Ranger Station
00 review6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA
Ranger Station
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly fee for all campsite types is $20, applicable year-round. Rates do not include taxes, discounts, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape the bustle of the nation's capital without venturing far at Greenbelt Campground, where towering trees and gentle wilderness create an unexpected sanctuary just minutes from Washington, D.C. This hidden gem offers budget-conscious adventurers a chance to wake up to birdsong instead of traffic, while keeping world-class museums, monuments, and urban attractions within easy reach. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and grills, perfect for evening cookouts after days spent exploring. Despite its primitive nature, the campground has earned a reputation among savvy travelers for its remarkable safety, tranquil atmosphere, and unbeatable value.
Greenbelt Campground offers a range of camping options primarily focused on primitive camping. It accommodates RVs, tents, and group campers with designated loops for specific needs.
Historical SignificanceYour tent becomes a basecamp for American history when you stay at Greenbelt. From here, the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian museums, and Capitol Building await just a short drive away. Imagine starting your morning with coffee by the campfire, then standing beneath the columns where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous speech by afternoon. This unique proximity to the nation's most treasured landmarks and cultural institutions makes Greenbelt an ideal choice for families introducing children to American heritage, history buffs on pilgrimage, or international visitors seeking an authentic yet affordable D.C. experience.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Mid-Atlantic seasons in this woodland retreat, where spring arrives in a spectacular burst of pink and white mountain laurel blooms each May. As summer settles in, the dense canopy provides welcome shade, though visitors should come prepared with tick protection during warmer months. Autumn transforms the campground into a painter's palette of crimson maples, golden oaks, and evergreen pines, creating some of the region's most photogenic camping moments. Even winter brings its own quiet magic to these protected woods.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data isn't available, the campground rests comfortably within Maryland's gentle Piedmont topography, offering level camping spots ideal for families and first-time campers.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral of towering pines, stately oaks, and vibrant maples that transform this suburban pocket into a genuine forest escape. In May, the understory erupts with mountain laurel blossoms, Maryland's state flower, creating natural bouquets throughout the woods. Early risers often spot white-tailed deer grazing in the morning mist, while playful chipmunks provide endless entertainment as they dash between campsites. The melodic babble of Still Creek weaves through the campground, its gentle waters offering a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor retreat and opportunities for quiet streamside contemplation.
Geological RegionNestled within Maryland's Piedmont region, Greenbelt Campground showcases the rich ecological tapestry of the Mid-Atlantic. This suburban forest preserve demonstrates nature's resilience, where native hardwoods and conifers create a thriving ecosystem just outside the capital beltway. Still Creek's meandering path through the park has carved gentle valleys and created diverse microhabitats that support everything from spring wildflowers to autumn mushrooms. The interplay of upland forest and stream corridor ecology offers campers an authentic taste of the region's natural heritage, proving that wilderness and wonder can thrive even in the shadow of one of America's largest metropolitan areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has accessible grills and campsites to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. Paved roads and parking spurs also improve accessibility.
Sites SizeThe campsites are standard-sized, with specific dimensions not listed. RV sites in the B Loop are limited to vehicles up to 30 feet, while the D Loop accommodates RVs up to 35 feet, including tow vehicles.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit details about the privacy level of campsites are provided. They are situated in a wooded area, which may offer some natural screening.
Total Campsites258850 campsites
Recommended CampsitesA Loop is designated for scout, youth, or group camping only. RVs are limited to 30 feet in B Loop and 35 feet in D Loop.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in is available at any time as long as sites are open
- official Ranger Station hours are 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM.
Check-out
- Check-out time policies are unspecified
- standard check-out times for national parks are usually noon.
Stay Limit
- 14 consecutive nights per visit
- 28 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 guests per site.
Groups
The group sites in the A Loop are reserved specifically for scout, youth, and organized groups. Details on the number of vehicles or people allowed were not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are grouped into loops, including 'A Loop' for scout/youth groups, 'B Loop' for RVs up to 30 feet, and 'D Loop' for RVs up to 35 feet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Recreation.gov or via its call center (1-877-444-6777). On-site payment is not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; reservations are not allowed.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur an additional fee equal to the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Greenbelt Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities that appeal to families, individuals, and groups. Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, and interpretive programs. The surrounding forested environment and Still Creek enhance the natural experience.
Hiking
The campground offers access to 10 miles of hiking trails, including the Perimeter, Azalea, Dogwood, and Blueberry Trails. These trails meander through the park's diverse forested landscape, providing opportunities for exploration and nature observation.Biking
Biking is available as a recreational activity, though specific trails or difficulty levels are not detailed.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer and chipmunks are commonly seen around the campground, providing enjoyable viewing opportunities for nature enthusiasts.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground offers interpretive programs and environmental education, though specific topics and schedules are not detailed.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are noted.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned as available activities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. The 'Don't Move Firewood' campaign is in effect to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsTick advisories exist for spring and summer; precautions like repellent are recommended.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The closest emergency services include local hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations in Greenbelt. Specific emergency service locations are not detailed.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 (year-round peak pricing as all rates are fixed).
Trash and recyclingInformation about dedicated trash and recycling facilities is not available. Campers are advised to leave no trace and handle waste responsibly.
Proximity to water featuresStill Creek flows through the campground area.
HostRangers and campground hosts are available for assistance. Ranger Station hours are 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM, seven days a week.
Campground Map
6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA
Driving directionsFrom I-95/495 (Capital Beltway), take Exit 23 Kenilworth Avenue South (Route 201) to Greenbelt Road East (Route 193). The park entrance is a quarter mile down Greenbelt Road on the right. Upon arrival at the park entrance off Greenbelt Road (Route 193), proceed to the stop sign, take a right, and drive two miles to the Ranger Station near the campground.
The campground is easily accessible via paved roads from major highways, including I-95/495 (Capital Beltway). Roads within the campground are paved and suitable for cars and RVs.Nearby places
Greenbelt, MD (1 mile, 5 minutes)
Washington, D.C. (10 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Goddard Space Flight Center (3 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
major shopping centers (0.5 miles, approximately 3 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Major shopping centers and fuel stations are located within half a mile of the park entrance, providing access to groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
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Accessibility Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025