Combining a trip to DC with a Pack/Troop camp?

[mdlscouting]

Our Pack and Troop are both very new, and very close knit. (Less than a year since our troop formed, and most of the troop families have younger siblings in the Pack as well)

 

A couple of us leaders were kicking around the idea of a trip to DC, and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about combining something like a tourist style sightseeing trip with a camping trip.

 

It would be a family camping trip, probably with some good amenities like accessible showers necessary. (We aren't talking high, or even medium adventure here, but I'd like something that doesn't involve using an elevator to take the gear to our hotel rooms...)

 

Any ideas about this?

[Eagle92]

Last time I went to DC with scouts, we stayed in dorms at one of the universities, sorry cannot tell you. We were there for 3 days of sightseeing,then jambo. We walked all three days, to the usual tourist spots, and wound up getting three tail medals.

 

Another possibility is if there is a Historic Naval Ship in the area that does overniters. When I worked the KIDD in Baton Rouge, we had several groups use us as a hostel during their stay in BR.

[SSScout]

Travel to DC is a favorite subject here. Check out:

 

http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=165809&p=2

 

and maybe include side trips to the USS Constellation in Baltimore Inner Harbor. Or Fort McHenry. Overnight stays are arrangeable.

 

Harpers Ferry, NW of DC is a favorite spot, Local Hostel at Sandy Hook MD is the place to camp or stay in dorm rooms.

 

Spend some time on line to explore the area "virtually"

 

Good Scouting to you!

[theysawyoucomin']

Our Troop stayed at Greenbelt in Maryland.

Google it.

There is even a Scout area or there was two years ago.

 

 

 

Air and Space is a must.

Tuesday evening Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial(the Iwo Jima Monument).

The postal Museum is kind of cool.

 

good luck

[Kahuna]

They used to let Scouts stay at Fort Belvoir, which is outside the beltway. There was a time when Scouts could stay at Bolling Air Force Base, which is just across the Potomac. It would be worthwhile to check both of those. There also are some motels around the area that cater to youth groups, a Google search would probably turn up something. I would suggest a phone call to the National Capital Area Council office, just in case they have any information.

 

Our troop went about 3 times in 15 years and had a great experience each visit.

[Pack212Scouter]

Try checking the local councils for Scout Camps in the area. They are usually very reasonable and usually have showers, running water, sometimes full w/c facilities and sometimes even cabins. Contact the Del-Mar-Va council about this.

 

Also, at one time, the military bases offered accomodations to traveling BSA units. I am not sure if that is still policy or not.

[HobcawChaos]

Earlier this month my family stayed at Pohick Bay Regional Campground. It is around the corner from Ft. Belvoir. You could hear taps at night at 11 pm. On the bluff overlooking the Potomac, easy 1/4 mile trail to it. Good tent sites are 34-37. Decent bathhouses with enough hot water. Very nice pool on-site. Drive about 15 minutes to the Springfield end of the blue line and park for $4.25/day. About 45 minute via Metro into the city. Or HOV lane in and park in a garage for ~$15/day in about 20 minutes.

[reeddma]

Since 9/11 camping is not allowed on any of the military facilities in the capital area (Bolling AFB, Andrews AFB, and Fort Belvior).

 

There are a number of Fairfax County, VA area parks that have group camping - Lake Fairfax, Pohick Bay Regional Park, Bull Run Regional Park, and Lake Bradock.

 

The newest camping option in the area is the National Capital Area Counicl's Camp Snyder. It's located just off I-66 at Haymarket VA. http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/ and then look under "Camps". It has large fully equipped cabins as well as group campsites.

 

Dwight

[theysawyoucomin']

Campground A Loop is a Scout Loop.

 

All Scout Troops are required to call 301-344-3948 and reserve space in the Scout Loop portion of the campground throughout the year.

 

The Scout rate is $ 16.00 per site.

 

Scouts must have a tour permit and proof of insurance.

Please have the United States of America listed as the co-insurer of the time they are here at the campground.

 

Reservations are taken over the phone by calling 301-344-3948. Reservations cannot be made by email or the website.

 

All campground rules are in effect for the A Loop as well.

 

Please pick up a copy of the campground rules and regulations and share them with your troop.

 

Here are some of the guidelines for the campground:

 

3 tents, 6 people and 2 vehiclesare the maximum for each site.

No attachments to the trees including clotheslines.

Please contain all fires in the grills and completely put them out before leaving the site.

Keep the bathroom clean and report any damage to the ranger or host.

Apply the Leave No Trace principles to the campground.

Please help us preserve the campground for future generations.

 

The park also has service projects if your troop wants to contribute to the park. An hour or two can help preserve this park for this and future generations.

 

 

 

 

Here is the Scout Loop Bathroom that includes showers

 

 

 

 

 

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Discover the Urban Oasis in suburban Maryland just twelve miles from Washington, D.C.

 

Camp or hike and discover the solitude and tranquility of Greenbelt Park within twelve miles of Washington, D.C.

 

Visit Washington D.C. and camp nearby for only $16 per campsite.

 

The Greenbelt campground is known for its safety, affordability, peaceful surroundings, National Park Service hospitality and is open all year round.

 

 

 

 

Camping

 

Camp in an urban oasis for just $16 per night.

The park accepts only cash or checks. We do not accept credit cards.

 

The Greenbelt Park campground offers 174 campground sites with hot showers and bathroom facilities. Park rangers and campground hosts are available to maximize your camping experience.

 

Check out time is 12 Noon.

 

The campground is open all year round.

 

Click here to see pictures of the campground.

 

Before the Memorial Day weekend and after the Labor Day weekend, the campground is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please call us at the Ranger Station at 301-344-3944 or Greenbelt Park headquarters at 301-344-3948 with any questions.

 

Click here for Summer campground reservations

 

We ask for your cooperation in not bringing firewood into the park so that we can reduce the risk of Emerald Ash Borer infestation.

 

We are trying to keep any Emerald Ash borer out of Greenbelt Park. Thank you for your help in preserving Greenbelt Park for this and future generations.

Click this for more information on Emerald Ash borer. (This is a pdf file)

 

We look forward to helping you enjoy your camping experience in the urban oasis of Greenbelt Park.

 

 

 

 

Hiking

 

There are four trails in the park.

 

-The Azalea Trail is 1.1 miles and is marked by white blazes. It begins and ends at the Sweetgum Picnic area located near the entrance of the park.

-The Perimeter Trail is 5.3 miles and is marked by yellow blazes.

-The Dogwood Trail is 1.4 miles and is marked by red blazes.

-The Blueberry Trail is 1 mile and is located near the campground area and is marked by blue blazes.

 

 

 

 

Picnicing

 

There are three picnic areas in Greenbelt Park.

 

Sweetgum Picnic Area is a unreserved area on a first- come first serve basis. This area is for groups of 25 people or less. Click on this link for more information on Sweetgum Picnic Area.

 

 

Holly and Laurel Picnic Areas are for large groups. Advance reservations are required and a fee is charged depending on the size of the group. Click on this link for more information on Holly and Laurel Picnic areas.

 

 

 

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6565 Greenbelt Road

Greenbelt, Maryland 20770

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Phone

 

Park Headquarters

(301) 344-3948

 

Ranger Station

(301) 344-3944

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(301) 344-3736 Climate

 

Spring and fall are generally comfortable with precipitation possible. Summers can be hot and humid (Average temperature in the summer is 86 degrees Fahrenheit) with sudden thunderstorms possible; July and August are the hottest months. Winters can be cold (Average temperature in the winter is 41 degrees Fahrenheit) with variable precipitation, with snow possible. Winter visitors must prepare for a variety of conditions.

For current Greenbelt weather, please use the Plan Your Visit link on the left hand side