The Washington DC area offers several campground options near Brambleton, Virginia, located within 25 to 60 minutes of the capital. Most parks in this region experience peak occupancy from April through October, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60-90°F during camping season. Northern Virginia campgrounds typically sit at elevations between 200-400 feet above sea level, with deciduous forest cover providing moderate shade at most sites.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Prince William Forest Park provides miles of woodland trails directly accessible from Prince William Forest RV Campground. "Prince William Forest which is a fantastic National Parks forest" according to one camper, with sites positioned to maximize trail access.
Water activities: Burke Lake Park offers multiple water-based recreation options with no additional fees. "You can take out boats (there is a boat launch). Campgrounds are nice, located in the woods along the lake and have access to decent bathrooms," notes one visitor to the park.
Historic exploration: Visit nearby historical sites within 10 minutes of Harpers Ferry Campground. "Harpers Ferry is a beautiful place to hike, camp and visit," states one reviewer. The C&O Canal towpath runs through the campground, allowing walks to historic areas.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Brunswick Family Campground offers direct river access. "100 yards from here campsite may be a little more for further out but the Shanandoah river parallels the campground. The river is beautifully clean clear and cool," reports one camper who particularly enjoyed the water quality.
Clean facilities: Cherry Hill Park maintains exceptionally clean bathhouses and shower facilities. "Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk," notes one reviewer who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Natural surroundings: Campers value the wooded settings at Lake Fairfax Park. "This campground has a lot to offer & there is bunch of activities available outside the campground," mentions one visitor who appreciated the balance of nature and activities.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds have railroad tracks nearby with regular train service. At Brunswick Family Campground, "The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It's not bothered me but you should be aware," one camper noted, suggesting light sleepers bring earplugs.
Cell coverage: Service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, "Att coverage is good," reports one reviewer, while other parks have more spotty reception depending on carrier.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites. At Bull Run Regional Park, one camper observed "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," suggesting bringing additional leveling equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Bull Run Regional Park offers numerous family activities. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," reports one family who enjoyed the organized events that run seasonally from April through October.
Child-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated facilities for children. "They have a nice looking pool area... The shop was cute and staff nice," notes a camper at Cherry Hill Park, where families appreciate the structured activities.
Budget considerations: Some parks offer discounted weekday rates. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "We got a discount for staying 2 nights so it was only $29 a night," mentions a camper who visited with their family, noting the significant savings compared to weekend rates.
Tips from RVers
Military credentials: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers excellent facilities but requires military ID. "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting," explains one RVer who used the camp as a base for DC exploration.
Pull-through accessibility: For larger RVs, select campgrounds with designated pull-through sites. "Easy entry after dark. Sites were mostly level," notes one reviewer about Prince William Forest RV Campground, appreciating the straightforward setup.
Site selection strategy: At Fort Valley Ranch, site location makes a significant difference. "Our site (site 3) was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless. All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed," reports one RVer who found the ranch particularly accommodating for large rigs.
