About this campground
The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's preeminent museum and research complex. The Museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions, and education outreach programs. Opened in 1910, the green-domed museum on the National Mall was among the first Smithsonian building constructed exclusively to house the national collections and research facilities. Whether looking at the history and cultures of Africa, describing our earliest Mammalian ancestor or primate diversity around the world, examining ancient life forms including the ever popular dinosaurs, or exploring the beauty of rare gemstones such as uniquely colored diamonds, the Museum's temporary and permanent exhibitions serve to educate, enlighten and entertain millions of visitors each year. The main building on the National Mall contains 1.5 million square feet of space overall and 325,000 square feet of exhibition and public space; altogether the Museum is the size of 18 football fields, and houses over 1000 employees.
Getting there
There is no public parking facility at the Smithsonian on the National Mall. On-street parking is limited and posted times are enforced. You can take Metrorail and exit at the Smithsonian Station (Mall exit). For more, see www.si.edu/visit/directions.htm
Activities
- INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
- VISITOR CENTER
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture GardenWashington0 mi
- National Air and Space MuseumWashington0 mi
- National Archives BuildingNational Archives And Records Administration0 mi
- National Museum of African ArtWashington0 mi
- Riggs Washington D.C.Washington0 mi
- Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick GalleryWashington0 mi
Explore more District of Columbia camping
National Museum of Natural History doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby District of Columbia campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse District of Columbia camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.