For those of you interested in Camping around the Fort Meade area, camping on Fort Meade is nearly impossible.  There was a day when Troops coming in from out of town could sleep over in the Reservist barracks and then go into D.C. for a day trip.  First of all, those barracks no longer exist (the price of progress).  Additionally, due to increased security on all federal installations post 9/11, all visitors must display a federal installation sticker on their vehicle or a list of visitors must be turned in 3 weeks prior so they can run criminal checks against them before they let them on post.  Here are the security policies for Fort Meade.  For Troops who would like to visit D.C., I would recommend Greenbelt Park (http://www.nps.gov/gree/)  It has camping year 'round and is only 3 miles from the Metro which can get you into D.C.  We've camped here before and enjoyed it.

Local Troops looking for a place to camp have numerous opportunities.  My first recommendation would be at the North Tract of Patuxant Wildlife Refuge.  The North Tract has two campsites specifically designated for Scout camping.  Site #1 can accommodate 15 campers and Site # 2 can hold 20 campers.  Camping is free but reservations must be made.  Simply fill out the application and fax to the Refuge (fax # (410) 674-5631). Here are the rules of camping there; Directions; a strip map of the Refuge, and a topographical map. We set up three events to conduct there- Orienteering, Siege of Mafeking, and a Wildlife Treasure Hunt.