Several campgrounds near Fort Dupont Park provide tent and RV options within 30 miles of the District of Columbia, though equestrian facilities remain limited. The region sits at elevations between 200-400 feet with deciduous forest cover and experiences humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August. Most campgrounds maintain multiple hiking trails that connect to larger regional trail systems.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Pohick Bay Regional Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course within walking distance of the campground. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes Rachel L., who calls Pohick Bay her "go-to weekend camping spot."
Water activities: Seasonal boating options range from kayaks to motorboats at Pohick Bay Regional Park. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," explains Anne K., adding that summer boating options include "kayaks to motorboats."
Trail exploration: The forested paths at Cedarville State Forest provide hiking for varied skill levels with mostly level terrain. "There are decent trails to hike here too," mentions Bill G., while another camper notes, "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Bird watchers can spot various species including bald eagles at Pohick Bay Campground. "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" reports Kathie M. about the campground located near National Harbor.
Seasonal programming: Bull Run Regional Park offers organized activities throughout the year including campfire programs with s'mores. "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," shares Bridget H., who stayed in a cabin.
Shower facilities: Many visitors highlight the quality of shower buildings at Bull Run. "They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," explains Yvonne B., who visited with two other families on a rainy Memorial Day weekend.
What you should know
Military ID requirements: Both Andrews AFB FamCamp and Camp Meade RV Park require military identification for entry. "Need military id and reservations to go," cautions reviewer M.B. about Andrews AFB.
Wildlife concerns: Ticks appear frequently in reviews for Cedarville State Forest, particularly during warmer months. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J., who also noted seeing "a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates."
Seasonal drainage issues: Some campgrounds experience standing water after rainfall. One visitor to Bull Run noted, "The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow. Result was lots of standing water at our campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Camp Winery provides a central location for families wanting both camping and regional attractions. "Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too," notes Sammii D.
Playground access: Consider site selection for proximity to playgrounds, especially with young children. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse," shares Ben G. about Pohick Bay, adding that "There is plenty of things to do here to keep a family occupied."
Noise considerations: Some regional campgrounds experience noise from nearby facilities or transportation. At Bull Run, campers might hear "a shooting range near by so can be kind of noisy," according to Daniel S., while Cedarville experiences occasional aircraft noise as "it's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Lichtman Camp 1 in Prince William Forest Park offers RV sites, but some campers note leveling difficulties throughout the region. At Bull Run, Robert P. notes, "Not all sites are level (half)," while at Pohick Bay another camper mentioned, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level."
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds near Fort Dupont Park remain open year-round for RVers. "Stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat. Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends," shares Josh J. about Pohick Bay.
Hookup variations: RVers should confirm specific hookup types before booking as they vary between parks. While many campgrounds offer 30-amp service, Pohick Bay provides 50-amp hookups, and some like Camp Meade offer full hookups including water and sewer. "Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help," mentions Robert P. about assistance with connections at Pohick Bay.
