Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Annandale, VA

Burke Lake Park Campground's pet-friendly sites offer primitive camping with convenient access to amenities and activities. Located in Fairfax Station, Virginia, this park allows pets on a leash throughout the campground and trails. Campsites are nestled in a wooded area away from the main recreational facilities, providing a quieter experience for campers with dogs. The campground features clean bathrooms with showers, though no electricity or running water is available at individual sites. Lake Fairfax Campground also accommodates pets with spacious sites that include grassy areas ideal for dogs. Both campgrounds maintain strict leash policies to ensure safety for all visitors. The sites are relatively close together but separated well enough to provide adequate space for camping with pets. Sites remain clean and well-maintained, with regular trash collection.

A 5-mile trail circles Burke Lake, offering excellent walking opportunities for dogs and their owners. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp provides another pet-friendly option with full hookups and views of the Potomac River. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet throughout these facilities. Quiet hours are strictly enforced at all campgrounds to prevent excessive barking disturbances. Most campsites include fire rings and picnic tables where campers can relax with their pets nearby. Fairfax County parks require all pet waste to be properly collected and disposed of in designated receptacles. Skaters at Lake Fairfax were noted to be respectful of young children and pets sharing the recreation areas. Local veterinary services are available within 15-20 minutes of most campgrounds in the Annandale area.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Annandale, Virginia (73)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

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

    $33 - $150 / night

    "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."

    "This is a pet friendly campground. There's a lot to do out at the whole park, and its worth exploring (we just didn't have time). I'm sure its so pretty out near the water."

    2. Bull Run Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +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."

    4. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    19 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    8 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."

    6. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    19 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    20 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."

    8. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    18 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    18 miles
    +1 (703) 221-2474

    "Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located."

    "Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city."

    9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

    4 Reviews
    Fort Belvoir, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +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. Fairfax County Burke Lake Park

    2 Reviews
    Fairfax Station, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground."

    "i’ve camped here too many times to count, love being surrounded by nature!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Annandale, VA

682 Reviews of 73 Annandale Campgrounds


  • R
    Apr. 24, 2023

    Fredericksburg-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.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2021

    Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    Very convenient to National Park

    This place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September. The original site the gave us had a large rut and washed out spot, so we could not get level. I checked in the office and the reassigned another space that was much better. Full hook ups, nice clean shower and bathrooms, playground, pool, large dog park.

  • singinajf@aol.com
    May. 26, 2021

    Ramblin' 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.

  • J
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Brunswick 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.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Cherry 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.

  • Megan K.
    Aug. 17, 2021

    Prince 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

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2021

    Cherry 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.

  • Caitlin A.
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Smallwood 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!

  • Matt S.
    May. 5, 2025

    Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    Location. Location. Location.

    We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. 

    We paid$114/night(average per night, including fees and taxes) for Site# 94. A bit pricey considering a lack of elbow room, but it’s a great location and everything is well-kept. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door. Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car(or shuttle from the Visitor Center). Frederick and Antietam are each barely 30-minutes by car. Gettysburg, Baltimore, and DC are about an hour’s drive. 

    • Clean and level gravel site with well-maintained utility hook-ups. 

    • Great campground store filled with food, drinks, camp supplies, souvenirs, and essentials you may need while away from home. 

    • Friendly staff in the office& store. 

    • The whole park is quiet and well-maintained. 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45’ motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air. The nice staff kindly moved us to a FHU site without the patio and furniture. And refunded the difference in price for the lesser site. Thanks for providing the move but ‘premium’ sites should be somewhat level, am I right? 

    • Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together. 

    • A $3 per night“Pet Fee” for our small, mostly-indoor dog felt a bit like nickel-and-diming. I realize it only amounted to an extra$12, but he didn’t need any extra gravel. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a nice campground with lots of great places nearby including Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Frederick, Washington DC, Baltimore, and more.

Guide to Annandale

Camping near Annandale, Virginia offers varied terrain with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level throughout Fairfax County. The area's humid subtropical climate creates mild winters and warm summers, with precipitation distributed evenly throughout the year. Most campgrounds remain open from March through October, with a few operating year-round to accommodate campers during all seasons.

What to do

Disc golf courses: Pohick Bay Regional Park features an 18-hole course where campers can enjoy a round while staying at the campground. "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.

Water activities: Lake Fairfax Campground offers fishing, boat rentals, and a water park adjacent to camping areas. "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, & canoeing)," says Amy B.

Historical exploration: The region surrounding Annandale contains numerous Civil War sites accessible from local campgrounds. The area near Bull Run Regional Park has significant historical value. "BR park is absolutely beautiful. So much to do and centered around many historical sites. It's a gem," reports one camper identified as AS.

What campers like

Quiet wooded sites: Many campgrounds near Annandale provide tree cover that helps create a sense of isolation despite being close to urban areas. "Oak Ridge Campground is deep at 'end' of Prince William Forest (13 miles from forest entrance gate). Loop C is more remote. The sites were roomy and not too close," notes Lisa P.

Clean facilities: Prince William Forest RV Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "This is a small facility that is well maintained. The staff is amazing. The showers are clean/hot and the playground is in very good condition," writes Rebecca E.

Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local fauna. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" says Kathie M. about Pohick Bay Campground.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Lake Fairfax operates from "March 22 to September 7," while Oak Ridge Campground runs from "Mar 01 to Oct 31."

Proximity to noise sources: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby facilities or transportation. "The downside is that there are no trails accessible onsite and the campground is pretty close to main road," Laura G. notes about Prince William Forest RV Campground. Another camper mentions: "Camp ground is nice. Check in was a breeze. The only drawback is that it is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away."

Reservation requirements: Greenbelt Park Campground requires advance booking. "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online," advises Crystal C.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Bull Run Regional Park, "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," shares Bridget H.

Educational opportunities: Cherry Hill Park offers scheduled activities for children. "They gave us a great intro to the park as we were first timers. 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," says Ben G. about a different campground with similar amenities.

Site selection: When camping with pets or children, consider site location relative to facilities. "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground. There is a carousel and a kiddy train, frisbee golf, a regular golf course - all a short drive from DC. We reserved campsite B14. It was right next to the bathroom (we wanted to be near the restroom for the kids)," advises Alexis.

Tips from RVers

Leveling considerations: Some sites require additional equipment for proper setup. "The sites and clean and spacious. 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," notes Drew M.

Urban conveniences: Pet-friendly camping near Annandale, Virginia offers good access to urban amenities. "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," Josh J. mentions.

Utility connections: Full-hookup sites are limited at many campgrounds in the area. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers water, electric and sewer connections, though "some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable. You really need a toad since supplies are not very close to the camping area," advises Mike H.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Annandale, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Annandale, VA is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 38 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Annandale, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near Annandale, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.