RV Park Review – Cherry Hill Park, College Park, MD
A large, full-service private RV Park with easy access to Washington DC. Nice park, but be ready for $$$ and road noise!
Link to park here: Cherry Hill RV Park, College Park, MD
Link to map location here: Cherry Hill RV Park, College Park, MD
- Site quality = 3.5/5
Decent sites here with just a few dings. This is a VERY large park with ~400 full hookup (plus Cable TV) RV sites arranged in typical side-by-side layout around several large loops. All sites are stone gravel base, flat and large enough for just about any-sized rig. Nice greenery & plenty of mature trees throughout camp. Main ding is that the sites are fairly tight and privacy is limited, plus there is significant road-noise almost everywhere throughout camp from the Beltway that winds around 3 sides of the campground (sitting outside your site is not that relaxing). Also there is some difference between the type of site that you book before arrival:- Standard Back-In Sites: These are the most “basic” sites in the campground and our recommended choice for anyone coming here. All of these sites have gravel “sitting areas” with picnic table and fire-pit. Most are fairly similar, but there were a few areas of the campground that we preferred. Sites near the entrance of camp (#404-516, lots of trees here) and sites in the north end of camp (specifically #13-25 plus sites at top end of Adirondack Run, Badlands Gulch & Big Bend) were a tad quieter than sites in other locations. Also, although somewhat noisier we quite liked the sites #43-#75 as they had somewhat larger separation, as well as the sites in Arctic Circle since they were tiered along a small hill (again providing slightly larger separation). We were parked in #1308 which was nicely large, backed by trees and faced north (so we had shade all day). We did have road-noise, but it was muted enough inside the RV that we could sleep at night. Basic back-in sites cost $70/night*.
- Premium Back-In Sites: These are basically identical to the basic back-in sites, except they have a paved “sitting area” instead of a gravel “sitting area”. Plus they have a grill and metal table and chairs in addition to a picnic table. Honestly we didn’t think the paved sitting area was worth the extra cost, but if you choose to book one of these I’d recommend the sites at the north end of camp (specifically sites #3-11, 27 and #31-39) since they are by far the quietest. Premium back-in sites cost $80/night*.
- Standard Pull-Through: These are very long pull-throughs and were our least favorite sites in camp since most of them are arranged so that RV’s park end-to-end which means you share your small “sitting area” with your neighbor (a horrible arrangement!). The only exceptions to this are a single row of sites 602-616 near the back cabins. If you book a standard pull-through try to get one of these when you check-in. Standard Pull-Throughs cost $75/night*.
- Premium Pull-Throughs: These were definitely the nicest of the premium sites. Very large, very spacious pull-throughs with paved “sitting areas” containing chair/table and fire-pit. The best of these were sites #725-733 since they were nicely tiered and in a somewhat quieter location. We were not keen on the premium pull-thoughs in the other locations. Premium Pull-Throughs cost $90/night*.
- Tents & Cabins – In addition to the ~400 RV sites this campground also offers a large tenting area which is nicely separated from the main RV area in a heavily forested (shaded) area, but it is also RIGHT next to the highway (very, very noisy). There are also several cabin rentals which look nice and are in quieter sections of the park.
NOTE1 – BOOKING. When you book a site here you can only choose TYPE of site (back-in, premium, pull-through etc.), not a specific site or location. Specific site numbers are not allocated until check-in.
*NOTE2 – RATES. This campground has a fixed daily rate and there are NO discounts for longer stays (no weekly, monthly or seasonal rates). The only discount offered is 10% off the daily rate for Military, Good Sam, AAA, AARP, FMCA, NAARVA, CAA, FQCC and KOA.
- Facilities = 4/5
Multiple facility houses on-site with flush toilets and individual walk-in showers with good shower heads, adjustable temp, bench and peg (for your clothing). Facilities weren’t fancy and they were a tad dated, but impeccably clean. On-site dump station. - Amenities = 5/5
This is definitely a full service campground which offers just about every amenity you could want in a private RV park. There’s a large central club-house with two pools, hot-tub & sauna, a cafe, multiple playgrounds (throughout camp), a game/arcade room, a lounge room and a very cute miniature golf course. Also TWO large, clean laundromats with industrial-sized machines (total of 27 washers & 28 dryers!). No tennis or pickle-ball courts however. A nice extra “guest amenity” is daily sightseeing information sessions to help orient people about everything there is to see & do in Washington DC. Lastly there is also FREE on-site WiFi (thro’ TengoInternet) which worked mostly well during the day, but struggled some at night. - Location = 3/5
I have a mixed view of the location here. This is the closest RV park to Washington DC, so for exploring the city it’s definitely well-placed. There is an on-site bus stop that takes you to College Park Metro station (you can also drive there in ~15 mins) which is a direct line into town. Just ride the Green Line for 9 or so stops and you’re in the very heart of the National Mall. It’s super convenient and will get you into the city in ~45-50 mins which is not bad considering how horrible traffic is around the Capital. Biggest ding is that the park is RIGHT next to the Beltway which runs literally RIGHT next to the RV park on almost 3 sides. This means there is CONSTANT road-noise to the point that it’s hard to sleep if you’re in one of the sites closest to the highway. We found the noise jarring and meant the park was not very relaxing to hang out at outside of sightseeing hours. On positive side nearby College Park was convenient for groceries, eateries and farmers market. - Pet friendliness = 5/5
This is an outstanding place for paws & one of the things we liked most about the park. There are TWO off-leash dog runs, as well as a lovely ~2.5 mile hiking trail all around the park. Another unique little doggie feature? The park offers a dog-walking service, something I’ve never seen at any other RV park anywhere! Lastly on-site poo bags available at multiple spots around camp.
Overall Rating = 4.1
BONUS ALERT: Stay in the closest campground to Washington DC!
Summary: Last time we stayed in Washington DC (earlier this year) we chose a County Park West of town and didn’t have a great experience, so this time around we decided to stay in the park that everyone recommends. Admittedly we had a bit of a mixed experience. On the positive side this is a HUGE park with very decent full hook-up sites (gravel, large), lots of greenery and some of the nicest set amenities we’ve seen. There’s everything here from pool to hot tub, miniature golf, on-site cafe, two laundromats and more. Plus it’s well-catered to dogs, which is something we always appreciate. There are no less than TWO off-leash dog-runs, a fabulous ~2.5 mile hiking trail (around camp) and even on-site dog walking services (we were well impressed)! In addition location can’t be beat, at least as far as visiting Washington DC is concerned. There is an on-site bus that takes you directly to College Park Metro Station (~15 mins away) which then takes you directly into the National Mall. Total time is ~45-50 mins to get into the heart of town which is very decent indeed. The negatives? The road noise! This park is conveniently located right off the Hwy, but it is also RIGHT next to it. The beltway runs on 3 sides of the park and it is always busy which means literally non-stop road noise day and night. We found it to be fairly bad throughout camp except for the sites closest to the entrance (around #404-516) and a select number of sites at the very the northern end of the park (around #03-#41). The sites closest to the highway were the worst and I don’t think I’d have been able to sleep if we’d been parked there. We were near the northern end (#1308) and had enough noise that it wasn’t really pleasant to sit outside, but it was muffled enough inside the RV that we could at least rest at night. Also it was pricey. The cheapest price is $70/night and there are no discounts for weekly or monthly stays (only 10% off for select club memberships*). Also the more expensive “premium” sites are basically identical to the non-premium sites except they have a paved “sitting area” (instead of gravel) and a metal table & chairs in addition to the picnic table. We did not think the premium sites were worth the extra $$. Overall we enjoyed the proximity to DC and certainly enjoyed the many amenities in the park (especially the dog run & hiking trail), but for us (personally) the constant road-noise really wore us down. My baseline recommendation? We’d probably stay here again to visit Washington DC (it’s IMO still the most convenient RV park in the capital), but we’d only ever do it for a very short time-frame. It’s simply too noisy and too pricey for a longer stay.
Extra Info: Decent cell signal (Verizon had 3 bars LTE, ATT had 4 bars LTE and T Mobile Binge On worked great). Free on-site WiFi, which worked mostly well during the day, but struggled some at night. Total ~400 RV sites. All sites offer FHU plus Cable TV. Standard back-in sites cost $70/night, standard pull-through sites cost $75/night, premium back-in $80/night and premium pull-through $90/night. Prices are for 2 people only (extra $5/night per person above 2). *No weekly, monthly or seasonal discounts, but you do get 10% off nightly rate with Military, Good Sam, AAA, AARP, FMCA, NAARVA, CAA, FQCC, & KOA. On-site dump station.
Hi Nina,
What was the name of the county park you stayed at before? We are looking at Farfax County Park in VA to visit D.C. Actually applied for a one month host position since parks are so expensive in the area. Just wanted to make sure it wasn’t the same one you had a negative experien!
Thanks, Deb
Unfortunately the park we stayed at earlier this year was Lake Fairfax. The host site at that park was right opposite the dump station too. Honestly I wouldn’t recommend it.
Nina
Welcome to our neighborhood!
Greenbelt National Park is nearby . I have not camped there for years, so can’t comment, but it is not quite as close to I 95 and the Beltway. Also make note that the Cherry Hill Park might be completely full during the University of Maryland football and graduation seasons. The historic town of Old Greenbelt is also nearby, with the New Deal Cafe (a great beer and music venue!), a full service grocery store, and historic movie house, public library and recreation center. Come back soon!
Great tips. Thanks!
Nina
We have stayed at the Greenbelt NP campground a couple of times. Some of the sites are very long and can accommodate our 40′ MH. No HUs of course but water available and a dump station. For $18 ($9 for us) it is a real bargain. Walking distance to the train station and it is quiet. Rustic and not very well maintained roads but a wonderful change from the hectic traveling around DC.
$18 is a TOTAL STEAL for DC area! And we don’t mind camping without hookups. The NP Campground is definitely going on our list for next visit to the area.
Nina
Thanks for sharing! That will help our summer budget!!
I stayed at Green Belt National park in my 24 ft travel trailer about 16 years ago for about 5 days and it was great. The camp ground is back a ways in the park so it is like being in the country even though the park is surrounded by development. As mentioned, there were no hookups so one needs a generator to run an AC in the summer if you are going to be in your rig during the day.
The entrance to the park is only a couple of miles from the Green Belt subway terminal so my routine was to park in the terminal’s big lot every morning, take the metro to DC and spend the day there, returning in the cool of the night.
Since I was there, reports have come out that the park had a major tick infestation, including deer ticks which can transmit lyme disease. It would be wise to call the part office to find out the current status before camping there, especially if you have pets or kids.
The camp sites and the walking area between the rig vehicle are clear of vegetation so that reduces the chances of getting ticks on your body but I am not sure if that is a guarantee. Do your research first. To bad that they had that problem because was a great place to stay.
I really enjoy your blog. It is one of the most informative on the net for boondocking RVers. Thanks for all the work you put into it.
Excellent info, thanks. I read up about ticks in the area, and it does seem like the National Park had a really bad infestation a few years back. There are no warnings on the park website right now, but lots of reviews that mention them.
No hookups would be fine for us in mild weather, but not possible with the pets in hot weather. For non-paw travelers however, your practice of staying out all-day and coming back when it’s cool makes total sense.
Cheers very much for sharing your experience of the area.
Nina
Wow! I’m saving this post for sure! Thank you for all the effort that you put into this comprehensive report for those of us who want to visit DC via RV.
We were given wise advice when we began fulltiming seven years ago. “Plan a month in D.C., stay at Cherry Hill, Just budget for it.” We did that and stayed a month starting in early April to catch the cherry blossom bloom. We didn’t get a fancy site (our 40’ rig fit, barely) but the location made our stay a great one. Our daughter came for a nice long visit. We found we preferred to drive to the train station since it was so close. The little cafe at the park was handy a couple of themes after a long day walking our legs off!
The Cherry Blossoms must be amazing to see! Sounds like a fabulous first trip.
Nina
Wow what an extensive review! We’ve never stayed around there but this information is great to know. When you did this review, who were you doing it for? An outside company? If you’ll recall, we are planning to go FT in the Spring. We’re looking at where we want to begin as well as the extra income. I’m working on our blog and advice and pointers will help. Not competition…just wanting to learn what we can before….
I don’t make any money or get any compensation for these reviews. I do it solely for my blog and our blog readers 🙂
I suppose if I were more aggressive I could contact parks for free stays and such (I know other folks who do that), but I find it harder to do a balanced review that way. If I get the stay for free I might feel pressured to give the Park a better rating than (perhaps) it’s really worth, if you see what I mean?
So all my reviews are just personal reviews based on a paid stay.
Nina
What you say makes absolute sense. That would be awkward for the park to ask you and you list issues- which EVERY park has. Truly looking forward to following your adventures!
We stayed there last August specifically to tour DC and found the place to be worth the higher price because of pre trip sessions and additional help. We were comfortable traveling on the metro and the Circulator. We took a spectacular night bus tour that left from the on-site depot, which was two rows away from our Motorhome. We asked to be close to the depot because we knew we would taking the bus to the metro every morning. We didn’t take advantage of much on site, but didn’t have any problems with noise. We would stay again.
The free sightseeing sessions are a nice guest amenity here. It’s definitely a great park for location and public transport into the city.
Nina
This is a great review and accurate to a tee in my opinion. It is the most expensive park we’ve stayed in across the country, and only worth the cost because of the access to the Metro and ease of getting into the museums and monuments. We didn’t notice the noise too much as we were so tired when we returned each evening that we just passed out inside 🙂
I think that’s a good point Jodee. If you go sightseeing all day the noise at the park is probably less of an issue. We only ever do 4-5 hour outings (unless we’re bringing the dog along), plus we typically take a few days between sightseeing days to work, so that means we spend more time than most in our site. Our perception of the noise may be more acute than others.
Nina
Great review, and thanks for identifying which are the tolerable sites. We were there years ago in the 5th wheel. Coming in we had to ask someone to move their vehicle, and then again when we were leaving, because people were parked partially in the streets. It was a very nerve wracking place to move through.
Nina,
When we wind up in a noisy location, Cheryl has a White Noise Generator with variable volume. Works well for those stays near industrial sites or next to an Interstate.
That’s a great idea. We carry wax ear plugs which are awesome and have saved us from noise at night, the few times we’ve been in that situation. They’re the best ear plugs I’ve ever owned.
Nina
I had to laugh when I read your comment about a white noise generator!
My husband have to have white noise EVERY night to help us sleep. To save space our camper we have a small portable Holmes fan (from Wal Mart) that does the trick. If we travel elsewhere like tent camping, or heaven forbid a hotel (lol), I have a great free FAN APP (Bedtime Fan) on my phone and iPad. Each time we use it it asks if we want to upgrade to an ad free app. I select NO THANKS!