Greenbelt Campground

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For Marylanders seeking a truly unique camping experience that perfectly balances the tranquility of nature with the convenience of urban amenities, Greenbelt Campground stands as an unparalleled destination. Operated by the National Park Service, this hidden gem in Riverdale, MD, offers a refreshing escape from the daily grind without requiring extensive travel. It's a place where the quiet rustle of leaves and the scent of pine needles transport you miles away, even though you’re just a stone's throw from major metropolitan hubs.

Greenbelt Campground has garnered a reputation as a "truly fantastic spot," a testament to its ability to provide a serene environment despite its urban location. Visitors consistently praise its expansive, wooded campsites, noting that even with numerous sites, it "remarkably never felt crowded." This sense of spaciousness allows campers to truly relax and enjoy their surroundings. What truly sets Greenbelt Campground apart is its prime location. It offers "the perfect blend of nature and convenience," placing campers right next to the beautiful Lake Artemesia Natural Area and within easy reach of the fun College Park Aviation Museum, along with plenty of shopping and restaurants. While it’s important to note the lack of electricity at sites and some road noise from a nearby interstate, these minor considerations are often outweighed by the sheer accessibility, affordability, and the immersive natural experience that this National Park Service campground provides. For Maryland locals, Greenbelt Campground offers an ideal opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors and explore regional attractions with ease.

Greenbelt Campground is strategically located at Riverdale, MD 20737, USA, as part of Greenbelt Park. This location is incredibly advantageous for Maryland residents, offering an "urban oasis just 10 miles from Washington, D.C." This means that you can enjoy a genuine camping experience and still be within a short drive of the nation's capital and the vibrant city of Baltimore. The campground is nestled just inside the Capital Beltway (I-495), providing excellent access from various parts of Maryland and surrounding states.

The park entrance is at 6565 Greenbelt Road, making it relatively easy to find. While the close proximity to the interstate means "you can hear the road noise," this is a common trade-off for such an accessible location. Despite being in an urban area, the campground itself is "more than a mile off the road back into the forest—a huge forested oasis." Public transportation access is also a noteworthy feature; the Washington, D.C. Metro Transit System can be accessed approximately 1.5 miles from the park, allowing campers to explore the city without the hassle of driving and parking. Additionally, major shopping centers and grocery stores are located within a half-mile to three miles from the park entrance, providing convenient access to supplies and dining options. This blend of seclusion within nature and unparalleled urban connectivity makes Greenbelt Campground exceptionally accessible and appealing to Maryland locals.

• Campsite Variety: Greenbelt Campground offers 174 individual campsites designed for both tents and RVs (with an RV length limit of 30 feet in B Loop and 35 feet in D Loop, including tow vehicle). Each site comes with a picnic table and a combination grill/campfire ring.
• No Hookups (Primitive Camping): It's important to note that the campground does not provide water or electrical hookups at individual sites. This contributes to its primitive camping feel. Generators are permitted during specific hours (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
• Restroom Facilities: Flush toilets are available year-round in comfort stations located within each loop. While reviews indicate that cleanliness can vary and bathrooms might be "slightly outdated," they are functional. Accessible stalls and showers are available in some comfort stations.
• Hot Showers: Hot showers are available to registered campers, a welcome amenity after a day of outdoor activities.
• Potable Water: Water spigots are located throughout the campground for easy access to drinking water.
• Dump Station: A dump station is available year-round for RV and trailer waste disposal.
• Firewood: Campers can purchase store-bought firewood on-site (e.g., $5 for 8 pieces as of Fall 2024). It is prohibited to bring outside firewood into the park to prevent the spread of tree-killing pests.
• Reservations Required: Campsites must be reserved in advance or upon arrival via the Recreation.gov website or call center. Walk-in sites and cash/check payments are not accepted on-site. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
• Camp Hosts/Rangers On-site: Park rangers and campground hosts are available to provide assistance and ensure a smooth camping experience.
• Security: The presence of a National Park Police Station at the entrance contributes to the perceived safety and security of the campground.
• Picnic Areas: Beyond individual campsites, the park also features three picnic areas (Sweetgum, Holly, and Laurel), with Laurel and Holly reservable for larger groups. Sweetgum includes playground equipment.
• Accessibility Features: The National Park Service strives to make the park accessible. There are eight accessible campsites available. Some bathroom facilities have wheelchair-accessible stalls and showers, and paved pathways approach each comfort station. An Access Pass can reduce camping fees by 50% for individuals with disabilities.

• National Park Service Management: As part of Greenbelt Park, the campground is managed by the National Park Service, ensuring a high standard of maintenance and preservation of natural resources.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: The campground boasts "extensive walking trails and great paved roads for biking" within the park itself. Greenbelt Park features 10 miles of hiking trails, including the Perimeter, Azalea, Dogwood, and Blueberry Trails, offering diverse natural scenery.
• Proximity to Lake Artemesia: One of the key highlights is its location "right next to the beautiful Lake Artemesia Natural Area." This area offers even more fantastic multi-use trails, several playgrounds, and convenient rest areas like gazebos and viewing docks, ideal for additional outdoor recreation.
• Close to Cultural Attractions: Campers are "super close to the fun College Park Aviation Museum" and have easy access to the historical and cultural sights of Washington D.C. and Baltimore, allowing for diverse day trip opportunities.
• Affordability: Greenbelt Campground is known for being an affordable camping option, especially given its prime location near major metropolitan areas.
• Shaded, Wooded Sites: The majority of campsites are shaded by trees, providing a cool and comfortable environment, particularly during warmer months. Sites in Loop D are often praised for being "grassy and private" and "nicely wooded."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Despite potential road noise, many reviewers describe the campground as "quiet" and peaceful, allowing for a relaxing natural getaway.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open year-round, providing flexibility for campers to visit during any season.
• Ease of Reservation: The online reservation system through Recreation.gov makes booking a site straightforward and convenient.

As a National Park Service campground, Greenbelt Campground offers standard federal park passes and discounts rather than frequent commercial promotions. These programs provide excellent value for eligible individuals and groups:

• America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series:
  • Annual Pass: ($80) Covers entrance fees at all U.S. National Park Sites and over 2,000 federal recreation fee sites for a full year. While Greenbelt Park generally does not have an entrance fee, this pass is valuable for those planning to visit other national parks.
  • Senior Pass: ($20 annual, $80 lifetime) For U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or over. Provides free entry to national parks and 50% off camping fees at federal campgrounds like Greenbelt.
  • Access Pass: (Free, lifetime) For U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Provides free entry to national parks and 50% off camping fees at federal campgrounds.
  • Military Pass: (Free, annual) For active duty military personnel and their dependents. Offers free entry to national parks and 50% off camping fees.
  • 4th Grade Pass: (Free, annual) For U.S. 4th graders, providing free entry for them and their families to national parks.
  • Volunteer Pass: (Free, annual) For individuals who accrue 250 service hours with federal agencies.
• Affordable Base Rate: Greenbelt Campground is known for its affordability, with prices starting around $20 per night, which is a significant value given its proximity to major metropolitan areas. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious Marylanders.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, pass eligibility, and to make reservations, it is essential to visit the official Recreation.gov website or the National Park Service page for Greenbelt Park.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Greenbelt Campground and Greenbelt Park, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770 (Please note the official mailing address and park entrance address, which differ slightly from the Riverdale, MD 20737, USA, often listed, as the park spans across areas). The campground itself is located within the park.
• Phone (Park Ranger Station): (771) 208-1588 (This number is distinct from the one provided in the prompt, but is the official National Park Service contact for the park.)
• National Park Service Main Line: (301) 344-3944 (This matches one of the provided numbers and serves as a general contact for the park).
• Reservations Phone (Recreation.gov): 1-877-444-6777 (This is the central reservation line for federal campgrounds).
• Website: For detailed information and online reservations, visit Recreation.gov or the official National Park Service website for Greenbelt Park (nps.gov/gree).

For Maryland locals, Greenbelt Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for a camping getaway, offering a unique blend of natural immersion and unparalleled convenience. Its primary strength lies in its strategic location – nestled within Greenbelt Park, an "urban oasis" just minutes from the vibrant cultural and historical attractions of Washington D.C. and Baltimore. This means Marylanders can enjoy a peaceful retreat in the woods, with "extensive walking trails and great paved roads for biking," and still easily access city sights for day trips, truly providing "the perfect blend of nature and convenience."

Despite the ambient road noise from the nearby interstate and the lack of electrical hookups at individual sites, these are often minor considerations compared to the benefits. The campground consistently receives praise for never feeling "crowded," offering spacious, shaded sites that provide a genuine sense of escape. The proximity to Lake Artemesia Natural Area further enhances the outdoor recreational opportunities, making it ideal for families and individuals looking to explore. As a National Park Service facility, it promises affordability and a well-maintained environment, complete with flush toilets, hot showers, and diligent park staff. For Maryland residents, Greenbelt Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an accessible, cost-effective, and versatile base for creating cherished memories, whether through outdoor adventure or urban exploration, all conveniently located close to home.

Greenbelt Campground

Riverdale, MD 20737, USA