When we were planning our MidAtlantic RV trip, we knew that we wanted to spend a day in Washington, DC.
Logistics with an RV can be a little more challenging in a busy city. I’m sharing tips for how to make your visit to DC in an RV as painless as possible.
Tour the Inside The Winnebago Minnie Winnie RV
Our loaner for the week was a 2017 Winnebago Minnie Winnie for our traveling crew of 5. You can check out a tour of the RV in the video below and pictures of the inside here.
The Closest RV Campground to Washington DC
An important part of trip planning is deciding where to stay. We chose to stay at Cherry Hill RV Park for 2 nights. It’s the closest campground to Washington DC.
It was also a convenient location after our visit to Annapolis. We loved that Cherry Hill campground was close to our activities in DC the following day.
I loved that the campsite had a nice bricked patio area. It also had a picnic table along with sturdy chairs and a circular table. We found plenty of activities and amenities available for family fun onsite.
We took advantage of the outdoor pool pretty quickly because it was a hot day. The water temperature wasn’t bad because I even got in at night.
Family-friendly Activities at Cherry Hill Park
- 18 Hole Miniature Golf Course
- Basketball court
- Two playgrounds
- Game room
- Lounge with a large screen tv and fireplace
- Hot tub and sauna
- Nightly movies (in the warmer months)
- Nature trails for guests to enjoy.
Transportation Options to Washington DC From the Campground
Make your visit easier and less stressful by using public transportation, Uber, or Lyft into Washington DC.
Seriously, you do not want to deal with traffic or finding parking in downtown DC with an RV.
The bus stops at Cherry Hill Campground. Next, you can take it to the Metro station to catch the subway into the city. You can also sign up for a guided tour with Gray Line.
My husband wanted to visit the monuments earlier than the rest of the family. He used public transportation to get to the Metro Station.
The kids, my dad, and I opted to use Uber and Lyft to go to and from downtown. It cost around $25 each way.
The price for 4 people was about the same amount that we would have paid for public transportation. It was easier to not have to worry about schedules and transfers.
If you have someone new to those apps you can save more money on your first ride.
Request a White House Tour Months in Advance
I would highly recommend taking the free White House Tour if you get the chance while you’re in DC.
Regardless of your politics, it’s amazing to walk such an important part of our Nation’s history.
You’ll need to prepare for a White House Tour a few months in advance. Start by sending a request for a visit through your member of Congress in your state. They will need to provide your address, social security numbers, and date requested.
You can request up to 3 months in advance of your trip and no less than 21 days before. 2-3 weeks prior to your visit, you will find out if you were approved for your requested date.
What you need to know before going on the tour of the White House
Before your scheduled time slot you will need to line up at 15th and Hamilton Streets NW.
I would suggest bringing snacks and a drink that you can throw away afterward. We waited in line beyond our scheduled time to go in.
Everyone visiting 18 and up is required to present a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Drivers license
- United States or other official government-issued passports
Make sure that your information submitted exactly matches the government-issued photo ID you present when arriving at the White House.
- Name
- Date of birth
- City
You cannot bring any type of bag, purse, or stroller into the White House. That can be a challenge if you have small children.
We were able to keep our backpack and pick it up afterward at the office of our Congress Rep. It is a good distance between the two buildings. You might consider an Uber or a bike share if you don’t want to walk for 25+ minutes.
You can take pictures with your camera as long as it doesn’t have detachable lenses.
I just used the camera on my I-phone but you are not allowed to take video. Get a full list of prohibited items here.
Make sure that you take your time during your tour and take in every detail. Once you exit the White House, you cannot return.
I really enjoyed the photographs of previous Presidents with their pets and the display of Presidential china.
Request a Guided Tour of the Capitol in Advance
This is another tour that you need to make in advance with your state representative.
Our family really enjoyed taking the tour a few years ago. The guided tour gives you a lot of insight into the history of the Capitol Building along. It also gives you insight into how it’s used today.
Check out the International Spy Museum
I’m not a good liar or great at memorizing important details quickly. So I just have to live vicariously through spy shows.
I was really excited that we had the opportunity to test our spy skills at the International Spy Museum. We got to choose an identity and try to remember specific details to later be recalled throughout the museum.
During the short film, we learned that there are more spies in Washington DC than anywhere else in the world!
As you explore the museum you will see spyware, gadgets, and techniques used by previous agents. The museum boasts the largest collection of international espionage artifacts currently on public display.
Guest of all ages will enjoy engaging in the hands-on exhibits throughout the museum. You’ll learn how spies have been a critical part of history in events around the world.
Check out the Special Exhibit on the lower level. It’s dedicated to the James Bond franchise called “Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains.”
Fill up at the Shake Shack
After a long day of touring DC, we were ready for dinner. We choose the Shake Shack conveniently located next door to the International Spy Museum.
You really can’t go wrong with a menu of burgers, shakes, and other American classics. The burgers are made with 100% all-natural Angus beef, vegetarian-fed, humanely raised, and source verified with no hormones or antibiotics.
Save Some Steps with the Capital Bikeshare
I would highly recommend taking advantage of the Capital Bikeshare. The bikes are located throughout the city. This is a great option if you want to see a lot of monuments without walking for miles.
A 24-hour pass is $8 for the day (at the time of this post). That makes for a very affordable way to explore the city.
(You must check your bike in at one of the stations every 30 minutes to avoid additional usage fees)
A Few Other Tips for Visting Washington DC
I suggest making a list of what you want to see with your family ahead of time. This was my boys’ 2nd visit to Washington DC and they didn’t want to cram as much during this visit.
During our last visit, we went to all of the monuments and museums.
I was in DC a few months prior to our visit. During that trip, I got to explore on my own for hours. My husband got up early to see more and stayed later after we left to return to the campground.
He said the extra time at the monuments by himself was one of his favorite experiences of the trip.
If it’s your first visit, I suggest arriving downtown early to avoid the crowds at the monuments. I think that it’s also worth going back at night for another perspective.
The National Museums on the National Mall open around 10am and tend to close around 5:30.
I would suggest visiting a monument, in the early morning. Next, I would go to the free National Museums, and then visit more of the monuments afterward.
The hop on hop off bus is another option if you don’t want to do a lot of walking. This is also a great way to help you see as much as possible.
Washington DC is a city with endless options. Wear your walking shoes because you will put the miles on and bring a backpack with water and snacks.
Thanks again to GoRving and the International Spy Museum for hosting our visit.
You can read more about our RV Trip with tips for each city below.
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