Campgrounds near Aldie, Virginia offer access to nearby Shenandoah River water activities and hiking trails on Appalachian terrain. Most campgrounds remain open between April and November, with limited winter operations due to seasonal temperature drops. Cell service typically remains strong near Interstate 66 and Route 50 corridors, though signal strength diminishes in valley locations.
What to do
Riverside activities: At Harpers Ferry Campground, campers can enjoy the Potomac directly from their sites. "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," notes reviewer Darcy S.
Mountain biking: Lake Fairfax Campground offers extensive trail systems for cyclists of all skill levels. "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park," reports Amy B.
Historical exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to significant Civil War sites. "DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," mentions Kenneth H. from Prince William Forest RV Campground, highlighting proximity to historical attractions.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise bathroom and shower facilities at Bull Run Regional Park. "The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," shares Yvonne B.
Campsite privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Brunswick Family Campground, "the loops are small, each containing a dozen or fewer spaces. Many sites share a power pole and water faucet, but they are well situated," according to Dale Y.
Water access: Direct river frontage ranks highly with campers. At Harpers Ferry Campground, one camper noted, "My family stayed here for two nights during the middle of the week, about half the campground was occupied. Our campsite was right along the water (all spots are along the water)."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Aldie have railroad tracks nearby. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will," warns Sherri C.
Unlevel sites: Many tent sites require careful selection. At Lake Fairfax Campground, "The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant," reports Erin W.
DC access options: For those planning to visit Washington DC, transportation planning matters. "We took the 20 minute drive. They have a bus stop for metro service to the city," shares Joe R. about Cherry Hill Park's convenient city access.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive family facilities. "Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," lists Beth R., noting the range of on-site activities for children.
Equestrian opportunities: Fort Valley Ranch provides unique horseback experiences. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill. Also, the availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus," reports Jason G.
Water features: Several campgrounds offer swimming options beyond natural bodies of water. "We enjoyed the water park immensely. 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. regarding Lake Fairfax's water park (additional fee applies).
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV campers should prepare for varying site conditions. At Brunswick Family Campground, one reviewer noted, "Site was not level and infested with black flies. Restrooms were beyond disgusting, dumpsters overflowing and dump station was muddy."
Military access: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers secure camping for eligible personnel. "Spent several nights here while visiting Washington DC. You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting. Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable," reports Mike H.
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. Jason G. mentions about Fort Valley Ranch, "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us. The access was smooth and hassle-free."
