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

Camping near Bristow, VA

93 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Campgrounds near Bristow, Virginia provide convenient access to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area while offering natural getaways. Several established campgrounds serve the region, including Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville and Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, both within 15-20 miles of Bristow. These developed campgrounds accommodate various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin options. Most facilities in the area operate year-round or with extended seasons, making them accessible for both weekend getaways and longer stays.

    Seasonal considerations impact camping experiences in Northern Virginia, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when facilities reach capacity quickly. "This place is right near my house yet it still feels like you're out in the open," noted one Burke Lake visitor, highlighting how these campgrounds provide nature experiences despite their suburban settings. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp requires military credentials for access, while other parks like Pohick Bay Regional Park charge additional fees for out-of-area visitors. Most campgrounds in the region offer at least basic amenities including toilets and drinking water, with many providing showers and electric hookups.

    Camping areas near Bristow typically balance suburban proximity with natural settings. The developed campgrounds in Fairfax County parks feature wooded sites with nearby water recreation. Burke Lake Park receives positive reviews for its family-friendly amenities including fishing, boat rentals, playgrounds, and a 5-mile trail circling the lake. However, some campers note the close quarters between sites and occasional noise issues. According to reviews, "If you are looking for seclusion this is not the place for you, but if you just want a quick night out camping at the last minute, this is a good choice." Prince William Forest Park provides a more secluded alternative with Oak Ridge Campground offering primitive tent sites and RV camping in a forested setting from March through October.

    Shenandoah National Park Camping Guide - The Complete Guide

    Get the guide now

    View Guide

    Best Campgrounds near Bristow (93)

    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. Lake Fairfax Campground

      4.0(25)12mi from BristowRVs, Tents

      "If you are looking for camping in Fairfax County Virginia, this is it, because there are only a couple to choose from."

      "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."

      from $30 - $70 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Burke Lake Park Campground

      3.9(15)6mi from BristowRVs, Tents

      "We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."

      "This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."

      Check Availability

      5. Cherry Hill Park

      4.8(42)21mi from Bristow1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."

      "That being said, I’m sure there were a few campers who didn’t like being right next to the walkway to the bathrooms and showers. The park is broken down in to various sections and slightly tiered."

      from $999 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

      4.6(32)18mi from Bristow99 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Showers are in loop B, which is a 5-7 minute walk. During holiday weekends the sites closest to the shower facilities are fully booked and have less privacy."

      "The Oak Ridge campgrounds at Prince William Forest Park are a lovely little campground just outside Washington DC. The sites were large, the facilities are clean and the staff friendly and helpful."

      from $26 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

      4.2(32)21mi from Bristow173 sitesRVs, Tents

      "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

      "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

      3.8(19)16mi from Bristow99 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city."

      "Stayed here for a week while working nearby. Easy to get to and set up. Office was closed when we arrived but arrival paperwork was posted outside office door."

      9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

      4.5(4)9mi from BristowRVs, Tents

      "Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."

      "It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river."

      from $55 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Fairfax County Burke Lake Park

      4.5(2)6mi from BristowRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground."

      "i’ve camped here too many times to count, love being surrounded by nature!"

      Check Availability
    View all 93 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Bristow Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Bristow, VA

    228 Photos of 93 Bristow Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Bristow, VA

    674 Reviews of 93 Bristow Campgrounds

    • Phillip H.
      May. 10, 2026

      Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

      Harper’s Ferry KOA

      The sites are close together. The park was not full Mother’s Day weekend. It is a very nice park. The bathhouses were clean. The amenities were good although we didn’t utilize them. The national historic site was very close and we walked over day 1 rode our bikes day 2. The C&O canal is accessible but you must walk your bike across the lower town bridge and carry it down the stairs. This section of the trail was very good and we completed 38 miles.

    • c
      May. 9, 2026

      Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

      Hilton area

      Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.

    • John M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 28, 2026

      Matoaka Beach Cottages

      Fantastic location with winderful hosts

      Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.

    • D
      Apr. 28, 2026

      Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

      Not as advertised on website. Loose dogs. Sites not as advertised.

      Less amenities than advertised. We usually camp in more rustic locations and planned this trip simply for the fun of the amenities. Their website claims that the pool is seasonal but doesn't list anything else as seasonal. There was supposed to be mini golf, a giant bounce pillow, indoor basketball, an arcade with air hockey and a pool table. Mini golf was fine. The bounce pillow was deflated and full of water. The arcade/pool table/air hockey building was locked and the maintenance guy(who locks it up) was outside smoking before leaving early for the day. The employee at the camp store said it was supposed to be open until the store closed but that he probably just closed it early.

       The rules state that dogs need to be on a leash at all times and, in the two hours we actually stayed, we saw four that weren't. One was staying near us and started chasing us when we rode our bikes by. One was wandering about 4 campsites down from it's owner. We mentioned it to the person at the camp store before we were chased and she just shrugged it off. 

      The map is incorrect. It lists site numbers that don't exist and doesn't list some sites that supposedly do. We spent a fifteen minutes trying to find a non-existent site before going back to the camp office and getting assigned a new site. They acted like it was a new thing caused by maintenance but we just looked and saw a review from ten months ago saying the map was messed up then. 

      The description of the site we paid for was non electric tent with a sand tent pad. The site we got was on a hill(no actual flat spot) overgrown with weeds, no tent pad, a slanted picnic table, and no actual parking spot. You had to drive over a drainage ditch and park on the hill. If our car didn't have high clearance we wouldn't have made it. There was also a hole in the middle of the site. And the map showed that number site on the corner where another unmarked site was. Our originally assigned site was supposedly in the same group of sites, so it would've been similar. Also don't believe the claim that they're"large sites." Most of them are crammed together. There are a few that look decent sized and flat, but they want you to pay an extra$30 to pick your own site. 

      We didn't even look in the bathrooms. 

      We left after two hours. Definitely a waste of$60+ dollars. 

      Next time we'll go over to the Brunswick Family campground. Their owners are lovely people who care about their customers.

    • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 12, 2026

      Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

      Nice clean Campground

      Stayed here for a week while working nearby. Easy to get to and set up. Office was closed when we arrived but arrival paperwork was posted outside office door. Even with busy road nearby, park was quiet and felt private. Sites were level and paved making setup easy. Sites had 1/2 site extra paved for vehicle with extra parking nearby. There was no litter in park, we observed a staff member daily making the rounds to keep everything clean. There was walking access into the park on wide private roads without traffic. With park access you are able to walk into national forest park from RV camp. National Forest visitor center close by, 1 exit away going south I95. Amenities in RV park included swimming pool, chess board with extra large pieces, playground and clean bath house. Firewood and ice on site.

    • C
      Apr. 12, 2026

      Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

      Great Campground

      Our family loved this campground. It was entirely wooded with plenty of shade, sites were close but separated enough to feel like you were in your own site. Our kids and others rode their bikes around the loop all weekend long. Bathrooms could have been a little cleaner and all the entrances except one were closed, but that’s what happens when you cut budgets for public lands.

    • V
      Apr. 1, 2026

      Brunswick Family Campground

      Lovely campground on the C&O. Beware the trains!

      This is a lovely campground that I recommend and would stay again.  We have been twice:  once as a family and once with a Scout troop.  The RV sites are fairly large and clean.  The tent-only sites are smaller and have a metal fire ring with a grate (nice!).  The  RV sites have mostly brick rings without grates.  The bathrooms are fairly small (two showers on the female and one on the male) which might be an issue on busy weekends.  The only real water entrance is the boat ramp, but you can climb down a cliff in other places.  A, D, and E are sunnier.  B and C and Nottingham are mostly wooded with mature trees.  We used the site as a base for a bike trip along the C&O to go to Harper’s Ferry (14mi round trip along a gravel path).  The staff were friendly and there is a small camp store.

      But the trains!  THE TRAINS!!!  Every review will mention them for a reason.  The site is adjacent to a rail yard that runs all day.  Not just a passing train, but clanging car and engine changes.   It’s LOUD.  I slept with earplugs, but could still hear the noise.  The yard really starts going around 5am and goes all day.  It slows down after 8/9pm, but never stops entirely.  The trains are the only reason for the removed star and it’s not the campground’s fault.  But almost all of the real complaints are about the noise.  If you want an extra quiet campground with only birds and running water, this is not the place for you.  But if you don’t mind the loud bangs and low rumbles, this place is fine!

      The entrance is beyond the train yard and about a mile down a widened part of the C&O.  It is possible to be trapped inside or outside if a train is stopped at the crossing (30min for us, once).  

      In short, it’s a great campground if you bring ear plugs!

    • Ashley T.
      Mar. 13, 2026

      Goose Bay Marina

      Jeepers Creepers meets Catalina Wine Mixer

      When we first arrived it was late (we are either late or not coming as always!) the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will love it tomorrow… welp he knows me! All the boat storage and walking around it so fun looking at all the boat names… they are remodeling the bathhouses now they look nice so far on the inside. Everyone is working really hard a staying busy tending to the boats or landscaping or docks… Vicki is super friendly she works practically everyday… but hopefully one day she will trust someone enough to delegate her duties to…

    Guide to Bristow

    Camping sites near Bristow, Virginia offer both natural settings and quick access to metropolitan areas. Most campsites in this region sit at elevations under 500 feet within the Piedmont region's rolling hills. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons maintain more moderate 60-75°F daytime temperatures.

    What to do

    Disc golf course access: Bull Run Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course that draws enthusiasts. "The park has disc golf, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds," notes Tom C. about Bull Run Regional Park.

    Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access, particularly at lakes. "The lake is beautiful!" comments Drew H. about Burke Lake Park Campground, which includes rental options for those without gear.

    Water recreation: Several parks feature water activities beyond swimming. "We'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests Rachel L. from Pohick Bay, while Anne K. adds, "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" is available at Pohick Bay Campground.

    Historical exploration: The region's rich Civil War history provides educational opportunities. "There are tons of amenities here. Lots of history near by so check out the old battle fields and buildings that housed troops during civil war," explains Daniel S., highlighting activities beyond typical camping.

    What campers like

    Convenient access to DC: Multiple campgrounds serve as bases for Washington DC exploration. Josh J. explains that Pohick Bay "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."

    Clean facilities: Reviews frequently mention facility quality as a standout feature. "The bathrooms are with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," raves Yvonne B. about Bull Run Regional Park.

    Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides wildlife viewing opportunities despite suburban proximity. Kathie M. notes that Pohick Bay is an "Eagle haven! Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere!"

    Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds in the region typically offer extensive amenities. "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt," writes Bridget H., highlighting Bull Run's family activities.

    What you should know

    Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," notes Drew M. about Bull Run.

    Seasonal crowds: Public areas can become congested during peak times. "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," warns Kelli T. about Pohick Bay.

    Reservation requirements: Most area campgrounds require advance booking. "You need military credentials," cautions Mike H. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, highlighting specific access restrictions at some facilities.

    Urban noise factors: Despite wooded settings, some urban sounds penetrate. "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," explains Drew M. about ambient noise at Bull Run.

    Tips for camping with families

    Multiple activity options: Families benefit from diversified recreation options. "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground. There is a carousel and a kiddy train, frisbee golf," details Alexis about Fairfax County Burke Lake Park.

    Organized activities: Some parks offer structured programming for children. "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," Ben G. shares about Pohick Bay's family programming.

    Water park access: Several campgrounds feature water recreation beyond natural bodies of water. "This park has too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," Bridget H. notes about Bull Run's family attractions.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection considerations: RV campers should research site characteristics before booking. "Caution though, the back row is steep. We were unable to get our Super C level," warns Cheryl D. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.

    Full-hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer complete hookups. "Almost all sites are pull through and are close together. Most have some tree cover (and some of the trees could use a trim along the roads). Some long term guests occupy the back sites which have sewer," explains Kristen M. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.

    Accessibility for large rigs: Site dimensions and road access vary significantly between campgrounds. "The outer loop campsites are easily more level than the center loop. If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask before commiting to the inner loop," advises Corey B. about Lake Fairfax Campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular campground near Bristow, VA?

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

    What parks are near Bristow, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Bristow, VA that allow camping, notably National Mall & Memorial Parks and George Washington Memorial Parkway.

    Keep Exploring

    4. View all Virginia cities for camping