Fairfax Station, Virginia camping areas sit at elevations between 200-400 feet in the Piedmont region, creating moderate terrain that remains accessible year-round. The region receives approximately 43 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures averaging 85°F, making early fall the optimal camping season. Several campgrounds maintain operational status through winter months with reduced amenities.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Bull Run Regional Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course that provides a convenient outdoor activity without leaving the campground. One camper noted, "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course" at Pohick Bay Campground, which maintains similar recreational options.
Wildlife observation: The wetland areas surrounding Pohick Bay attract significant bird populations, particularly bald eagles. A visitor remarked, "Eagles everywhere!" making this location ideal for bird watching enthusiasts. Morning hours between 6-9am typically offer the best viewing opportunities.
Historical exploration: The proximity to Civil War sites creates opportunities for historical day trips. One camper at Bull Run noted you can "check out the old battle fields and buildings that housed troops during civil war. Very cool stuff." Most historical sites open 9am-5pm with entrance fees ranging from $5-15 per person.
Water activities: During warmer months, kayaking and small watercraft are available at multiple locations. A Pohick Bay camper mentioned, "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" provides recreation options. Cedarville State Forest offers additional water access points with a camper noting, "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk" to reach water features.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Several campgrounds feature well-designed site layouts with natural barriers. A visitor to Bull Run Regional Park commented, "Very spacious sites and awesome views of the forest." Another noted, "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."
Bathroom facilities: Multiple campers specifically mentioned bathroom quality. One Bull Run visitor stated, "Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had." Cedarville State Forest receives similar praise with a camper noting, "Bathrooms are clean and showers are warm."
Family programming: Scheduled activities enhance the camping experience for families. A camper shared, "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."
Proximity to DC: Many campers value these campgrounds for their accessibility to urban areas while maintaining natural settings. A visitor to Camp Meade RV Park noted the convenience of being "securely on post" while still enjoying outdoor recreation, and a Pohick Bay camper mentioned being only "30-40m from DC" while staying in a "nice quiet clean campground."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience periodic noise disruption. A Bull Run camper mentioned, "The only drawback is that it is not quite [quiet]. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away." Cedarville visitors similarly note, "There is however a great bit of light pollution at night here due to its approximation to DC. Minimal noise except for planes overhead."
Weather preparation: The region's rainfall patterns can create drainage issues. One camper at Lichtman Camp 1 described adjusting water-proofing during unexpected storms, and another camper noted "standing water around our site" following rain events.
Tick prevalence: Multiple campers report tick encounters, particularly in warmer months. A Cedarville visitor warned, "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers." Another stated simply, "I've never left this park without at least one tick."
Equestrian limitations: While equestrian camping near Fairfax Station, Virginia exists, designated horse facilities are limited. Several campgrounds offer access to bridle paths without dedicated corrals. A Cedarville camper mentioned, "Equestrian trails go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail," though dedicated horseback camping infrastructure is minimal.
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: Multiple campgrounds feature water recreation areas suitable for children. One camper at Pohick Bay noted, "This is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around. Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer."
Nature programs: Structured environmental activities engage younger campers. A Bull Run visitor shared, "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Playground proximity: Consider booking sites near play areas when traveling with children. A Bull Run camper mentioned, "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located," suggesting strategic site selection when booking for families with younger children.
Emergency planning: The region's proximity to medical facilities provides safety assurance for families. A visitor to Andrews AFB Military FamCamp noted access requirements but appreciated the security, stating family campers "Need military id and reservations to go" but benefit from the amenities and safety protocols.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for terrain variations. A Bull Run camper noted, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level." Another mentioned, "Our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that."
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of utility connections. A Cedarville visitor mentioned, "We have AT&T and had two bars pretty consistently," while another pointed out the "30 amp electric" limitations at certain sites.
Space considerations: Larger rigs may encounter challenges at some campgrounds. A Cedarville camper observed, "Some of these damn things are so huge, I have trouble believing they could wedge themselves here," while another warned that "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."
