Nature is transformational, and a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city can be incredibly healing. It can also be incredibly joyful. In Prince George’s, there are tons of options to get outside and explore the natural world. One fantastic way to do that is to spend the night out in the region’s wild spaces.
At Cherry Hill Park in College Park, you can bring the whole family for a few nights, or more, under the stars. With all the outdoor fun you’ll have, you’ll be happier, more connected, and more relaxed by the time you head back home.
Enjoy a weekend with this phenomenal campground itinerary:
Sleep: Stay at Cherry Hill Park, the closest campground to the nation’s capital. The College Park resort has been family-owned since 1921, and there are so many ways to enjoy the special space. You can book an RV site, tent site, log cabin, glamping pod or yurt, or a cottage. Whether you’re visiting with just your family or a large group, there’s a spot for you.
Swim: When the weather is warm, there’s nothing better than popping into a cool pool. At Cherry Hill, there are two. You can enjoy the park’s two solar-warmed pools, one of which is perfect for the kids with its zero-entry side and spray fountain. Both pools have a lifeguard, so they’re safe for the family. For the littlest ones, try the splash park. After you’re done with all that fun, you can pop into the hot tub and sauna to get nice and warm again.
Eat: There are a few options for meals at the park. You can order and eat at the Capital Cafe on site. If you’d rather take that meal to go, you can order delivery from the restaurant and enjoy it at your own spot. It serves breakfast sandwiches, pancake meals, and other breakfast items until 11 a.m. For lunch and dinner, try the pizza, burgers, or fried chicken sandwich. The kids’ meals are a welcome addition for the little ones. Don’t forget the ice cream.
If you’d rather make your own food, you can cook on the barbecues or firepits that come with many sites — or the kitchen in the cottages. Bring your own ingredients or stop at the on-site grocery store.
Hike: Stick to Cherry Hill’s walking trail, which loops for 1.3 miles around the park, or venture out to nearby Little Paint Branch Trail. The paved trail runs for 6.4 miles and is great for walkers, runners, and bikers. You can even bring your pup along for the fun.
Play: There are so many places to play at Cherry Hill. The campground has playgrounds; basketball courts; a gaga pit; a game room with Skee-ball, air hockey, and Mario Kart; a gem mining post; a dog park; pickleball courts; 18-hole miniature golf; ping pong tables; and rides on a 1950s tractor. There’s so much fun to be had at the park, you might never want to leave.
Game: Take a break from nature to enjoy a coffee and a board game. At The Board and Brew in College Park, there are bookcases full of games. Choose from dozens of options for a variety of age ranges and interests. While you play, order a drink and a dessert. The double dark chocolate cake and caramel apple bread pudding are great additions to an afternoon of amusement.
Bike: Right outside the park’s entrance is the start of a network of cycling trails. You can bring your own bicycle and hop on the routes that will take you from the gorgeous tree-lined path near the campground to the city streets of downtown D.C. If you have any issues, you can use the park’s air and bike repair station.
Dine: While much of the benefit of staying at Cherry Hill is that you can enjoy meals together at the park, there are some fantastic options just outside the campground. Pop over to Milk & Honey for brunch or dinner. Try the crabcake benedict, seafood gumbo, maple caesar salad, or crispy salmon hash. Don’t miss out on the restaurant’s signature cocktails, like the ginger peach mule or spicy guava margarita.
Relax: On a beautiful night, you can stay outside and watch a movie with the family. A selection of kid-friendly movies plays through the summer and into the warmer fall days. You can bring your own snacks or get popcorn from the park’s snack shack.
Looking for more Prince George’s vacations? Try one of these road trips.