DC’s National Mall

When DC locals talk about "the Mall", they mean the National Mall, a 2.2 mile long park in the heart of downtown DC. The monuments, memorials, and more are all here. Click here for a satellite view of the Mall.

Monuments & Memorials:

These are some of the most iconic images associated with Washington, DC. You can walk from one to the next, and they’re free to visit (though entering the Washington Monument requires a ticket). You can see all of these and more on our Cherry Hill Park Tours.

• Washington Monument & Lincoln Memorial

• War Memorials (WW2 Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean War Memorial)

• Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, & FDR Memorial

Notable Buildings and Museums:

You can glimpse these famous facades while walking by, but to get the most from these sights, you’ll want to get inside. Make sure to check visiting hours/restrictions and security requirements before you head downtown.

• The White House, US Capitol, and US Supreme Court

• Library of Congress & National Archives

• National Gallery of Art, Holocaust Museum, & Museum of the Bible

Smithsonian Institution:

The Smithsonian Institution includes museums, galleries, and a zoo. Most are near the National Mall. Not only are they world-class, they're all 100% free!

• Science: Air & Space, Natural History, Smithsonian Zoo

• History: American History, African-American History

• Art: American Art, Portrait Gallery

To see all your choices, click here to visit the Smithsonian website.

DC CHerry blossoms

The capital's cherry blossom season is famously temperamental, but usually arrives in late March or early April. We suggest keeping dates flexible, and will move your reservation for free for any RV site if you’re trying to time things just right.

Want to know more? Check out our Cherry Blossom Guide.

4th of July Fireworks

Every July 4th, Washington, DC, puts on a stunning (and free!) fireworks show on the National Mall. Many of our guests head down for the show via the Metro, and we run a free shuttle each year to get folks back from the Metro station to the campground once the show is over.

For more info about the fireworks show, click here.

DC-area Must Sees

In Washington, DC:

• Georgetown - historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets and fabulous dining

• National Cathedral - stunning building with lovely grounds

• U Street District - the hub of DC's music and nightlife scene

• U.S. Navy Museum - fantastic museum for military buffs

• Nationals Stadium - catch a game or take a tour of the stadium

In nearby Virginia:

• Arlington Cemetery - pay your respects at America's famous military cemetery

• Mount Vernon - George Washington's preserved estate and grounds

• Downtown Alexandria - a charming historic river town with shopping, dining, and more

Day Trips and Destinations

Baltimore (45 minutes from CHP) 

This historic harbor city merits a vacation of its own. Tour historic ships and the National Aquarium in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, or cruise the Chesapeake Bay via water taxi. Visit fantastic museums and enjoy excellent dining, including the city's famous crab cakes. Baseball lovers can catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards, one of the nation's most praised ballparks. Visit Fort McHenry to see the same view as Francis Scott Key when he wrote “The Star Spangled Banner”.

Annapolis (45 minutes from CHP)

Annapolis is more than the state capital: it's a charming bayside town with historic buildings and picturesque, brick-lined streets. Enjoy water views, boutique shopping, and excellent dining.

Gettysburg (90 minutes from CHP)

Tour the site of the Civil War's deadliest battle and stand in the spot where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous address. The nearby historic town offers dining and shopping.