For any RVer with a military connection, finding a FamCamp on your route is like getting a secret handshake. You know you’re about to get a secure, well maintained, and affordable spot to land for a night or two. The FamCamp at Joint Base Andrews is a prime example of this, especially given its location. Trying to find a dump station, let alone a decent place to park your rig, inside the D.C. metro area can be a fool's errand. But if you have the right ID, this little haven at 4520 Wheeling Road in Clinton, Maryland, solves that problem beautifully. It’s more than just a place to empty the grey and black tanks; it’s a full service campground that serves as an ideal launchpad for exploring the capital region. This is the kind of place you pull into for a quick stop and end up wishing you could stay for a week.
The location is a huge part of its appeal. Clinton is situated in southern Prince George’s County, and you're only about 14 miles from the National Mall. On a good day with no traffic, that's a 30 minute drive, which is incredible for an RV park. It makes day trips into the city to see the Smithsonian, the Capitol, or Mount Vernon completely doable. But you don't even have to go that far to find things to do. The area around the base has its own charms. If you have kids or grandkids with you, Six Flags America is just a stone's throw away. For the history buffs, there’s the Surratt House Museum, which has a fascinating and dark connection to the Lincoln assassination. And if you’re looking to get back to nature, Cosca Regional Park has fishing and boat rentals, while Oxon Hill Farm gives you a taste of 19th century farm life right on the Potomac. It’s a surprisingly diverse area. You can get your urban fix in D.C., enjoy the historic waterfront of Annapolis just 40 minutes to the east, or just relax in the relative quiet of the Maryland suburbs.
Using a military campground is a different experience from a KOA or a state park. The first and most important thing is access. You can't just roll up to the gate. You need a Department of Defense ID, or you have to be a sponsored guest who has gone through the proper channels. Joint Base Andrews is serious about security and follows REAL ID requirements, so you’ll need to stop at the Visitor Control Center and get everything in order. It’s a process, so it’s best to get started on it early. Once you’re cleared, the experience is top notch. The FamCamp itself is known for having spacious, pull through sites that can handle even the biggest rigs. The sense of security you get from being behind the base gates is something you just can't put a price on.
When it’s time to use the dump station, you’ll find it’s just as well maintained as the rest of the facility. It’s located just past the laundry building, with wide lanes that make maneuvering easy. The lighting is excellent, so even if you’re getting an early start, you won’t be fumbling around in the dark. One of the best features, and something that sets it apart from many other dump stations, is that they have separate potable and non potable water spigots. This is a huge deal. It means you can confidently refill your fresh water tank without any fear of cross contamination. It’s a small detail that shows they understand the needs of RVers. Since every site is a full hookup site, you might not even need to use the central dump station until the day you check out, which makes for a clean and simple departure.
The amenities list is solid. Of course, there are the full hookups at every site, with both 30 and 50 amp electric service. This means you can run your AC in the humid Maryland summer without a care. The bathhouse is modern and clean, and the on site laundry facilities are a lifesaver for full timers or anyone on an extended trip. Pets are allowed, with plenty of designated areas for them to do their business. You’ll find conveniently located restrooms and trash disposal areas, making it easy to keep your site tidy. The only things you won’t find right at the campground are gas and propane. But that’s hardly an issue, because the base Exchange gas station is just a short drive away, and their prices are usually much better than what you’ll find off base. It’s always a good idea to call the FamCamp office ahead of your visit just to confirm everything, as services can sometimes change due to maintenance or renovations.
When it comes to cost, military campgrounds are almost always an incredible value, and this one is no exception. While the exact rates aren't listed publicly and can vary depending on your rank and the season, you can be sure that a full hookup site here will cost significantly less than a comparable private RV park in the D.C. area. Payment is typically handled by credit card during registration. The value you get for the price—security, full hookups, and prime location—is simply unbeatable.
To ensure your visit is as smooth as possible, a little planning goes a long way. The most critical step is to sort out your base access well in advance, especially if you need a visitor pass. Try to schedule your arrival during the Visitor Control Center’s business hours, usually between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., to make the process quicker. When you pull up to the gate, have your RV registration and proof of insurance ready, as the guards will likely want to see them. Once you’re on base, take advantage of the commissary and Exchange to stock up on groceries and supplies. It’ll save you a trip out into local traffic. And a final pro tip: if you’re just using the dump station on your way out, try to do it on a weekday morning. Weekends can get busy with families making a permanent change of station (PCS) move.
In summary, for the military community, the Joint Base Andrews FamCamp is an outstanding resource. It offers a secure, convenient, and highly affordable way to stay near Washington, D.C. The full hookups and well-maintained facilities take all the stress out of your visit, allowing you to focus on sightseeing or visiting family. It’s a perfect example of why military FamCamps are one of the best kept secrets in the RV world. Just be sure to do your homework on access requirements and confirm all the details before you hit the road.
4520 Wheeling Rd, Clinton, MD 20735
(301) 981-4109
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
andrewsfss.com/fam-camp