Civil War Defenses of Washington
51 nearby · 2 free and dispersed sites within 25 mi
Photo: NPS Photo / Buddy Secor
1 current alert
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closurePart of Fort Totten Park remains closed for public safetyOut of an abundance of caution, Fort Totten Park will remain closed east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street/Metropolitan Branch Trail and north of Brookland Ave NE/Farragut St. due to the investigation involving two WWI-era munitions found.
At a glance
- Near the park
- 51 campgroundsWithin 25 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 2 sitesWithin 25 mi
Where to camp
Camping near the park 51
- Aerial viewCampground
Cherry Hill Park
6.2 mi · Beltsville, MD
- Aerial viewPublic Land
Greenbelt Park Campground
6.7 mi · Greenbelt, MD
Free and dispersed nearby 2
See them on the mapServices nearby: 5 dump stations · 4 rest areas
About Civil War Defenses of Washington
On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications. These strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. By 1865, 68 forts and 93 batteries…
On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications. These strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. By 1865, 68 forts and 93 batteries armed with over 800 cannons encircled Washington, DC. Today, you can visit 18 of the original sites now managed by the National Park Service.
Photos: NPS/S.Phan · NPS
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Theater
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Plan your visit
Getting there
Directions vary based on your preference of site.
Weather
Check the weather forecast for each individual site for accurate information.
Plan your visit
Hours
The park grounds at Battery Kemble, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, Fort Bunker Hill, Fort DeRussy, Fort Reno, Fort Slocum, Fort Stevens, and Fort Totten are managed by Rock Creek Park These sites are open daily from dawn to dusk.
Getting there
Directions vary based on your preference of site.
Weather
Check the weather forecast for each individual site for accurate information.
Camped at Civil War Defenses of Washington? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose.