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Baltimore-Washington Parkway

Though the 29-mile Baltimore-Washington Parkway opened in 1954, it, or a similar transportation system, was envisioned by the original architect of Washington, DC—Pierre Charles L’Enfant. With the inhibiting cost of construction, the concept of free-flowing transit between the two cities lay dormant until the allocation of the necessary funds to construct it was finally approved. After WWII, three factors dictated the necessity of finally building the parkway: the perceived need for quick military personnel movement, the nuclear weapon threat, and the expansion of government facilities to the suburbs. Today, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway is a well-dressed, four-lane system with a wide median meticulously landscaped to provide an extra element of elegance for visitors approaching Washington, DC. The National Park Service (NPS) manages the District of Columbia (DC) portion of the parkway, while Maryland is responsible for the section within its boundaries. The parkway construction opened areas between the two cities, encouraging suburban growth and establishing communities such as Laurel, Severn, Bowie, and Greenbelt.

Where to Stay

RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Baltimore-Washington Parkway

RV Rentals Near Baltimore-Washington Parkway

Things to Do

Things To Do Near Baltimore-Washington Parkway

The Baltimore-Washington Parkway leads to much more than the nation’s capital; the parkway allowed the development of several communities, most of which hold essential governmental facilities. Many towns built parks with hiking trails, fishing lakes, and museums dedicated to significant individuals or subjects. Nearly every mile of the parkway holds a hidden gem for visitors to explore.

Hiking Trails

Sightseeing

Museums

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

map-marker-alt-regular How to Get There

How To Get To Baltimore-Washington Parkway

Many highways intersect with the beautiful Baltimore-Washington Parkway. At the time of its initial construction, the parkway crossed six highways; today, there are 30 junctions with highways, streets, and cloverleaves along the 29 miles of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. A significant portion of the traffic comes from the north through Baltimore from northeast cities like Philadelphia, PA. To approach the parkway from Philadelphia, get onto Interstate 95 South (I-95 S) and drive 85.24 miles. Keep right to take exit 62 toward Interstate 895 South (I-895 S). Stay on I-895 S for 1.63 miles to merge onto Maryland Highway 295 South (MD-295 S) via exit 4. Go on MD-295 S for 25.93 miles. Take the right exit toward Maryland Highway 450 (MD-450). Travel on MD-450 for 1.48 miles and merge onto Maryland Highway 201 (MD-201) via the left ramp. After another 0.81 miles, take a slight right to access Maryland Highway (MD-769). Go 0.3 miles and stay straight ahead, and you will be on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

Except for instances of extreme inclement weather, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway is always open. Though trucks are not allowed on the parkway, RVs are welcome, as are busses and limousines. Traveling this parkway on the way to the nation’s capital is an elegant approach to a monumental city. 

Address

6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770

Fee: Entry fee $0

Americans traveling the Baltimore-Washington Parkway enjoy a scenic drive with the nation’s monuments on the horizon. Taking an RV trip to Washington is a comfortable way to introduce the entire family to one of the world's greatest cities.