U.S. Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD
The Navy’s college on the Severn River, with a chapel and John Paul Jones’ crypt. Visitors enter on foot with photo ID through the Gate 1 visitor center.
The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, is the U.S. Navy's college. It was founded on October 10, 1845, and stands on the grounds of the former Fort Severn on the Severn River. The 338-acre (137-hectare) campus is known as "the Yard." Annapolis lies about 33 miles (53 kilometers) east of Washington, D.C.
The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center has exhibits on midshipman life, and on tours you see Bancroft Hall, which Wikipedia calls the largest college dormitory in the world. The chapel holds the tomb of John Paul Jones in its crypt. The chapel is closed on federal holidays and the museum on Tuesdays (as of October 2026).
Access (as of October 2026): vehicles without a Department of Defense or Academy credential may not drive onto the grounds. Park outside, for example at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, and walk in through Gate 1 or take the shuttle bus; Gate 3 is for credentialed people only. All visitors aged 18 and over need a valid government photo ID, and according to the Academy non-U.S. citizens may enter only with an authorized escort for official events. Check the current rules on usna.edu before you go.
- Nearest town
- Annapolis, MD
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.9840, -76.4850
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Washington DC / Capitol KOA HolidayCampsite11 mi from U.S. Naval AcademyTentsCaravansElectricityWi-Fi
- Bay Shore CampgroundCampsite16 mi from U.S. Naval AcademyTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking water
- Adventure Bound Washington DCCampsite16 mi from U.S. Naval AcademyTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposal
- Greenbelt Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from U.S. Naval Academy · 174 pitchesTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Hilton Area Family CampingCampsite23 mi from U.S. Naval Academy · 12 pitchesTentsDrinking water
- Cherry Hill ParkCampsite25 mi from U.S. Naval AcademyTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Maryland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is U.S. Naval Academy?
U.S. Naval Academy is in Annapolis, MD, at GPS 38.9840, -76.4850. It is about 20 mi from St. Michaels.
Can you camp near U.S. Naval Academy?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pine Tree Associates, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass U.S. Naval Academy?
U.S. Naval Academy is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Chesapeake Bay: Annapolis to Blackwater.
What is there to see near U.S. Naval Academy?
Places worth a stop nearby: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (20 mi), Fort McHenry National Monument (20 mi), Ellicott City Historic District (26 mi) and Arlington National Cemetery (32 mi).
When is the best time to visit U.S. Naval Academy?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)