Camping areas surrounding Oxon Hill, Maryland offer a mix of wooded sites, urban-adjacent locations, and riverside camping options. The region features moderate rainfall throughout the year with humid summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds operate within a 20-mile radius of the Capital Beltway, providing varying levels of tree cover and terrain.
What to do
Military history exploration: 7 miles. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, visitors can access significant military and historical sites nearby. "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H. The park's location makes it ideal for history buffs.
Fishing from dedicated piers: 0.5 miles. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers riverside recreation with direct Potomac River access. "There is a pier out into the river to fish on. The outdoor recreation center has bait, snacks, and drinks," writes Jack R. The camp also provides rentals for water activities through the base outdoor recreation center.
Hiking and biking trails: Connected network. Burke Lake Park features multiple trail options with minimal elevation change. "The trail around the lake is a bit under 5 miles, but it's all trail. There is almost no elevation gain, and it is not very technically rigorous," explains Daniel P. The park combines overnight camping with extensive day-use facilities.
What campers like
Clean, hot showers: Available at all hours. Campers consistently mention the quality of facilities at Bull Run Regional Park. "Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. The best review I can give is of the bathrooms. They're worth staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," reports Yvonne B.
Private, wooded sites: Limited visibility between campsites. Smallwood State Park provides more secluded camping options than many area campgrounds. "The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they're very private with woods between each one. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked," writes Caitlin A. The park layout supports campers seeking more isolation.
DC accessibility with outdoor amenities: Under 1 hour. Cherry Hill Park offers the most developed facilities with direct metro access. "The park is close to Washington DC and you are able to ride the metro bus right from the campground. This campground is by far one of the best I have ever stayed at," shares Jonathan B. Multiple transportation options connect campers to urban attractions.
What you should know
Military credentials required: ID verification. Some of the most convenient campgrounds have restricted access. "This campground is aboard Fort Belvoir, a US Army base in Northern, VA. You need military credentials," explains Mike H. Civilian campers should verify requirements before attempting to book these locations.
Seasonal operation: Limited winter availability. Cedarville State Forest operates on a limited schedule. "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC. If you've forgotten anything you can pop on by the Target or Costco right outside the forest," notes moonbeans. The forest is typically open April through October.
Hidden fees: Budget accordingly. Several reviewers mention unexpected costs at regional parks. "We have found municipal campgrounds in Northern Virginia are a bit spendy for being government sponsored. There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights. But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week," warns Stuart O. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Train and carousel access: Additional cost. Burke Lake Park includes special attractions for children beyond standard camping. "Nice spot with plenty to do with a little one. Train, carousel, fishing," mentions Glen W. The park's design accommodates both overnight camping and day activities.
Organized activities: Scheduled events. Multiple campgrounds provide structured entertainment. "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. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," shares Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Urban convenience: Emergency supplies nearby. Cedarville State Forest combines natural surroundings with suburban conveniences. "Just bring your own starters and kindling (or a small hatchet/saw). Planes do occasionally fly over the area so consider bringing earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper," suggests moonbeans. Major retailers located minutes from the campground provide forgotten essentials.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request specific locations. When RV camping near Oxon Hill, Maryland, experienced campers recommend careful site selection. "Sites are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space. Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row," advises Megan K. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Level site preparation: Bring equipment. Harbor View RV and Camping Resort requires additional preparation for some sites. "Gravel site pad could definitely use some maintenance and fresh material added. Had to put down boards to park our travel trailer because about a third of the pad had just turned into mud," notes Nick E. Many reviewers mention bringing leveling blocks to address uneven pads.
Dog accommodations: Designated areas. Multiple campgrounds accommodate pets with varying facilities. "Pet friendly... kinda. No veteran discounts," mentions Katia G. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp. Camp Meade RV Park also permits pets but with specific restrictions and designated exercise areas.
