarette cases, fountain pens, lighters, and more. After you've learned everything you can from the exhibits, you can take your spy training a step further with one of their two interactive experiences!
RFD Washington
Take a moment to enjoy some non-campfire cuisine at this popular local restaurant, which features an insanely impressive lineup of beers on tap and in bottles (the kind of stuff you don't see every day) and a menu of pub grub, such as wings and loaded tots (and charcuterie, if you're feeling fancy). Plus, RFD's location, right in the middle of Chinatown, makes it conveniently close to tons of attractions.
Thai tanic Restaurant
Who doesn't love a good pun? Thai Tanic doesn’t just rest on its clever name... it serves up some legitimately delicious Thai food, too. The funky dive atmosphere and menu featuring everything from classic Pad Thai to curries and traditional dishes keep this place down to earth and worth a visit.
Believe it or not, one of the country’s best zoos is totally free to visit. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is huge and features the kinds of animals you don't see at most zoos that charge admission: pandas, cheetahs, lions, elephants, and tons more. Wear comfy shoes when you visit, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking around in order to see everything!
Cherry Hill Park
Cherry Hill Park is the perfect home base for your DC adventures. With tons of roomy campsites, sparkling clean bathhouses, and shuttles and public transportation taking you right into the city—and a pool, hot tub, and sauna for your enjoyment after a long day of walking around the city—this campground delivers the perfect combination of convenience and amenities!
Everyone should visit Washington, D.C. at least once in their lives, and with the ability to camp out while still getting easy access to the city makes it even easier to explore our nation's capital and all of the fun it has to offer!
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