Camping options near Ironsides, Maryland include primitive tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and rustic yurts within a 30-mile radius. The region sits along the Potomac River watershed with elevations ranging between 100-300 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for most visitors.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Pohick Bay Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course popular with weekend campers. "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," shares Rachel L.
Shoreline hiking: Bull Run Regional Park maintains miles of wooded trails suitable for all skill levels. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous. The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground," notes Roberta K.
Fossil hunting: At Westmoreland State Park, visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth along the shoreline. "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night. We only have a small tent and some snacks," explains Sara A.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Pohick Bay Campground provides excellent birdwatching opportunities. "We 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," mentions Josh J.
Private wooded sites: Rappahannock River Campground offers secluded tent camping with river access. "Very primitive, tent only camping. Nothing near it and very private. An awesome place to relax!" says Jon R.
Year-round accessibility: Many campgrounds in the region remain open during winter, including Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA. "This is a nice campground. We stay here once or twice a year. The campsites are nicely spaced and level. The camp store is fairly well equipped too!" reports Bonnie S.
What you should know
Tent site conditions: Some campgrounds offer varying degrees of privacy. "I slept in campground 37 which is in the area closest to the river. The river side campground has sites that line the perimeter of a large oval opening in the trees near the water," explains Derek E. from Rappahannock River Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Fall offers unique experiences with less crowding. "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year. Definitely gets windy near the river," advises RL from Westmoreland State Park.
Bathroom facilities: Amenities vary widely between parks. "This campground is off the beaten path and QUIET! The sites are well-spaced and lovely. We stayed overnight passing thru. We'll be back with this as a destination for kayaking," notes Jen T. about Rappahannock River Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Westmoreland State Park Campground offers structured programming for children. "The park is yet another great VA state park. We tend to use the state parks because you know what to expect. The park is well off the beaten path, but has plenty of historic and other attractions near by," shares Anthony D.
Kid-friendly features: Bull Run Regional Park provides numerous recreation options. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt," reports Bridget H.
Water activities: Seasonal swimming options appeal to families with children. "This is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around. Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer. Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," explains Anne K.
Tips for RVers
Site selection: Cherry Hill Park offers premium RV sites with additional amenities. "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. We loved it. Pros: 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer, Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," advises Beth R.
Yurt camping alternatives: For those seeking yurt camping near Ironsides, Maryland without an RV, Cherry Hill Park offers comfortable yurt accommodations with modern amenities. "We only needed a place for a quick nights sleep enroute to our next destination. We were planning to arrive late after 12 hours of driving. The admin called us when they were closing to make sure we knew they had our reservation," shares Thomas S.
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. "Nice camp ground is nice. Check in was a breeze. The only drawback is that it is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away. My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side," notes Drew M.
