Travel Trailer

Question

The hubs and I are wanting to visit DC. We have a 23 foot travel trailer. We would also like to take 1/2 day tours by bus or uber or whatever is available. It would be great if said tour could pick us up near an RV park. Is this possible? Any recommendations? Thanks so much,

Kathy

Answer

Visiting Washington DC with a travel trailer is definitely possible, but it requires some planning since RV options are outside the city center and many DC streets are not trailer-friendly. A 23-foot travel trailer is a manageable size, but parking in the city itself is not feasible, so you'll be staying at an RV park or campground within reasonable driving distance.

Some good options for RV parking near DC include:

Cherry Hill Park in College Park, MD – about 10–15 minutes from downtown DC. This is a large, well-equipped RV park that offers full hookups and shuttle access. Some tour operators may pick up from here, or you can take a short Uber/Lyft into the city.
Greenbelt Park Campground in Greenbelt, MD – about 15–20 minutes from DC. Offers a more natural setting and easy access to DC via car or ride-share. Shuttle pickup for tours may not be provided, but Uber or taxi options are readily available.
National Harbor area – there are RV-friendly spots and the benefit is proximity to some tour operators and water taxis into DC.

Regarding half-day tours:

Many DC tour companies allow private pickup arrangements if you contact them in advance. While they generally pick up from hotels, some may accommodate RV parks like Cherry Hill.
Alternatively, you can park your trailer, take an Uber/Lyft or rental car into downtown, and join a standard half-day bus, trolley, or walking tour. Most popular tours include visits to the National Mall, monuments, and select museums.
If you want a more personalized experience, private guided tours can pick you up from nearby hotels or RV parks, but this may require booking ahead and possibly paying a small premium.

Tips:

Reserve your RV spot well in advance, especially for summer or holiday weekends.
Check the height and length restrictions of roads leading to your chosen RV park.
Plan for at least 15–30 minutes of travel time from your RV park to the city center for tours, considering traffic.
Bring cash or cards for parking fees, as some RV parks require them in addition to nightly rates.

In summary, staying at a suburban RV park near DC and using ride-share or arranging private tour pickups is the most practical way to visit the city with a travel trailer while still enjoying half-day guided tours.

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