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Best Campgrounds near Alexandria, VA

576 Reviews

Camping options within 30 miles of Alexandria, Virginia range from urban-adjacent sites to more secluded natural settings. Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton offers year-round camping with full hookups, boat access, and family amenities just 25-30 minutes from Alexandria. Greenbelt Park Campground provides a National Park Service experience with more basic facilities but convenient Metro access to Washington DC. Several regional parks including Burke Lake and Lake Fairfax feature tent and RV camping with recreational amenities like fishing, hiking trails, and playgrounds. Military personnel can access Fort Belvoir Travel Camp, which provides well-maintained facilities exclusively for service members.

Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during the peak season from April through October. As one camper noted, "Pohick became our second home. Bring bikes for the long trail along the road. Bathrooms are clean with hot water." Urban noise is common at many sites, with several reviewers mentioning aircraft, traffic sounds, and occasional sirens. Humidity and mosquitoes can be significant challenges during summer months, with some campers reporting the need for 100% DEET repellent at certain locations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though WiFi quality varies considerably between campgrounds.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with Potomac River access available at several locations. Campers frequently mention the balance between natural settings and urban convenience as a key benefit. "Stayed here for two weeks while visiting friends in Alexandria. Nice and quiet during winter, more so during weekdays than weekends," reported one visitor to Pohick Bay. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, pools, and boat rentals are common at the larger campgrounds. Sites tend to be relatively close together at most locations, with limited privacy compared to more remote camping areas. Weekday camping typically offers a quieter experience, with Sunday through Thursday nights recommended for those seeking solitude.

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Best Camping Sites Near Alexandria, Virginia (85)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "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."

    "We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."

    2. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."

    "That being said, I’m sure there were a few campers who didn’t like being right next to the walkway to the bathrooms and showers. The park is broken down in to various sections and slightly tiered."

    3. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter.

    Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

    4. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."

    "This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."

    5. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "If you are looking for camping in Fairfax County Virginia, this is it, because there are only a couple to choose from."

    "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."

    6. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."

    "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."

    7. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $43 - $100 / night

    "We have lived in northern Virginia for over 30 years and never been to this campground until this month! Very nice campground with friendly staff and friendly campground hosts."

    "History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."

    8. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 221-7181

    $26 / night

    "The Oak Ridge campgrounds at Prince William Forest Park are a lovely little campground just outside Washington DC. The sites were large, the facilities are clean and the staff friendly and helpful."

    "Showers are in loop B, which is a 5-7 minute walk. During holiday weekends the sites closest to the shower facilities are fully booked and have less privacy."

    9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

    4 Reviews
    Fort Belvoir, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 805-3081

    $55 / night

    "Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."

    "It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river."

    10. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Clinton, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 868-1397

    $10 - $45 / night

    "Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance however, 6 of the 25 sites are unleveled so tent camping is probably the only option."

    "Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself. Bathrooms are clean and have decent showers."

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576 Reviews of 85 Alexandria Campgrounds

Guide to Alexandria

Camping near Alexandria, VA, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and easy access to the city. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Greenbrier State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!"
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, you can fish or kayak on Lake Tuckahoe. A visitor shared, "We had our own yaks, but the park will rent them."
  • Visiting Historical Sites: Stay at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA for easy access to historical sites. One camper noted, "The location was within distance to Charlestown and also other convenience stores."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Cherry Hill Park. A reviewer said, "Bathrooms/showers are very clean and modern."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff at Bull Run Regional Park. One camper mentioned, "The check-in at the camp store is crowded and narrow, but our 34 ft makes it okay."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spacious sites at Westmoreland State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The site was pretty big, laid with gravel and pebbles, and edged with wooden curbs."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Pohick Bay Campground, can be noisy due to nearby traffic. One camper warned, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place; it's like sleeping on the side of the highway."
  • Crowded Areas: Popular spots like Cunningham Falls State Park can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor noted, "The campsites were relatively small, and close together."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Oak Ridge Campground, lack certain amenities like electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets in all Loops. However, Loop C also has showers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas, like Cunningham Falls State Park. One parent said, "My kids also LOVED the swimming lake -- especially great for small kids."
  • Playgrounds: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds, such as Bull Run Regional Park. A visitor noted, "The playground butts up against the inner circle which are the only sewer sites."
  • Nature Trails: Many campgrounds offer easy trails for little ones. A camper at Tuckahoe State Park Campground mentioned, "There are a lot of walking trails, and a pond to fish in."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Cherry Hill Park said, "We visited Cherry Hill Park Campground in a Class A Motorhome and while it was tight, we fit no problem."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for potential noise from nearby roads. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground warned about the "helicopters that fly 24/7."
  • Use Public Transit: If you're visiting DC, consider using public transit. A camper at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit."

Camping near Alexandria, VA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you want to hike, fish, or just relax, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Alexandria, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alexandria, VA is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 39 reviews.

What parks are near Alexandria, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Alexandria, VA that allow camping, notably National Mall & Memorial Parks and Fort Dupont Park.

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