8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
None of the campgrounds in the provided data feature horse corrals or specific equestrian accommodations near Arlington, Virginia. Each campground explicitly lists "NO horse-corral" among its features. While several parks like Pohick Bay Campground, Bull Run Regional Park, and Cedarville State Forest offer camping options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins, none provide dedicated facilities for horses. Campers seeking equestrian-friendly accommodations would need to look beyond these immediate options.
Pohick Bay Regional Park offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking trails, water activities, and camping, but lacks horse-specific amenities. The park maintains multiple camping loops with varying levels of privacy and access to facilities. Sites on the outer loops generally offer more seclusion, while the electric loop features improved bathhouse access. Trails connect the campground to the waterfront, where boat rentals and fishing opportunities are available. The nearby Meadowood Recreation Area offers mountain biking trails, but no designated equestrian paths appear in the reviewed data.
"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."
"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."
from $37 - $170 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $39 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog. Very pretty area with lots of trails and overgrown roads to walk."
from $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $18 - $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $100 / night
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GuideWe stayed here for 3 nights at a back in with w/e. 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. We were working in Arlington/DC only a 25 min drive away and it was nice to come home to some nature.
GuideWe 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. We could hear and smell horses when we got to our campsite, but it didn't last forever.
The site was mostly clean, had a few pieces of small trash scattered around when we arrived. The sites were decently spaced out from one another, it didn't feel like we were right on top of the people across and next to us. Our site was close to the restroom, it had a little path leading to the restroom, and it looked like there was little trail paths all around leading to the restrooms from the different parts of the loop. The path leading to the restroom from our site was gravel and easy to walk on. The restrooms were clean, but the floor was wet almost the entire time we were there (likely due to the showers).
If you need to buy wood it is $5 for 8 pieces and you call a number given to you in your registration packet. The ranger will then drive by and drop off the wood at your campsite. The inner ring of this loop has electricity, and the electric box was just on the far side of the picnic table in the corner.
ScoutWas excited to try first night out in a Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent. Unfortunately, learned NOVA Parks regards anything in a truck bed whether a camper or tent is not welcome. I didn't realize NOVA Parks considers this campground as a resort and vehicle camping - ither than a class A or B - implies homeless and they don't want that image. They do also allow a travel trailer and tents can only be used on the ground not in a truck bed as designed. Beautiful park ... I live nearby in Arlington but was frustrated not able to use a nearby Park and Campground I pay taxes to support. I used another Campground in Fairfax County that was welcoming.
GuideSaw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates. Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC. There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog. Very pretty area with lots of trails and overgrown roads to walk. Equestrian trails go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail. Bathrooms don’t look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure. The have a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower. It was hot, so it was OK. Hahaha. They sell firewood, but they were huge pieces and getting them to start burning was tough. LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers. Each site had picnic table, fire ring, and pretty level parking spot.
RangerWe chose this campground based on proximity to work. This campground was priced fairly, however, it does come with its downfalls.
PROS
Let me start with the positive, we were 1 of 3 campers in this loop during our week-long stay. This made it peaceful and quiet.
CONS
It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times.
Other than the daily bathroom cleaning, this campground lacks maintenance on sites and walkways. They are both overgrown.
Playground, fishing, archery all seem blocked off at this time.
Trails seem open but are across and through hunting areas. They are also muddy from the rain. There is even standing water around our site which brings us to...the MOSQUITOS! We tried fans, tiki torches, and many deet free or light deet products before having to buy 100% deet so we could be outside. These things are awful!
ScoutWe 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. The waterpark is new and loud so we avoid but nice if you have young kids. Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95. Go around to next exit. The check in at the cap store is crowded and narrow even with renovations but our 34 ft makes it okay. Bring bikes. Long bike trail along road. Farmers markets in Lorton and things to do in DC. Park at Huntington or Springfield metro. Short boat ride straight across from Ft Belvoir new family campground. Ice cream shop in season by water docks. Bathrooms clean always hot water three stalls each. Sink outside for dishes. Playground buts up against inner circle which are the only sewer sites. Others are electric water. Careful some near steep drop off. Stick to main road or inner circle or first circle if in big unit. Must go round circle to get to those spots which can be annoying. Two speed bumps. Camp store sells smores ingredients, limited candy, no eggs or bacon get those off Rte 1. Past entrance on Rte 1 is a Food Lion, McDonalds. Gas stations along Rte one are tight so fill up before exiting to campground. If you are desperate there is gas 7/11 at corner of Pohick and Rte 1 but its sketchy. Up the road off Rte 1 is Fort Belvoir Access w a drivers license however cant shop without military sponsored ID. Great bbq at Telegraph Rd and greek at Olympians family restaurant. Movie theater on Telegraph is nice. Springfield Mall close. Take Onville Rd which is a backroad by Pohick Church to shortcut to Rte 1. Pohick Rd past camping turn deadends into private neighborhood. Do not pass camp entrance. Hard to turn around if you do. Near End of Pohick is a small walk with overlook. See birds at point. Drive a car not RV. Park at lot on right before road split deadend. Gunston Hall on left can see from campground and water. Tours are nice.
GuideLots of trees to protect from hot Virginia sun
Woke up to sounds from gun range.
TravelerInitially disappointed by the tiny spot we got, but we were able to move. Majority of the spots are extremely close to the next and doesn't allow much privacy. Very few trees in between. We chose another spot that was available, however, we found out the first night that there is a boat area and bright light all night right behind us and the light came through the tent. Another dissapointment. We camped in a tent and did 3 nights, 4 days. (4th of July weekend) We loved the family friendliness that allowed us to walk right down the street/trail to take our kids to the water park. They give you a discounted price if you are camping. They also have mini golf and disc golf near by as well. If we come again, we will definitely be more particular about our spot. They also had bathrooms and showers not to far from our spot that were actually clean.
ScoutForested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC.
If you’ve forgotten anything you can pop on by the Target or Costco right outside the forest.
Also, you can purchase wood while checking in and the Rangers don’t mind if you take a bit extra. Just bring your own starters and kindling (or a small hatchet/saw).
Planes do occasionally fly over the area so consider bringing earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper. The noise wasn’t really noticeable when I went on a Saturday (the neighboring campsite’s dogs were louder).
Camping options near Arlington, Virginia offer wooded settings within 40-60 minutes of the city center. The Potomac River creates natural boundaries with Maryland to the northeast, while the Occoquan River winds through several recreation areas to the southwest. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent camping.
Disc golf courses: Bull Run Regional Park maintains an 18-hole disc golf course popular with weekend visitors. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes a Pohick Bay Regional Park visitor.
Hiking trail networks: The Brown Trail at Cedarville State Forest offers a more secluded walking experience. "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," shares one camper, while another notes the "decent trails to hike" despite the prevalence of ticks.
Water activities: Multiple waterfront options exist at Pohick Bay Regional Park, with boat rentals and fishing opportunities. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" is available according to reviewers, while another mentions "boat rental a short walk down the trail from the campgrounds."
Historical exploration: The region's Civil War significance provides educational opportunities. One camper at Bull Run notes "Lots of history near by so check out the old battle fields and buildings that housed troops during civil war."
Convenient location: The proximity to DC makes these campgrounds practical for weekend getaways. A Bull Run Regional Park visitor notes "This park is absolutely beautiful. So much to do and centered around many historical sites." Pohick Bay campers appreciate that "going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat" with only a "25-30m" drive to Alexandria.
Wildlife viewing: Eagles are frequently spotted at Pohick Bay, where one visitor reports "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites." Another camper saw "a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates" at Cedarville State Forest.
Recreation amenities: Many campgrounds feature additional facilities beyond standard camping. At Bull Run Regional Park, "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon... They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides."
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality matters to campers. One Cedarville State Forest visitor reports, "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm."
No dedicated equestrian facilities: Despite the rural surroundings, equestrian camping near Arlington, Virginia is limited. While some parks like Cedarville State Forest have "Equestrian trails [that] go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail," none of the campgrounds reviewed offer dedicated horse corrals or overnight equestrian accommodations.
Insect concerns: Ticks and mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as significant issues. "We tried fans, tiki torches, and many deet free or light deet products before having to buy 100% deet so we could be outside," reports one Cedarville camper, while another warns "I've never left this park without at least one tick."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Arlington, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Arlington, VA is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Arlington, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Arlington, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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