Camp David By Helicopter

It takes approximately 30 minutes to travel from the White House to Camp David by helicopter. Provided the weather conditions permit, it is the preferred way to get to the presidential retreat. The helicopter landing area at Camp David is located away from the cabin areas and guests often use golf carts to get where they need to go.

Visiting leaders are met with a formal arrival ceremony at Camp David by Marines and Navy personnel in their dress uniforms.  The photos below show the arrival of  European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso at Camp David for the 2012 G8 Summit.

Helicopter carrying European Commission President Barroso arrives at Camp David

Camp David Marines and Navy personnel head over to the helicopter

Official greetings are extended to the arriving guest

The participating service members salute as the arriving leader passes

President Barroso is escorted to a golf cart

President Eisenhower was the first president to fly to Camp David on a  helicopter. You can read about his July 1957 trip on another blog post: Ike's First Helicopter Ride to Camp David.

Read more about the use of Golf Carts at Camp David.


VIDEO: CAMP DAVID ARRIVAL CEREMONY FOR BRITISH PRIME MINISTER MARGARET THATCHER






Camp David helicopter landing zone (Bing Maps)

Overhead view of area around the helicopter landing zone. Skeet range visible in lower right (Bing Maps)

The video below simulates a round trip from the White House to Camp David via helicopter.






Sources:  European Commission; Bing Maps