R
Roger M.
Traveler
TravelerFredericksburg-Washington DC KOA
Family friendly
Nice size spots. Lake on site. Playground for kids. Fun bike rentals. Lots of dog walks and a dog park. Camp store has a little bit of everything.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Alexandria, VA
Pohick Bay Campground's pet-friendly sites accommodate tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin guests seeking outdoor recreation with their dogs near Alexandria. The regional park offers electric hookups for RV sites, while tent campers have access to water spigots and clean comfort stations. Several campgrounds within 30-40 minutes of Alexandria maintain pet-friendly policies, including Cherry Hill Park, Fort Belvoir Travel Camp, Bull Run Regional Park, and Greenbelt Park. Fort Belvoir's Travel and RV Camp provides full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections specifically for military personnel with pets. Clean comfort stations at Pohick Bay feature hot showers, laundry facilities, and outdoor sinks for washing dishes, making extended stays with pets more convenient.
Trails near Pohick Bay allow leashed dogs to explore wooded areas with their owners, while the nearby marina provides water access during warmer months. Site selection matters significantly when camping with pets - some locations like site 11 at Pohick Bay offer greater privacy with natural buffers between campsites. Bull Run Regional Park maintains year-round operations for pet owners seeking off-season camping options. The waterpark at Pohick Bay offers discounted rates ($5 per person) for registered campers during summer visits. Campers should be prepared for occasional wildlife encounters as reviews mention raccoons actively searching for food during nighttime hours. Weekend stays tend to be noisier than weekday camping, particularly at sites backing up to playground areas without buffer trees.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Alexandria, Virginia (73)
1. Pohick Bay Campground
38 ReviewsLorton, VA12 milesWebsite+1 (703) 339-6104$33 - $150 / 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 enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
2. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD16 milesWebsite+1 (301) 937-7116$999 / night
"Great location with access to all forms of transportation. Store fully stocked to include groceries. Two pools. Hot tub. Play areas to include a game room and miniature golf. "
"As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same."
3. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
32 ReviewsGreenbelt, MD15 milesWebsite+1 (301) 344-3948$20 / night
"The park is located away from the camping grounds. It has two play grounds, several picnic tables and a bathroom."
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
4. Burke Lake Park Campground
15 ReviewsBurke, VA14 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsReston, VA18 milesWebsite+1 (703) 471-5414$30 - $70 / night
"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, Water Park near the campground, fishing"
"If you are looking for camping in Fairfax County Virginia, this is it, because there are only a couple to choose from."
6. Cedarville State Forest
17 ReviewsBrandywine, MD15 milesWebsite+1 (301) 888-1410$30 / night
"Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
"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."
7. Bull Run Regional Park
43 ReviewsIron Gate, VA23 milesWebsite+1 (703) 631-0550$34 - $90 / night
"Portable water and dumping station located at the camp store. We stayed at site 146 on the first caul-de-sac off the first loop just another site away from the bath house (which was pretty clean)."
"Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had. Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."
8. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
31 ReviewsDumfries, VA24 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsFort Belvoir, VA9 milesWebsite+1 (703) 805-3081$55 / night
"Super clean Very well maintained Pet friendly... kinda No veteran discounts smh Good for a day or two"
"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."
10. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
4 ReviewsClinton, MD9 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Alexandria, VA
60 Photos of 73 Alexandria Campgrounds
Caralee B.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Katia G.
Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
Sonyia W.
Pohick Bay Campground
Phillip W.
Burke Lake Park Campground
Nick C.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Evelyn T.
Cherry Hill Park
Matthias
Lake Fairfax Campground
Caitlin A.
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Charity B.
The Oasis at Lake Serenity
Charity B.
Charity’s Hope Family Farm Resort
Gwynn G.
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
James W.
The Garden
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Alexandria, VA
585 Reviews of 73 Alexandria Campgrounds
singinajf@aol.comTravelerRamblin' Pines
Quiet Spot
The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The bathrooms are incredibly clean. We love all the games there are to play and the dog park is our favorite spot. Overall, it's peaceful and quiet in a nice, wooded setting.
- JJordan W.
ScoutBrunswick Family Campground
Great but only a few things I noticed
Overall great camp ground only thing I noticed is at some of the RV sites the hook ups are in crazy spots some are In the neighboring sites area so you have to drag extensions around them. Also the pool and dog park isn’t on site you have to leave to go to it.
- Linda B.
RangerCherry Hill Park
Actually a 10!!!
This is a campers dream site. Everything you can think of is offered here. You have to check their website to see all. This is the closest site to Washington DC. Great location with access to all forms of transportation. Store fully stocked to include groceries. Two pools. Hot tub. Play areas to include a game room and miniature golf. Pets are pampered here. Even dog walking service available.
MickandKarla W.
LegendCherry Hill Park
Impressive Campground
Cherry Hill Park was easy to find and get to basically right off I-95. This was our first time RVing into the WA DC area and we were concerned about traffic getting to the campground(CG). As we arrived, traffic was heavy on I-95 but manageable. Cherry Hill’s and our RV GPS directions were spot on getting us to the park. We were very impressed with this CG from the moment we entered. We picked up our package outside the office(no contact check-in) and went to premium site 93 with FHUs. Back-in was easy. The wifi was very good but the CG was only about a 1/4 full. Cherry Hill has many different ways to stay; cottages, cabins, yurts, glamping pods, premium and regular tent sites in addition to the RV sites. As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same. There are a few sites in the CG on the end that will give you a little more yard space like 97(need to be a competent backer), 402, and 1723. We got 2 bars each on Verizon and AT&T. The CG’s cable provided a large selection of channels and worked well. We were impressed with the main laundry facility due to the amount of large washers and dryers, very fair pricing and very clean. The two off leash dog parks(in the same area) were nice plus there’s a well maintained walking trail that goes around this very large CG’s perimeter. We really liked how there are trash receptacles and dog poopy bag dispensers nicely placed all over the CG. Though we didn’t use it, they even have a dog walker service so you can spend a lot of time exploring the DC area without worrying about your pups. About the only draw back was the road noise from the interstate and highway pretty much 24/7, but considering the area that is to be expected. Sites 13-38 and 1500 sites near the premium tent area are the farthest away from the road noise. We would definitely stay here again.
Megan K.
GuidePrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great spot with hookups by PW park
If you, like me, hate making reservations over the phone, it was worth it! Quick, simple, painless process.
Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk
Lots: lots 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. It wasn't crowded either way, especially given on a weekend
Small pool
Wifi: don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter
Cell service: I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well.
Area: the surrounding area is really bikeable
Hookups: I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained.
Staff: super friendly; great check in experience They have a dog park but didn't get a chance to check it out.
Overall: great experience, would recommend
Caitlin A.ScoutSmallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Private sites with water views nearby
These campground is a great find. 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. The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours. I have a reactive dog and he did well here! We’ll be back!
- CCindyGuide
Bay Shore Campground
Nice place with awesome view
This campground is perfect for a quiet visit to the Eastern shore town of Rock Hall as It sits conveniently between the village of Rock Hall and Eastern Neck sanctuary. The area reserved for RV campsites overlooks a bluff on the Chesapeake Bay….gorgeous. Because we went in the middle of the week, we had a lot of space to our self and open areas for our dog to play. Admittedly there isn’t a lot to do in the campground itself, even the bathrooms were closed down for Covid and only self contained RVs could camp.There is a small playground and a dog park, and a small pond for fishing. Sewer hook ups are not yet available but they are coming. Purchasing the WiFi access was a waste of money and our Verizon signal was very weak. The biggest attraction is the view over the Bay. So if you are looking for beautiful scenery and a cooling breeze this is a lovely and relaxing place. We met the owner who was very attentive to our needs and also helped us use the dump station as this was the maiden voyage with our new RV. The campground is clean and nicely landscaped. Be sure to go into the town of rock Hall for a seafood dinner at Waterman’s.
J B.ScoutGreenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
The park/ trails
The park is located away from the camping grounds. It has two play grounds, several picnic tables and a bathroom. The bathroom is a average out door bathroom with no A.C. and the floor always seems to be wet, but I never had an issue with no toliet paper. The trails are maintained. You could tell there was even some work in progress spots. Wish there were some doggie bag stations just for the trash can. The trail comes close to the road enough times that it could be a great add for a visitor who brings pets and staff would not have to hike in to hike out a bag of garbage.
Guide to Alexandria
Camping opportunities near Alexandria, Virginia range from full-service RV parks to primitive tent sites within 40 minutes of the city. The area sits along the Potomac River watershed with elevations between 10-400 feet above sea level, creating varied camping terrain from riverside locations to wooded settings. Winter camping is available at select locations, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25°F even during January and February.
What to do
Disc golf at multiple skill levels: Pohick Bay Regional Park offers an 18-hole course that draws enthusiasts throughout the year. "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," notes Rachel L.
Explore historical sites: The region surrounding Alexandria contains numerous Civil War battlefields and historical structures. "There is lots and lots of history around the area. We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things. Definitely worth exploring," explains a camper at Oak Ridge Campground.
Water recreation options: During warmer months, boating and fishing opportunities abound. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions Anne K. regarding summer activities. Many campgrounds provide lake or river access for various water activities.
Hiking trail networks: Forested areas surrounding Alexandria contain trail systems suitable for day hikes. "Park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds," explains a visitor to Bull Run Regional Park, highlighting the variety of trail options.
What campers like
Clean bathhouse facilities: Lake Fairfax Campground receives consistent praise for its modern restrooms. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained. It's very convenient and plenty of activities for the kids," notes Tana S., highlighting a feature many campers appreciate.
Proximity to metropolitan areas: Campers value the ability to easily access urban amenities while camping. "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," writes Josh J. about his winter camping experience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe native wildlife. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" shares Kathie M., noting the bird watching opportunities at one location.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds host scheduled events for guests. "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," explains Ben G., detailing the programming available.
What you should know
Noise factors vary by location: Some campgrounds experience intermittent noise from nearby facilities or transportation routes. "This place is packed full of people who like to stay up late and make lots of noise. Park rules aren't very well enforced. Showers were clean and campsites seemed well maintained," reports Kelli T. about her experience.
Site levelness challenges: Terrain variations affect campsite quality for RVs at some locations. "Sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill. Driveways are all very narrow," explains Laura M. about Greenbelt Park Campground.
Bathroom availability issues: Some facilities close for daily cleaning. "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm. Two showers were included but didn't use it so not sure about pressure or heat," notes a visitor to Cedarville State Forest.
Seasonal insect populations: Ticks and mosquitos can be problematic, particularly in wooded areas. "Ticks were really bad. We killed dozens and ended up taking at least one with us when we left," warns Tracy R. about a spring camping trip.
Tips for camping with families
Water park discounts: Several campgrounds offer reduced admission rates to on-site water features for registered campers. "The water park at Pohick Bay offers... rates... for registered campers during summer visits," allowing families to add swimming to their camping activities.
Playground considerations: Select sites based on proximity to play areas. "Our site was facing the road to the other loops, which initially concerned me about noise, but because of limited traffic due to loop closures it never was an issue either," explains Crystal C. when describing site selection at a family-friendly campground.
Transportation options to DC attractions: Cherry Hill Park provides convenient access to Washington DC for family day trips. "The best park in the DC area! Very nice grounds, clean, and amenities galore! Plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" shares Jason E.
Pet exercise areas: Pet-friendly camping locations typically offer designated areas for dogs to exercise. "Trails near Pohick Bay allow leashed dogs to explore wooded areas with their owners," giving families with pets space for daily walks.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Specific loops and sites accommodate different RV sizes. "Loop B is for tents and RVs under 30 ft, Loop C is for tents, and Loop D is for tents and RVs under 35 ft. No hookups at any of the sites," explains Laura M. about one campground's layout.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require substantial leveling equipment. "Our site was pretty level but not for larger rigs. We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs," notes an RVer at Cedarville State Forest.
Water hookup accessibility: Water spigot locations can affect setup. "The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down," shares an RVer describing water fill challenges.
Site layout variations: Pull-through sites are available at select locations. "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 RVers appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Alexandria, VA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Alexandria, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Alexandria, VA is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 38 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Alexandria, VA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Alexandria, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near Alexandria, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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