Looking for a family camping adventure near the nation's capital? The Wandering Wheelers, your guide to budget-friendly family travel, recently spent a fun-filled weekend at Cherry Hill Park camping in College Park, Maryland, and we're excited to share our experience. As relative newbies to camping with our kids (ages 8 and 6), we prioritize convenience, kid-friendly activities, and staying within our budget. Cherry Hill Park definitely delivered! Follow along with us on Instagram (@WanderingWheelers) for more tips and tricks using #CampingWithKids and #DCFamilyAdventures.

Location, Location, Location: Finding Our Campsite

Navigating to Cherry Hill Park was a breeze. Even without prior experience in the area, GPS took us directly to the entrance. From there, finding campsite #32 was easy thanks to the clear signage throughout the park. Campsite #32 was perfect for our needs. The ground was surprisingly level, making tent setup much easier than we anticipated. The picnic table was conveniently located, and the parking space easily accommodated our minivan.

Campground Rules: Keeping it Family-Friendly

Cherry Hill Park has clear and well-enforced campground rules, which we appreciated. Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 8 AM, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep (eventually!). The swimming pool rules were also clearly posted: swim diapers are required for infants, and no glass containers are allowed. The pet policy is simple: dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. We found these rules contributed to a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, making our stay more enjoyable.

Bathrooms & Showers: Cleanliness is Key

The restrooms and showers near campsite #32 were well-maintained. We were impressed with the cleanliness of the facilities, especially considering how busy the campground was. The showers had plenty of hot water, a welcome treat after a day of exploring. Soap dispensers were available, but they weren't always full, so we recommend bringing your own hand soap just in case. We did not utilize the family bathrooms available on site.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center): A Space Adventure

One of the biggest draws of Cherry Hill Park is its proximity to Washington, D.C., and its amazing attractions. We took advantage of this by visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center).

Exploring the Museum with Kids

The Udvar-Hazy Center is HUGE, so we focused on a few key exhibits to keep the kids engaged. The Space Shuttle Discovery was a major highlight, as was the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Our 8-year-old was fascinated by the Boeing 707.

Managing a museum trip with young children requires some planning. We packed plenty of snacks (Goldfish crackers and apple slices were a hit), and we made sure to take regular breaks at the playground outside the museum. The $15 parking fee at the museum is something to keep in mind when budgeting for your visit.

Campground Amenities: Fun for Everyone!

Cherry Hill Park itself offers a ton of amenities. The kids were thrilled with the two swimming pools: one shallow pool perfect for younger children and one deeper pool with a fun slide. The playground, with its swings and climbing structures, was also a big hit. We even tried our hand at mini-golf ($8 per person). Pro tip: bring water shoes for the mini-golf course!

Food: Easy Camping Meals for Hungry Campers

Keeping everyone fed while camping can be a challenge, but we came prepared with some easy, kid-friendly camping meals. Foil packet dinners ("hobo dinners" with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions seasoned with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce) are always a favorite. And of course, no camping trip is complete without s'mores. We tried a fun variation using Reese's Peanut Butter Cups instead of plain chocolate – a total game-changer!

We also brought our trusty Instant Pot, which made it easy to whip up quick and easy meals like mac and cheese and chili at the campground.

Challenges: Camping Realities with Young Kids

Camping with young children isn't always picture-perfect. We definitely faced some challenges. Bedtime routines were disrupted by the unfamiliar environment and the noise from other campers. We also had to find ways to keep the kids entertained during downtime. Playing card games like Go Fish and Uno helped, but sibling squabbles were inevitable in a confined space. A few time-outs on the picnic blanket were necessary!

The "Best" Spot for Photos

For the best photo opportunity, head to the top of the small hill overlooking the swimming pools and playground. On a clear day, you can even see the Washington Monument in the distance! This panoramic view captures the essence of Cherry Hill Park and makes for a great family photo.

Trending Activity: Geocaching Adventure

We decided to try geocaching, a popular outdoor activity, during our stay. Using the Geocaching app on our smartphones, we searched for the "Cherry Hill Hideaway" cache. The kids were so excited when they finally found it, hidden near a cluster of trees! Inside, they discovered a small toy car left by a previous geocacher. It was a fun and engaging way to explore the campground.

Popular Amenity: Shuttle to D.C.

A HUGE perk of Cherry Hill Park is its free shuttle service to the College Park Metro station. This made it incredibly easy to visit the attractions in Washington, D.C., without having to drive and deal with parking. We used the shuttle to visit the National Mall and see the monuments. This made our trip so much more enjoyable and less stressful!

Ambient Sounds: The Soundtrack of Camping

The sounds of Cherry Hill Park are a mix of nature and civilization. You'll hear the laughter of kids playing, the splashing in the pool, and the distant hum of traffic from nearby highways (I-495 and I-95). You might also hear the occasional airplane taking off from a nearby airport.

Camping Fails and Wins: A Viral Video in the Making

Our trip to Cherry Hill Park had its share of hilarious moments, perfect for a viral video on YouTube or TikTok!

1. HOOK: A slow-motion shot of our 6-year-old, Lily, face-planting while trying to run around the picnic table. We'd use upbeat, playful music.
2. SCENE: A montage of us setting up our tent (struggling with the tent poles), cooking dinner (the Instant Pot steaming), playing games (Lily cheating at Go Fish), and exploring the campground, intercut with shots of the kids enjoying the pool and playground (Lily splashing her brother). Time-lapse would speed up the tent setup.
3. TWIST: Suddenly, a thunderstorm hits! We're shown scrambling to pack up our belongings and take shelter in our car, only to realize we forgot to close the sunroof, and the car fills with rain! Dramatic music and sound effects (thunder, rain) would enhance the moment.

This "Camping Fails and Wins" video would highlight the hilarious reality of camping with kids!

• SURPRISE: The unexpected downpour.
• CLARITY: Clear visuals of Lily face-planting, the tent setup, and the rain pouring into the car.
• EMOTION: Evokes a sense of humor, family fun, and relatable camping experiences.
• VISUAL STYLE: Fast-paced, energetic, and lighthearted, with pops of color.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

• CAMERA WORK: Slow-motion of the face-plant, montage of activities, time-lapse of tent setup, POV shots from the kids' perspectives.
• LIGHTING: Natural, bright, and colorful for daytime shots; use a camping lantern to illuminate nighttime shots.
• COMPOSITION: Close-ups of the kids' faces, wide shots of the campground, and candid moments of the family interacting.
• QUALITY: Cinematic 4K, professional, shot on iPhone 14 and DJI Osmo Mobile 6.

Final Thoughts: Was Cherry Hill Park Worth It?

Absolutely! Cherry Hill Park is a fantastic option for family camping near Washington, D.C. The convenience of the location, the kid-friendly amenities, and the free shuttle to the Metro make it a winner in our book. While there were definitely some challenges (as there always are when camping with young children!), the positives far outweighed the negatives. We highly recommend Cherry Hill Park to families looking for a fun and affordable camping experience.

Ready to book your own adventure? Visit the Cherry Hill Park website to book your campsite today! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram (@WanderingWheelers) for more family travel tips and inspiration! #CampingWithKids #DCFamilyAdventures