The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Equestrian Camping near Bristow, VA

8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Horse camping options near Bristow, Virginia are limited, with no dedicated equestrian campgrounds offering horse corrals according to available data. Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with amenities including electric hookups, water connections, fire rings, toilets, and pet-friendly policies. While horses are permitted at this regional park, there are no specialized horse facilities such as corrals, stalls, or wash racks. Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville similarly accommodates various camping styles with standard amenities but lacks specific equestrian infrastructure. The campgrounds maintain clean sites with adequate spacing for standard camping equipment.

    Bridle trails exist within the general area for day use, though overnight horse camping infrastructure is minimal. Riders must typically bring portable corrals or high-line equipment if staying overnight with horses. The terrain offers moderate riding opportunities with some woodland trails accessible from campgrounds. Water access for horses is available at designated areas, though campers should verify current conditions before arrival. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round with peak usage during spring and fall when weather conditions are optimal for riding. Advance reservations are recommended, especially for travelers with horses and trailers requiring additional space. Local regulations may apply regarding proper manure management and designated equestrian parking areas.

    Shenandoah National Park Camping Guide - The Complete Guide

    Get the guide now

    View Guide

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Bristow (8)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Pohick Bay Campground

      4.1(37)10mi from Bristow150 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "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."

      from $37 - $170 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Bull Run Regional Park

      3.9(43)14mi from Bristow142 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

      3. Cedarville State Forest

      3.8(17)23mi from BristowRVs, Tents

      "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 Availability

      4. Lichtman Camp 1 — Prince William Forest Park

      5.0(1)17mi from BristowTents, Cabins, Glamping
      Check Availability

      5. Andrews AFB Military FamCamp

      3.0(1)18mi from BristowRVs, Tents, Glamping

      from $18 - $30 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Camp Meade RV Park

      4.0(2)32mi from BristowRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping
      Check Availability

      7. Camp Winery

      5.0(1)43mi from Bristow1 siteRVs, Tents

      "Close to many cool things in the area too"

      Check Availability

      8. Finksburg Forest

      Be the first to review49mi from BristowTents, Glamping

      from $22 - $100 / night

      Check Availability
    View all 8 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Bristow Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Bristow, VA

    1 Photos of 8 Bristow Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bristow, VA

    105 Reviews of 8 Bristow Campgrounds

    • R
      Oct. 4, 2021

      Cedarville State Forest

      Peaceful

      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. 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.

    • Ben J.
      Aug. 31, 2019

      Cedarville State Forest

      Pretty cool for so close to DC

      Saw 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.

    • Kasey M.
      Aug. 26, 2020

      Cedarville State Forest

      Mosquitos, Overgrown & Quiet

      We 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!

    • A
      May. 29, 2024

      Pohick Bay Campground

      Good trip

      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. 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.

    • Anne K.
      Apr. 26, 2020

      Bull Run Regional Park

      Typical

      Lots of trees to protect from hot Virginia sun

      Woke up to sounds from gun range.

    • Kelsey K.
      Jul. 4, 2021

      Pohick Bay Campground

      Family oriented, but super close and not private

      Initially 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.

    • Jenifer K.
      May. 11, 2019

      Pohick Bay Campground

      Woods and City

      We 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.

    • moonbeans
      Oct. 15, 2022

      Cedarville State Forest

      Great beginner’s campground

      Forested 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).

    • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 18, 2025

      Bull Run Regional Park

      Expensive for what you get; and drainage problems.

      We have found municipal campgrounds in Northern Virginia are a bit spendy for being government sponsored.  Not as bad as South Carolina, but way more than Florida.  Fine.  Comes with the territory.  But Bull Run manages to goose you even more.  There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights.  But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay.  Even mid-week.  In APRIL for gosh sakes!

      While we were here, there was a fairly heavy day of rain.  Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical.  The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow.  Result was lots of standing water at our campsite.

      We're done with NOVA Parks campgrounds.  Better cost options exist with Fairfax County Parks.

    Guide to Bristow

    Camping options near Bristow, Virginia span across Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland, with sites situated between 100-500 feet elevation in the Piedmont region. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters where overnight camping temperatures can drop below freezing. Local campgrounds typically receive 40-45 inches of annual rainfall, creating occasionally muddy conditions during spring camping season.

    What to do

    Disc golf adventures: Pohick Bay Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course that provides recreational opportunities for campers. Rachel L. notes it's "a go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course."

    Water activities: Pohick Bay Campground offers various water recreation options during summer months with boat rentals and a water park. Anne K. mentions that "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer. Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" makes this a good warm-weather camping destination.

    Wildlife observation: While horse camping facilities are limited, the natural areas provide wildlife viewing opportunities. Kathie M. from Pohick Bay Campground reports it's an "Eagle haven! Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere!"

    Forest hiking: Multiple trail systems connect campgrounds to woodland areas with moderate terrain. Perry A. describes Bull Run Regional Park as a "Nice camping spot close to DC with hiking nearby," making it suitable for day hikes while based at camp.

    What campers like

    Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower amenities receive positive reviews at several campgrounds. At Bull Run Regional Park, Yvonne B. enthusiastically states: "I'll go again just for the showers. The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."

    Spacious sites: Campground layouts typically provide adequate space between sites. Roberta K. describes Bull Run: "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone."

    Proximity to DC: Locations within driving distance of Washington make these campgrounds convenient for weekend trips. Josh J. from Pohick Bay Campground comments: "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."

    Nature immersion: Despite suburban locations, campgrounds maintain natural settings. Charyssa G. from Bull Run Regional Park shares: "Very spacious sites and awesome views of the forest," highlighting the natural surroundings even in developed campgrounds.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Cedarville State Forest, reservations are essential as "the campground can fill quickly, especially if RV's are involved," according to Bill G.

    Seasonal considerations: Weather conditions affect camping experiences throughout the year. Ben J. reports at Cedarville State Forest: "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bristow, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bristow, VA is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bristow, VA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Bristow, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

    Keep Exploring