Equestrian camping opportunities near Falls Church, Virginia remain limited within the immediate vicinity. This area sits at elevations between 300-400 feet in the Piedmont region, experiencing humid summers and mild winters with occasional snow. Fall camping season typically extends through October with daytime temperatures averaging 55-65°F.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Bull Run Regional Park features an 18-hole course frequently mentioned by visitors. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes one camper at Pohick Bay Campground.
Water activities: Several parks offer boating options during summer months. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" is available at Pohick Bay, according to visitor feedback. The park also features "Pirate's Cove waterpark...definitely a highlight in summer."
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas preserve habitat for various species. One visitor at Pohick Bay Regional Park described it as an "Eagle haven! Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere!"
Historical exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to Civil War sites. "There are miles of trails and overgrown roads to walk. Equestrian trails go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail," reports a camper at Cedarville State Forest.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent positive mentions. At Cedarville State Forest, "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm. Two showers were included."
Convenience to DC: The proximity to Washington makes these parks popular weekend destinations. "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," shares a Pohick Bay visitor.
Firewood delivery: Some parks offer direct campsite service. "The ranger delivers firewood to your site within about 10-15 min of calling, which was very convenient. Cost was $5 for 8 logs," notes a Cedarville camper.
Camp activities: Organized events enhance stays for many visitors. 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."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," reports a Bull Run visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require additional equipment for RVs. "Not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help," notes a Pohick Bay camper.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent throughout the region. A Bull Run camper advises, "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it! We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk."
Seasonal considerations: Water attractions close during cooler months. "Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends," shares a Pohick Bay visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Some parks offer regular programming for children. At Bull Run, "They informed us that 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."
Playground locations: Consider site proximity to play areas when booking. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," shares a Pohick Bay camper.
Water park access: Several parks feature water attractions during summer. "The water park is great," notes a Pohick Bay visitor, making it suitable for families seeking recreational amenities beyond equestrian options.
Site selection considerations: Noise levels vary significantly between sites. "This place is packed full of people who like to stay up late and make lots of noise. Park rules aren't very well enforced," cautions one Pohick Bay visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Cedarville, "Site 6 was good but not for larger rigs. We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs. Site 5 or 7 wouldn't have that problem."
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies between parks. "30 amp electric. No issues there," reports a Cedarville camper, though this differs from Bull Run which offers both 30 and 50 amp service.
Water connections: Understand water access rules before arrival. At Camp Meade RV Park, "Did stay here after visiting Vicksburg. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F."
Dump station conditions: Quality varies significantly between locations. "They 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," warns a Cedarville visitor.
