Glamping in Alexandria, Virginia offers sites for luxury camping near the Potomac River, with temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. The area's elevation averages 39 feet above sea level, creating a mix of flat riverfront and gently rolling wooded campsites that drain well during the region's frequent spring and summer thunderstorms.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Pohick Bay Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course that makes for an excellent day activity. As Rachel L. notes, "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."
Water activities: Bull Run Regional Park provides water recreation opportunities for families looking to cool off. According to Bridget H., "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."
Hiking trails: Little Bennett Campground offers extensive hiking options through wooded terrain. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," shares Ray & Terri F., making this an excellent option for those traveling with pets.
Seasonal boating: Watercraft rentals are available at several locations near Alexandria. Anne K. mentions that Pohick Bay has "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" and describes the area as "Beautiful in Fall," highlighting the seasonal activities available.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Cherry Hill Park receives praise for its site layout and accommodations. Scott C. explains, "There are some nice tenting sites under the trees and off by themselves for the true campers, and for the rest of us glampers there are hookups and lots to do."
Clean facilities: Bull Run Regional Park maintains high standards for their bathhouses. Yvonne B. enthusiastically reports, "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."
Family programming: Seasonal activities keep children entertained at many glamping sites. One camper at Bull Run Regional Park shared, "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to urban areas, many sites offer peaceful settings. Kristen M. observed at Pohick Bay, "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure). Plenty of playgrounds and trails nearby to keep the family busy."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most premium glamping options require advance planning. Ben G. from Pohick Bay advises, "The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. They gave us a great intro to the park as we were first timers."
Site selection considerations: Not all sites are equally level or private. Ray & Terri F. note about Little Bennett Campground, "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant seasonal weather variations. Drew M. warns about Bull Run, "The sites are nicely spread out. My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level."
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles.