Best Campgrounds near Arlington, VA

Camping near Arlington, Virginia, 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 said, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!"
• Swimming: Enjoy a swim at the lake near Cherry Hill Park. A visitor mentioned, "The swimming pools were pretty crowded, but we were very happy with our site."
• Fishing: Try your luck at Pohick Bay Campground. One camper shared, "We spent an entire day kayak fishing on the small lake and clear clean water."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Bull Run Regional Park. A review noted, "The bathrooms are clean and modern. The grounds are well maintained."
• Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpful staff at Cherry Hill Park. One guest said, "Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well."
• Nature and Privacy: Campers at Owens Creek Campground love the peaceful setting. A reviewer mentioned, "This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."

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: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Cunningham Falls State Park. A visitor noted, "The campsites were relatively small, and close together."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Oak Ridge Campground, lack electric hookups and showers. A reviewer 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 playgrounds, like Cherry Hill Park. One parent said, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
• Safety First: Choose sites that are close to bathrooms, especially for younger kids. A camper at Owens Creek Campground mentioned, "Our site was right next to bathrooms which was also great with the kids."
• Plan for Crowds: If you're camping during holidays, be prepared for busy sites. A visitor at Cunningham Falls State Park noted, "It was crowded enough that you do not really feel like you are out 'in nature.'"

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA said, "The sites were so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend."
• Use Public Transit: If you're visiting DC, consider using public transport. One camper at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit."
• Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, so check reviews before booking. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground warned about the constant noise from helicopters.

Camping around Arlington, Virginia, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to check the amenities and plan accordingly!