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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
