Dog-Friendly Camping near Clifton, VA

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    Bull Run Regional Park accommodates pets with clean, spacious campsites and full hookup RV sites in a wooded setting near Centreville. The pet-friendly campground features tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options where leashed pets are welcome. Sites are separated nicely with room for extra equipment and access to clean bathrooms with hot showers. Some campsites can appear close together, especially with multiple tents, but still provide adequate personal space without feeling cramped. The park offers numerous amenities including hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and a water park within walking distance of all campsites, making it suitable for families camping with dogs.

    Oak Ridge Campground at Prince William Forest Park provides pet-friendly tent and RV camping with picnic tables, drinking water, and trash collection from March through October. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the park while exploring the extensive trail system. Burke Lake Park Campground offers primitive campsites with upgraded bathhouses where pets are allowed, featuring a 5-mile trail around the lake perfect for dog walking. The trail is gravel with almost no elevation gain, making it accessible for most pets. Campgrounds near Clifton maintain specific pet policies to ensure all visitors have an enjoyable experience, with designated pet waste stations and guidelines about keeping dogs leashed. Wildlife warnings and quiet hours help maintain a safe environment for both pets and other campers.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Clifton (85)

      1. Bull Run Regional Park

      3.9(43)5mi from Clifton142 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Portable water and dumping station located at the camp store. We stayed at site 146 on the first caul-de-sac off the first loop just another site away from the bath house (which was pretty clean)."

      "Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had. Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."

      from $39 - $100 / night

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      2. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

      4.6(32)12mi from Clifton99 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

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      3. Pohick Bay Campground

      4.1(37)14mi from Clifton150 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "This is a pet friendly campground. There's a lot to do out at the whole park, and its worth exploring (we just didn't have time). I'm sure its so pretty out near the water."

      from $37 - $170 / night

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      4. Burke Lake Park Campground

      3.9(15)5mi from CliftonRVs, 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."

      5. Lake Fairfax Campground

      4.0(25)13mi from CliftonRVs, Tents

      "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing"

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

      from $30 - $70 / night

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

      3.8(19)12mi from Clifton99 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located."

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

      7. Fairfax County Burke Lake Park

      4.5(2)4mi from CliftonRVs, 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!"

      8. Cherry Hill Park

      4.8(42)29mi from Clifton1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Great location with access to all forms of transportation.  Store fully stocked to include groceries.   Two pools. Hot tub.   Play areas to include a game room and miniature golf.  "

      "As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same."

      from $999 / night

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      9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

      4.5(4)14mi from CliftonRVs, Tents

      "Super clean Very well maintained Pet friendly... kinda No veteran discounts smh Good for a day or two"

      "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."

      from $55 / night

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      10. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023

      3.8(9)19mi from CliftonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours. I have a reactive dog and he did well here! We’ll be back!"

      "They are in short distance from the water. There is a playground, bathhouse, and historical buildings that are accessible to campers. There are hiking trials, but none are two extensive."

      from $27 - $65 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Clifton, VA

    810 Reviews of 85 Clifton Campgrounds


    • L
      Sep. 1, 2018

      North Fork Resort

      Love this place!

      We began our membership here this June. it has a great atmosphere on the banks of the Shenandoah River. There are activities every weekend like concerts and group activities. Staff is very friendly and helpful. The facilities are clean and very convenient. Pet friendly; two dog parks.

    • R
      Apr. 24, 2023

      Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA

      Family friendly

      Nice size spots. Lake on site. Playground for kids. Fun bike rentals. Lots of dog walks and a dog park. Camp store has a little bit of everything.

    • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 30, 2021

      Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

      Very convenient to National Park

      This place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September. The original site the gave us had a large rut and washed out spot, so we could not get level. I checked in the office and the reassigned another space that was much better. Full hook ups, nice clean shower and bathrooms, playground, pool, large dog park.

    • singinajf@aol.com
      May. 26, 2021

      Ramblin' Pines

      Quiet Spot

      The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The bathrooms are incredibly clean. We love all the games there are to play and the dog park is our favorite spot. Overall, it's peaceful and quiet in a nice, wooded setting.

    • J
      Jun. 26, 2022

      Brunswick Family Campground

      Great but only a few things I noticed

      Overall great camp ground only thing I noticed is at some of the RV sites the hook ups are in crazy spots some are In the neighboring sites area so you have to drag extensions around them. Also the pool and dog park isn’t on site you have to leave to go to it.

    • Linda B.
      Jul. 7, 2019

      Cherry Hill Park

      Actually a 10!!!

      This is a campers dream site.  Everything you can think of is offered here.  You have to check their website to see all.  This is the closest site to Washington DC.  Great location with access to all forms of transportation.  Store fully stocked to include groceries.   Two pools. Hot tub.   Play areas to include a game room and miniature golf.  Pets are pampered here.  Even dog walking service available.

    • J
      Apr. 26, 2019

      Gooney Creek Campground

      Sweetest owner ever!

      On a whim we decided to try this campground. We are tent campers and we’re looking for a place close to Shenandoah to ride our motorcycles. This was 3 miles from the north entrance to the park, perfect. Making a reservation was easy, we arrived and had the loveliest conversation with Pam, she is such a gem!! We got a spot right next to the creek, bought some firewood from Pam for $10, which gave you a small wheelbarrow full. You can get a better deal elsewhere but we were happy to support Pam. The campground wasn’t exceptionally beautiful, the bathrooms and shower are rustic. Paint peeling and very makeshift but who cares. The water was hot and the bathroom facility has gorgeous paintings all over it. The grounds were relatively empty when we stayed and we had no issues w anything. Rained all night, we didn’t care, rain and the creek sounded awesome. Without hesitation I would stay here again, you don’t meet special souls like Pam very often. Give her your business. Oh and watch out for the pet cat, he likes the road down to the campsite. His name is Puppycat.

    • Megan K.
      Aug. 17, 2021

      Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

      Great spot with hookups by PW park

      If you, like me, hate making reservations over the phone, it was worth it! Quick, simple, painless process. 

      Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk 

      Lots: lots are really staggered/ set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space. It wasn't crowded either way, especially given on a weekend 

      Small pool 

      Wifi: don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter 

      Cell service: I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well. 

      Area: the surrounding area is really bikeable 

      Hookups: I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained. 

      Staff: super friendly; great check in experience They have a dog park but didn't get a chance to check it out. 

      Overall: great experience, would recommend

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Mar. 27, 2021

      Cherry Hill Park

      Impressive Campground

      Cherry Hill Park was easy to find and get to basically right off I-95. This was our first time RVing into the WA DC area and we were concerned about traffic getting to the campground(CG). As we arrived, traffic was heavy on I-95 but manageable. Cherry Hill’s and our RV GPS directions were spot on getting us to the park. We were very impressed with this CG from the moment we entered. We picked up our package outside the office(no contact check-in) and went to premium site 93 with FHUs. Back-in was easy. The wifi was very good but the CG was only about a 1/4 full. Cherry Hill has many different ways to stay; cottages, cabins, yurts, glamping pods, premium and regular tent sites in addition to the RV sites. As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same. There are a few sites in the CG on the end that will give you a little more yard space like 97(need to be a competent backer), 402, and 1723. We got 2 bars each on Verizon and AT&T. The CG’s cable provided a large selection of channels and worked well. We were impressed with the main laundry facility due to the amount of large washers and dryers, very fair pricing and very clean. The two off leash dog parks(in the same area) were nice plus there’s a well maintained walking trail that goes around this very large CG’s perimeter. We really liked how there are trash receptacles and dog poopy bag dispensers nicely placed all over the CG. Though we didn’t use it, they even have a dog walker service so you can spend a lot of time exploring the DC area without worrying about your pups. About the only draw back was the road noise from the interstate and highway pretty much 24/7, but considering the area that is to be expected. Sites 13-38 and 1500 sites near the premium tent area are the farthest away from the road noise. We would definitely stay here again.


    Guide to Clifton

    Campsites near Clifton offer shelter beneath mature oak and maple trees that reduce summer temperatures by up to 10 degrees compared to unshaded areas. Located within the transition zone between Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions, camps here sit at elevations between 200-300 feet with access to multiple watershed systems. Summer nights typically cool to the mid-60s even during July and August heat waves.

    What to Do

    Kayaking at Pohick Bay: The marina provides boat rentals with direct access to Mattawoman Creek and the Potomac River, ideal for paddlers seeking calm waters. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" is popular, according to Anne K., who noted Pohick Bay Regional Park's waterfront amenities.

    Disc Golf Course: Play a complete 18-hole course at Pohick Bay Regional Park without additional fees. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests Rachel L., who calls the park her "go-to weekend camping spot."

    Historical Exploration: Visit General Smallwood's mansion and restored historic buildings near the camping areas. "There is a separate historic area in the park, which contains Gen. Smallwood's mansion, and a few other historic buildings," notes Jen V. who adds they're "only open a few days out of each month during the summer."

    Nature Scavenger Hunt: Several parks offer structured environmental education programs for families. "The campground had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend," mentions Ben G. at Pohick Bay, adding that his family enjoyed "an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning."

    What Campers Like

    Accessibility to DC: Campsites provide natural settings while remaining convenient to urban attractions. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Park on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous," shares Roberta K., noting "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."

    Quality Shower Facilities: Several campgrounds feature recently upgraded bathroom buildings with private shower stalls. "The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls... Best camping showers I've ever had," raves Yvonne B. about her experience at Bull Run Regional Park.

    Wildlife Viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities for birdwatching, particularly eagle sightings. "Eagle haven! Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere!" says Kathie M. about her stay at Pohick Bay Campground, highlighting the park's position along major migratory routes.

    Private Wooded Sites: Campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at several parks. "Sites are very well spaced out and there are only 15 in the only camp loop," reports Laure D. about Smallwood State Park, adding "Sites are private with most having thick foliage and trees between them."

    What You Should Know

    Seasonal Noise Considerations: Some campgrounds experience intermittent noise from nearby facilities. "Camp ground is nice. Check in was a breeze. The only drawback is that it is not quite. 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. from his experience at Bull Run.

    Reservation Requirements: Many campgrounds enforce minimum stay requirements during peak seasons. "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!" cautions Stuart O.

    Limited Connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Att coverage is good," notes Kristen M. about Prince William Forest RV Campground, though coverage is spotty in other areas of the forest.

    Site Leveling Challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at several campgrounds. "Not all sites are level (half)," warns Robert P. about Pohick Bay Campground, while others recommend bringing extra leveling blocks for certain loops.

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Water Activities: Multiple parks feature water-based recreation options suitable for children. "There a water park type thing here. Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing," shares Daniel S. about Oak Ridge Campground where he took his family, noting it's "definitely a family campground."

    Structured Activities: Look for campgrounds with scheduled programming for different age groups. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it," explains Bridget H. about Bull Run, mentioning "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 Access: Consider site proximity to play areas when booking with children. "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located," notes Yvonne B. about Bull Run's facilities, suggesting families select sites near recreation areas.

    Tips from RVers

    Site Selection Strategy: Choose end sites for better spacing and privacy at higher-density campgrounds. "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side," advises Scott C. about Cherry Hill Park.

    Leveling Preparation: Bring extra blocks for challenging terrain. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," mentions Drew M. about his experience at Bull Run Regional Park.

    Utility Hookups: Check for seasonal water restrictions or limited hookups. "Sites had water and electric which was nice," notes Ben G. about his camping experience, while Kristen M. explains that "some long term guests occupy the back sites which have sewer" at Prince William Forest RV Campground.

    Pet-Friendly Sites: Most campgrounds welcome leashed pets but enforce strict waste disposal rules. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful," says Ben G. about his pet-friendly camping experience with his family.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Clifton, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Clifton, VA is Bull Run Regional Park with a 3.9-star rating from 43 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Clifton, VA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near Clifton, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.