Camp Loop D

For Maryland residents looking for a quick and accessible escape into nature, Camp Loop D, located within the larger Greenbelt Park in Riverdale, MD, offers a unique opportunity. While not a sprawling remote wilderness, this campground provides a valuable green space right on our doorstep, making it an excellent choice for a spontaneous overnight trip or a longer stay when you want to combine outdoor relaxation with urban exploration.

Greenbelt Park, and specifically Camp Loop D, is known for its affordability and its surprisingly peaceful, forested setting, especially given its proximity to major metropolitan areas. It's a place where you can set up a tent, enjoy a campfire, and truly feel a sense of calm, all without enduring hours of travel. This convenience is a significant draw for Marylanders, allowing more time for enjoyment and less time on the road.

This article will delve into what makes Camp Loop D a practical and appealing option for locals, highlighting its location, the services you can expect, and its key features. We'll also address common feedback to give you a comprehensive understanding of what to anticipate, ensuring your next camping adventure in our own backyard is a pleasant one.

Camp Loop D is nestled within the scenic Greenbelt Park, with its address listed as X3JV+23, Riverdale, MD 20737, USA. While the precise mapping code might seem a bit abstract, its location within Greenbelt Park is key. Greenbelt Park itself is a National Park Service property, known for being an "urban oasis" just 13 miles from Washington D.C. This makes Camp Loop D incredibly accessible for Marylanders, particularly those in the central and southern parts of the state.

The accessibility is a major highlight. You can transition from city life to a tranquil, wooded campsite with minimal driving. For those looking to explore beyond the campground, its proximity to Washington D.C. offers an unparalleled advantage. Visitors have noted that it provides "easy access to metro stations for a quick trip into the city," allowing for seamless day trips to iconic landmarks, museums, and all the cultural attractions our nation's capital has to offer. This unique blend of natural retreat and urban connection is a significant draw for campers who want to experience both.

While the campground is surrounded by trees, offering a sense of seclusion, it's important to acknowledge its urban context. Some reviews indicate that "the interstate is not far away, so you can hear the road noise," particularly in certain loops like D. However, many find this a small trade-off for the convenience and affordability. The paved roads and parking spurs within the campground ensure good access for both cars and RVs, with Loop D specifically accommodating RVs up to 40 feet (including tow vehicle). The park's entrance is generally well-marked from Greenbelt Road (Route 193), making it easy to locate upon arrival.

• Campsites with Basic Amenities: Each campsite at Camp Loop D, and throughout Greenbelt Park, comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, essential for outdoor dining and enjoying campfires.

• No Water or Electric Hookups: It's important to note that Greenbelt Campground (including Loop D) is a "primitive campground," meaning individual campsites do not have water or electric hookups. This is a key piece of information for planning your stay, especially if you rely on these amenities for your camping setup.

• Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: Despite the lack of individual site hookups, the campground offers comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers, available year-round. While some reviews mention that cleanliness can vary, the availability of hot showers is a significant convenience for campers.

• Dump Station: A dump station is available within Greenbelt Park for registered campers, making it convenient for RV users to dispose of waste. Potable water is also available at the dump station area.

• Year-Round Reservations: Camp Loop D and Greenbelt Campground offer year-round reservations, which can be made up to six months in advance. Reservations are mandatory and can be made via the Recreation.gov website or call center (1-877-444-6777); payment is not accepted on site.

• Staff Presence: Rangers and/or campground hosts are typically available on site for assistance, providing a sense of security and support during your stay.

• No Alcohol Policy: It's important for visitors to be aware that alcohol is not permitted in the campground, aligning with National Park Service regulations.

• No Firewood Sales On-Site: Unlike some campgrounds, Greenbelt Park does not sell firewood on-site. Campers are advised to obtain firewood at or near their destination to prevent the spread of tree-killing pests (a "Don't Move Firewood" policy is in place).

• Affordable Camping Option: Camp Loop D and Greenbelt Park campground are generally considered a very affordable camping option, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets looking for an outdoor experience near the city.

• Proximity to Washington D.C. and Metro: One of its most defining features is its incredible closeness to Washington D.C. and easy access to metro stations. This allows campers to seamlessly integrate urban sightseeing with their camping trip, offering a unique dual vacation experience.

• Wooded, Shaded Sites: The campground is beautifully situated among trees, providing natural shade for campsites. This is a significant advantage, especially during warmer months, keeping sites cooler and offering a pleasant, natural ambiance.

• Paved Roads and Parking Spurs: The campground features paved roads and parking spurs, which ensure good access for vehicles, including RVs. This makes navigating the loops and setting up camp relatively easy.

• RV Accommodation: Specifically for Camp Loop D, there is an RV limit of 40 feet (including the tow vehicle), making it suitable for a range of recreational vehicles.

• Hiking Trails: Greenbelt Park boasts 10 miles of hiking trails that meander through the park, including the Perimeter, Azalea, Dogwood, and Blueberry Trails. These trails provide ample opportunities for nature walks and exploration directly from the campground.

• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open and accepts reservations year-round, offering flexibility for camping in different seasons.

• Quiet Hours Policy: Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., aiming to provide a peaceful environment for all campers. Generators are allowed only from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• Community vs. Solitude: While some reviews mention potential noise from nearby roads or other campers, the overall atmosphere is often described as peaceful, especially deeper within the loops. Campers can expect a balance of accessibility and a sense of being in nature.

• Potential for Mosquitoes: It is worth noting from past reviews that campers have encountered "horrid horrid mosquitoes." This highlights the importance of bringing appropriate insect repellent, especially during warmer, wetter seasons, to ensure a more comfortable experience.

• Metro Trail Navigation: A recurring piece of feedback pertains to the "metro trail," with comments that it is "impossible to find on the way back up from the metro" and "needs a sign or something on the exit side really badly." This suggests that while metro access is a feature, campers should plan their navigation carefully, perhaps using maps or GPS, especially when returning to the campground from the metro station.

For inquiries or to make reservations for Camp Loop D within Greenbelt Park, here is the relevant contact information:

Address: X3JV+23, Riverdale, MD 20737, USA (Note: This is a general location code. Greenbelt Park's main physical address for mailing is 6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770).

For campground inquiries, please call: 301-344-3948

For reservations, please visit: Recreation.gov - Greenbelt Campground or call 1-877-444-6777.

For Maryland residents, Camp Loop D in Greenbelt Park truly is a fantastic and often overlooked resource. Its suitability for locals stems primarily from its unparalleled convenience and affordability. In a state where natural beauty abounds but can sometimes require a significant drive, Greenbelt Park offers an immediate escape into a wooded environment right on the doorstep of our bustling urban centers. This means less time commuting and more time enjoying the fresh air, the tranquility of a campfire, and the simple pleasures of camping.

The unique advantage of Camp Loop D for Marylanders is its dual appeal: it serves as both a peaceful natural retreat and a strategic base for exploring the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, and then hopping on the metro for a day of exploring national museums or monuments, only to return to the quiet comfort of your campsite by evening. This blend of outdoor adventure and urban accessibility is a rare find and perfectly suits the diverse interests of Maryland families and individuals.

While it's important to be prepared for the realities of camping in a natural setting (like mosquitoes) and to navigate the metro trail carefully, these minor considerations are easily outweighed by the benefits. The presence of basic amenities like flush toilets and hot showers, coupled with the overall affordability and year-round availability, makes Camp Loop D a practical choice for all experience levels, from first-time campers to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

In essence, Camp Loop D in Greenbelt Park is more than just a place to set up camp; it's an accessible haven that empowers Marylanders to easily connect with nature and our nation's capital without breaking the bank or traveling far from home. It's a testament to the diverse recreational opportunities available right here in Maryland, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and convenience for our local community.

Camp Loop D

X3JV+23, Riverdale, MD 20737, USA