Cabin camping options are abundant within a 30-mile radius of Potomac, Maryland. The area sits in the Piedmont region with elevations between 200-400 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds remain open year-round due to the moderate mid-Atlantic climate, though water systems at some locations close during winter months.
What to Do
Water activities: Lake Fairfax Campground offers paddle boats, fishing opportunities, and a nearby water park. "When in season, the water park is great for kids. Ten of us in total with kids ranging from 18 months old to 13 years old. Everyone enjoyed the water park and the time we spent there," notes Corey B.
Biking trails: Greenbelt Park Campground connects to multiple cycling routes. "The American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park," shares Becky, making it an ideal base for cyclists exploring the broader region.
Historical exploration: Cherry Hill Park provides easy access to DC monuments and museums. "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from $20-45 for a family of 5," according to Jennifer H.
What Campers Like
Privacy and spacing: Bull Run Regional Park offers sites that maximize privacy. "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," explains Roberta K., highlighting a feature many campers value.
Clean facilities: Little Bennett Campground receives high marks for maintenance. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," according to Ray & Terri F., making it especially popular with RV campers seeking full hookups in a wooded setting.
Proximity to attractions: Many campers appreciate having camping options close to urban amenities. "If you're in Northern VA close to DC this is a great quick getaway camp site...Overall great site to get outdoors and not have to travel a long time," notes adrian F. about Lake Fairfax.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Potomac require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Greenbelt Park is "a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online," advises Crystal C.
Pet restrictions: While pets are welcome at most campgrounds, they must remain leashed. At Pohick Bay Campground, pets are allowed throughout the grounds but must be supervised at all times.
Urban noise: Being close to the city means some ambient noise at most locations. At Burke Lake Park, a camper notes, "This place can be noisy at night with all the cars zooming by."
Tips for Camping with Families
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with built-in activities. "There's a water park, paddle boats, playgrounds, trails, skate park, sports fields, and the bathrooms are the nicest I've ever seen," says Brittany V. about Lake Fairfax Campground.
Scheduled programs: Many campgrounds offer structured activities. At Bull Run Regional Park, one family noted: "The 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."
Site selection: For families with young children, request sites near bathhouses or playgrounds. The campsites at Burke Lake are arranged in "2 small loops where I think maybe 40 sites are available," allowing for easier supervision of children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have more level sites than others. At Lake Fairfax, "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."
Limited hookup options: Check utilities before booking. Some pet-friendly campgrounds near Potomac offer only electric hookups or no hookups at all. At Cherry Hill Park, you'll find "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer," but many other campgrounds offer more limited services.
Cell connectivity: Coverage can vary even within a single campground. At Little Bennett, a camper reported "AT&T 5 MB/s without booster (1 bar), 8 MB/s with it (2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy."
