Greenbelt Park Campground is located in a wooded area offering tent and RV camping sites 12 miles from the National Mall. The campground has five loops with 174 campsites, all situated within a 1,100-acre forested park maintained by the National Park Service. Daily temperatures from March through October typically range from 45°F to 85°F, with summer humidity levels often exceeding 80%.
What to do
Hiking trail options: Prince William Forest Park features over 37 miles of hiking paths with varying difficulty levels. "Great regional park with lots to do - trails, biking, boating," notes a camper at Pohick Bay Campground. Trails connect to campsites, making morning walks accessible without driving.
Water activities: The water park at Lake Fairfax operates seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with admission costs separate from camping fees. "There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids," reports an Lake Fairfax Campground visitor. Many families use this as a half-day activity between exploring DC attractions.
Disc golf course: Pohick Bay Regional Park maintains an 18-hole disc golf course open year-round with no additional fees for campers. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests a regular visitor who calls it their "go-to weekend camping spot."
Morning wildlife viewing: Early risers can spot deer, foxes, and various bird species. "We saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates," reports a camper at Cedarville State Forest. Spring and fall provide the best wildlife spotting opportunities.
What campers like
Proximity to Metro: Campers appreciate the public transportation options. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen," explains a reviewer at Greenbelt Park Campground. The American Discovery Trail passes through the park, connecting hikers to longer routes.
Clean facilities: The bathhouses at several campgrounds receive consistent praise. "Bathrooms were nice and clean throughout my stay and looked newly renovated," notes a camper at Oak Ridge Campground. Shower access varies by campground, with Bull Run Regional Park offering individual locking stalls.
Campfire programs: Rangers at multiple parks organize evening activities. "They had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," reports a family camping at Pohick Bay.
Full hookup options: For longer stays, Cherry Hill Park provides comprehensive services. "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride, gated, on-site camp store, on-site bus shuttle," lists a satisfied camper detailing the amenities.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near National Mall require advance booking, with Greenbelt Park now operating on a reservation-only system. "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival," advises a camper.
Tick and insect preparation: Multiple campgrounds report significant tick issues. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns a visitor at Cedarville State Forest. High-concentration DEET products are recommended during warmer months.
Seasonal operation: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. "Lake Fairfax Campground operates from March 22 to September 7," notes a reviewer. Shoulder seasons typically offer more site availability and fewer crowds.
Hammock restrictions: Some parks prohibit attaching anything to trees. "NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," mentions a Greenbelt Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground locations: When booking at Lake Fairfax, select sites near the main playground to minimize walking. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse," shares a parent. Sites farther from playgrounds offer more quiet but require longer walks with children.
Plan for noise levels: Campgrounds closer to urban areas experience more ambient noise. "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," explains a Bull Run Regional Park visitor. For families with sensitive sleepers, request sites deeper in loops away from entrance roads.
Family programming: Some dog-friendly campgrounds near National Mall offer structured activities. "This campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my grandkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," shares a Bull Run Regional Park cabin guest.
Morning activity timing: Plan for early starts at Greenbelt Park if camping with children. "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover," notes a recent visitor. Reaching DC attractions before midday crowds helps when traveling with kids and pets.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Check campground details about terrain before booking. "The outer loop campsites are easily more level than the center loop. If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask before committing to the inner loop," advises an RV camper.
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds offer dump stations at entrance points. "Dump station and trash were just outside of the loop," notes a camper at Cedarville State Forest. New RV campers should arrive with empty tanks as dump station access can be limited on weekends and holidays.
Big rig considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs despite listing RV camping. "This is not big rig friendly but there are pull through sites but the roads are very narrow and there is only 1 way in and 1 way out," cautions a camper at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park. Vehicles over 30 feet face challenges at several parks.
Power options: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," explains a Louise F. Cosca Regional Park camper. Research which loops offer the services needed for your specific RV requirements.
