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rwbradley's avatar
rwbradley
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015

Cherry Hill Park MD

I have a question about Cherry Hill Park campground in MD. It appears to be well rated on a number of websites and close to DC for visits of the Smithsonian. We have taken the Metro before and our preference is to visit the city using the Metro. We prefer not to do the bus from the campground to the Metro, we would prefer to drive to the Metro. There appear to be 2 metro stations near by one is College Park and the other Greenbelt. The question is there a better station to go to ie is one busier than the other, one harder to get parking etc?
Thanks
  • don't know but I would check the lots in google earth and get an idea as to their size/use.
    bumpy
  • We drove ourselves to college park when we stayed there. No problems, it's close and has lots of parking.
  • The 3 times we were there we used the Greenbelt.. And we only used that one because the folks inside the camp store recommended it. I cannot say which is better , but we liked the Greenbelt and the parking is free on weekends... But I believe that they ALL may be free on weekends ?? I will also say , coming from Philly , we were impressed with the Metro... clean and we felt safe the entire time...
  • Not enough difference to worry about. The park used to run a shuttle, don't know it still do or not. Considering the driving and parking hassle, take metro or a shuttle.
  • There really isn't much difference in those two Metro stations. GreenBelt is the end of the line, so I guess you'd never have to worry about missing your stop. :)

    We've never had a problem getting a parking space at GreenBelt. (Notice I didn't say CLOSE IN parking?)

    And, yes, parking is still free on weekends and on Federal holidays in Metro lots and garages. On weekdays you'll need to pay for parking with your Metro card (no cash or credit cards at the exits).

    Enjoy your time in DC.
  • Thanks everyone. I seem to remember the Metro Card was fantastic. The only problem with it was finding someone who sold it. Any idea if either of these stations sell it, or if there is somewhere local to the campground who sells it... guess I would need it before parking at the station :)
  • everything you want to know is at the front desk they are VERY HELPFUL

    ( buy pass In machine at station)
  • We felt like College Park station was a bit quicker to get to, but both had lots of room and were close enough that we drove to the station rather than waiting for the shuttle bus. Enjoy your visit!
  • Metro cards are sold (and reloaded) at machines at the Metro stations. The machines take cash or credit cards. Just follow the prompts on the screen.

    Parking is paid for when you exit the garage or lot, so you won't need a card before you get there.

    You should be able to get a map at the kiosk at the station. Large print copies are available, but you have to ask an attendant usually. Otherwise you can look at maps on the platform and every Metro car has a map on the wall.

    DC can be lots of fun.
  • Was there in early May and found that you could park much closer at College Park and it was less busy than Greenbelt. It also felt easier to get to from the campground. Parking is $5.10 per day at any of the METRO Stations. Randu