America turns 250 this July 4th, and Washington, D.C., is pulling out all the stops for the Semiquincentennial celebration. But here’s the secret the Beltway crowd doesn’t want you to know: the best base camp for this historic week isn’t a downtown hotel.
It’s a campsite along the Potomac River in Brunswick, Maryland, just 50 miles and one MARC train ride from the heart of the nation’s capital. Brunswick Family Campground, managed by an River & Trail Outfitters offers families a rare combination: immersive outdoor adventure by day, front-row seats to history by train, and the sweet relief of a crackling campfire and starry skies every evening.
Here’s how to make your family’s most unforgettable Independence Day happen.
Choose Your Comfort Level
🚐 RV Sites
- Spacious pull-through and back-in sites available
🏡 Cabins
- Cozy, comfortable cabins in the trees. Bring your linens and a sense of adventure.
🏕️ Tent Camping
- Wooded Sites nestled between the C&O Canal National Park and the Potomac River
Skip the Traffic. Take the Train.
The MARC Brunswick Line stops right in Brunswick, offering a direct, stress-free ride straight to Washington Union Station — no Beltway traffic, no parking nightmares, no fighting crowds just to get there.
Your 4th of July Game Plan
- Morning departure — Board at Brunswick Station for a scenic and affordable ~80-minute ride, arriving at Washington Union Station in the heart of D.C.
- Spend the day in history — Explore the National Mall, catch 250th anniversary programming, visit monuments, and more!
- Afternoon return — Catch an afternoon or early evening train back to Brunswick. While D.C. still
buzzes, you’ll be heading back to your campfire. - End the day right — Roast marshmallows, share stories from the day, and fall asleep to the sound of the Potomac — not traffic.
📅 MARC Brunswick Line Schedule
*Pro Tip: This is a commuter train on the Brunswick Line. Trains leave weekdays from Brunswick in the morning and return in the late afternoon and evening. Always check the schedule before you leave.*
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration in Washington, D.C. The Semiquincentennial, America’s 250th birthday, is unlike any celebration the capital has seen since the Bicentennial in 1976. The week of July 4th, 2026, will be packed with programming across the National Mall and beyond:
- The official July 4th parade down Constitution Avenue (MARC train not operating July 4th)
- Special 250th anniversary exhibitions at the Smithsonian museums (all free)
- Live concerts and patriotic performances on the National Mall
- Special programming at the National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence is displayed
- Memorial and monument ceremonies throughout the week
- Expanded hours and special events at the Capitol and White House visitor areas
- Check out the official website to get details and see more things to do in DC!
Don’t Just Visit the Campground — Live It
Your stay at Brunswick isn’t only about D.C. days. River & Trail Outfitters has been outfitting families on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers for decades. The week surrounding July 4th is one of the best times of year to get on the water — and the lineup of activities means there’s something for every age and ability.
🛟 River Tubing
The most popular summer activity for good reason. Float the Shenandoah or Potomac with options for lazy river or white water!
🌊 Whitewater Rafting
Our signature activity! This guided tour will take you down introductory white water rapids and past historic Harpers Ferry National Park.
🛶 Kayaking & Canoeing
If a quiet day with friends and family enjoying the serene beauty of the Potomac River is more your vibe, a canoe or kayak rental is the best choice. Trip departs directly from the campground!
Visit River & Trail to browse all available activities, check availability, and book your adventures in advance — July 4th week fills up fast.
Book Your Spot Before History Sells Out
Campsites for 4th of July week at Brunswick Family Campground go fast — especially in a year like 2026. Lock in your RV site, cabin, or tent site now and give your family the most unforgettable Independence Day of their lives.
⛺ Reserve your campsite
🚂 MARC train schedule
🌏 River & Trail Outfitters
🏛️ Things to do in DC