There’s a certain kind of anxiety that can set in when you’re piloting a big rig toward a major metropolitan area like Washington D.C. The traffic on the Beltway alone is enough to drain the energy right out of you, and finding a suitable place to camp or even just service your tanks can feel like an impossible task. That’s why discovering a place like Adventure Bound Camping Resorts in Lothian, Maryland, feels like finding a secret oasis. Located just 19 miles south of the National Mall, it offers a peaceful, wooded escape where you can empty your tanks, recharge your own batteries, and still be perfectly positioned to head into the city for a tour of the Smithsonian the very next day. It’s the perfect compromise between the tranquility of nature and the excitement of the nation’s capital.
The location in Lothian places you in the heart of Tidewater Maryland, an area with its own distinct charm and plenty of attractions. You're just minutes from the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, which opens up a whole world of waterfront day trips. A short drive will get you to a place like Breezy Point Beach, which has a 200 foot fishing pier and a lovely sandy cove for swimming. It’s a great way to decompress after a long drive. Just 17 miles to the north is the historic colonial harbor of Annapolis, the home port of the U.S. Naval Academy. It’s a beautiful city to walk around, full of history, great restaurants, and maritime culture. Despite feeling like you’re a world away from the urban chaos, the monuments and museums of downtown D.C. remain easily accessible, either by car or by driving to a nearby Metro station, in under an hour. This makes Adventure Bound a strategic basecamp for a multi-faceted vacation, allowing you to enjoy both the city and the bay.
The experience of using the dump station here is tied to the fact that this is a full blown resort campground, not just a patch of gravel off the highway. This is a place with swimming pools, inflatable water slides, and a full schedule of organized weekend activities. If you’re traveling with kids or grandkids, this place is a destination in itself. You can expect a very family centric vibe, which is wonderful, but it’s something to be aware of for a quick service stop. The Saturday hayrides and themed craft nights can sometimes create little traffic jams around the park, especially near checkout time. My advice is to plan your dump run for early in the morning to avoid the rush. The dump lane itself is wide and paved, conveniently located near the park exit. Just be sure to follow the one way arrows to keep the flow of traffic moving smoothly. Of course, since this is a campground with full hookup sites, the easiest option is to book a site for the night and simply use the sewer connection at your own pad when you’re ready to depart.
Let's talk about the amenities and what they mean for you. The sites come with standard 30 and 50 amp pedestals and municipal water, which usually means you’ll have good, consistent water pressure. A huge perk here is the on site propane. Topping off your propane tanks here is a smart move before you continue your journey into the toll heavy D.C. area, where finding RV services can be both difficult and expensive. The showers and laundry facilities are located in the main comfort station and are well maintained, with recently upgraded tile showers and reliable coin operated machines. Trash disposal is easy, with large dumpsters located near the dump lane, making for a quick chuck and go as you leave. For pet owners, the resort is very accommodating, with multiple dog walk loops scattered throughout the property. Just be prepared to show proof of your pet’s rabies vaccination at check in, as is standard practice at many private campgrounds. The one service that is not available on site is RV repair. If you find yourself in need of a mechanic, the nearest mobile techs are based out of Annapolis, so you’ll want to call ahead to schedule any necessary service.
The cost of staying at Adventure Bound can vary significantly. As a resort style campground in a prime location, the rates fluctuate based on the season and the type of site you book. Summer weekends can be pricey, sometimes topping $80 per night, while a mid week stay during the shoulder season in the spring or fall might dip into the more moderate $50s. If you’re only looking to use the dump station and not stay overnight, you’ll likely need to pay a day use fee. The exact amount can change, so it is absolutely essential to call the office ahead of time to get the current rate and confirm that they allow non-guest dumping.
A few insider tips for a great visit: if you can, book your stay for mid week. You’ll dodge the heavy weekend traffic that can clog up Route 4, making for a much more pleasant arrival and departure. When you make your reservation, ask for one of the pull through “Big Rig” sites, which are typically sites 60 through 75. These sites are designed to be perfectly level and long, making it incredibly easy to line up your dump valve exactly over the sewer connection without any fuss. And here’s a piece of practical advice born from experience: stock up on your groceries and supplies at the Walmart Supercenter in the nearby town of Dunkirk before you head deeper into the D.C. toll zones. Everything gets more expensive and harder to access once you’re closer to the city.
In conclusion, Adventure Bound Camping Resorts is a fantastic choice that blends family friendly amenities with an unbeatable location close to both Chesapeake beaches and our nation’s historic landmarks. Its well maintained dump station and the convenience of on site propane make it a strategically sound basecamp for any RVer visiting the region. Just be sure to reserve your spot well in advance, especially during peak times like the cherry blossom season in the spring, and always call ahead to confirm the fees for a dump only visit. It offers a much needed dose of green space and relaxation on the doorstep of one of the country’s busiest cities.
5381 Sands Rd, Lothian, MD 20711
(443) 607-8609
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
abcamping.com/washingtondc