Bull Run Regional Park covers 1,500 acres near Centreville, Virginia, within 30 miles of Gaithersburg, Maryland. The park sits at 328 feet elevation and typically receives 41 inches of rainfall annually. The area offers rolling terrain with mixed hardwood forests providing natural shade during summer camping seasons when temperatures average 85-90°F.
What to do
Trail riding in Cedarville State Forest: Equestrian trails provide wooded riding paths within a short drive from Gaithersburg. "Equestrian trails go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail," notes one Cedarville State Forest visitor. The forest maintains seasonal riding access with specific trail restrictions after rainfall.
Water recreation on Pohick Bay: Located 45 minutes from Gaithersburg, the bay offers multiple water-based activities. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions a Pohick Bay Campground camper. The park maintains rental facilities for various watercraft with daily fees ranging from $15-45 depending on boat type.
Battlefield tours: Explore Civil War sites within 60 minutes of Gaithersburg. At Artillery Ridge Campground, visitors can take "guided tours of the battlefield on horseback." The campground sits directly adjacent to historical sites where "the battlefield starts" right outside the entrance.
What campers like
Natural wildlife viewing: The regional parks harbor diverse wildlife including birds of prey. One camper at Pohick Bay noted, "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites." Morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
Clean shower facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-maintained bathroom facilities. At Bull Run Regional Park, campers appreciate the "locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had." Modern facilities typically include hot water and regular cleaning schedules.
Historical connections: Camping areas often contain direct links to significant historical events. A visitor to Artillery Ridge mentioned the campground "served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
What you should know
Noise factors: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby facilities or transportation routes. A Gettysburg Campground visitor noted, "The noise of traffic – at least in the frontmost sites – can get rather loud at night." Request interior sites when booking if seeking quieter locations.
Tick prevention: Forested areas require tick protection measures, particularly during warm months. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns one Cedarville State Forest camper. Apply repellent before trail activities, especially on bridle paths.
Site selection: Campground layouts vary significantly with terrain. At Bull Run, "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone." Request specific site information when making reservations for horse camping near Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Many parks organize regular family-focused events. At Camp Meade RV Park, "They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers." Check event calendars when planning visits to horse campgrounds around Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Water park access: Several facilities maintain water recreation areas specifically designed for children. Bull Run offers "a decent water park type thing here. Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing." Daily admission fees typically range from $8-15 per person.
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. One Pohick Bay camper mentioned, "The site was spacious. We are tent campers but almost all our neighbors were in an RV or trailer. The site had water and electric which was nice. The bathhouse is standard but also has laundry and an outdoor dish washing station."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven terrain at several regional campgrounds. A Bull Run visitor observed, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level." Bring leveling blocks or jacks when visiting equestrian campgrounds near Gaithersburg.
Winter camping options: Some facilities remain open year-round with reduced rates. A Pohick Bay RVer noted, "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."
Utility reliability: Most established campgrounds maintain dependable hookups. At Gettysburg Campground, visitors confirm "full hookups with cable, all working as expected. Level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad."
