Arlington-area campgrounds offer several options for pet-friendly overnight stays with varying features and rules. Prince William Forest Park sits on 15,000 acres of piedmont forest at elevations between 200-400 feet, creating moderate hiking terrain accessible for most dogs. Campgrounds in the region typically enforce quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM, with most sites requiring advance reservations.
What to do
Explore hiking trails with your dog: Lake Fairfax Campground features accessible trails that connect directly to the campground. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. There is plenty of things to do here to keep a family occupied," notes Ben G. about this pet-friendly destination.
Visit the water with your pet: Pohick Bay Campground offers boating opportunities where many campers bring their dogs. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions Anne K. in her review, making it an excellent spot for water-loving dogs.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region features diverse wildlife that can be observed while walking your pet. "I found my site which was close to the bath house and while cooking dinner noticed a family of deer grazing close by, a great way to settle in for the evening," shares Crystal C. about her experience at Greenbelt Park Campground.
What campers like
Private shower facilities: The bathhouses at many campgrounds feature individual shower rooms. "The bathhouses are ok, happy to have free showers with hot running water. Faucets allow you to control the temperature and there's continuous running water (no button to push)," explains Laura M. about her stay at Greenbelt Park.
Wildlife encounters: Prince William Forest Park provides natural habitats where pets can safely observe wildlife. "We saw lots of wildlife but had no issues with trash or food (raccoons left everything alone)," mentions Lisa P. about camping there with her family.
Accessibility to DC attractions: Many campers appreciate being able to leave pets at camp while visiting nearby attractions. "We 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," explains Josh J. about Pohick Bay Campground.
What you should know
Tick prevention is essential: Several campgrounds report tick issues, especially in summer months. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest.
Space limitations: Many sites have limited space that can make managing pets challenging. "The camping loop is small and is shared by tent and RV. Tent sites can accommodate maybe up to a six person tent comfortably," notes Bill G. about Cedarville State Forest, which could create crowding issues for those with pets.
Tree policies affect pet containment: Some parks have specific rules about using trees. "NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," shares Timothy C., which could affect how you secure pet leads.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Bull Run Regional Park offers extensive family programming that accommodates pets. "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.
Choose the right site location: Site selection impacts both children's and pets' camping experience. "Sites 30, 33, and 35 at Lake Fairfax provide more privacy along the tree line, making them ideal for tent campers with pets. Sites were pretty level but not all sites are level (half)," Robert P. explains.
Secure sites well in advance: Family-friendly campgrounds book quickly, especially in peak seasons. "This campground is priced fairly, however, it does come with its downfalls. 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," notes Kasey M., highlighting the advantage of camping during off-peak times.
Tips from RVers
Level sites are variable: Cherry Hill Park offers mixed terrain for RVs with pets. "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. We loved it. Pros: 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer... Cons: Gravel pad, Expensive, Spotty Wi-Fi," explains Beth R.
Check site dimensions carefully: RV sites vary significantly in size and access. "Driveways are all very narrow. Most have too much tree cover for solar or starlink, but some sites are more open and you might be able to make it work," Laura M. cautions about Greenbelt Park.
Water access points may be limited: Understanding water access is important when camping with pets. "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 Laura M. about Greenbelt Park's facilities.
