Prince William Forest RV Campground provides accessible camping for travelers near Clifton, Virginia, with mostly pull-through sites under partial tree cover. The campground features clean shower facilities, a swimming pool, and sites that can accommodate various RV sizes with 30-amp hookups. Located approximately 20 miles from Clifton, this campground serves as a convenient base for exploring both natural attractions and Washington DC-area historical sites.
What to do
Explore historic sites: The National Marine Corps Museum is minutes from Prince William Forest RV Campground, making it an ideal stop for military history enthusiasts. "National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H., who also recommends visiting the nearby Civil War National Parks.
Visit fossil beach: At Thousand Trails Harbor View near Colonial Beach, campers can take advantage of nearby natural attractions. "We also loved going to Westmoreland park which was practically next door to Harbor View. Great trails and fossil beach was fun," reports Ariel F., highlighting activities beyond the standard campground amenities.
Take a guided tour: When staying at RV campgrounds near Clifton, Virginia, consider booking tours directly through your campground. Cherry Hill Park offers tour planning services that eliminate transportation concerns. "Plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park," explains a visitor who appreciated this convenient feature.
What campers like
Convenient DC access: Campers appreciate the strategic location of Bull Run Regional Park for exploring Washington DC. "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," writes Bridget H., noting the park's value as a base for capital exploration.
Clean facilities: Many visitors specifically mention bathroom cleanliness as a significant factor in their positive experiences. Oak Ridge Campground earns praise for its modern facilities, with one camper noting, "Bathrooms were clean and stocked. Sites were nicely kept." Another visitor mentioned the "super clean bathrooms with marble tile."
Educational activities: Families appreciate the structured activities at parks near Clifton. "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," shares Bridget H. about her family's stay at Bull Run Regional Park.
What you should know
Military installation access: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp provides excellent amenities but requires proper identification. "This campground is aboard Fort Belvoir, a US Army base in Northern VA... You need military credentials," explains Jack R., highlighting an important access requirement that travelers should know before planning a stay.
Train noise: Several campgrounds near rivers also sit close to railroad tracks. At Harpers Ferry Campground, the proximity to trains affects sleep quality for some. "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will," warns Sherri C.
Seasonal considerations: Spring visitors should be prepared for pollen at certain rv campgrounds. Clifton, Virginia area parks can experience heavy pollen during spring months. One camper at Harbor View noted, "If you have allergies, avoid spring. EVERYTHING outside was covered in a light haze of pollen... had to wipe my computer off a couple times a day."
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Burke Lake Park Campground offers family-friendly water activities despite its suburban location. "Swimming, biking, and hiking," mentions Amy B., who rates it as an "Excellent campground and park for families." The park features a 5-mile trail around the lake perimeter with boating options.
Playground access: When choosing a site at Bull Run Regional Park, consider proximity to play areas. "Only drawback is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located," notes Yvonne B., suggesting families should check campground maps for playground locations when selecting sites.
Entertainment options: Many campgrounds offer scheduled activities that appeal to children. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," shares Bridget H. about her experience at Bull Run Regional Park, highlighting how structured activities enhance family camping experiences.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Oak Ridge Campground offers spacious sites but prepare for potential leveling issues. "Sites varied greatly in size. Some seemed entirely too close, others spread apart. At times, sites seemed backwards - I kept saying they should reverse the one way direction so back in sites were easier," explains Tracy R., providing practical insight for RV positioning.
Hookup variations: RV campgrounds near Clifton, Virginia offer varying levels of utility connections. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, "Some long term guests occupy the back sites which have sewer," notes Kristen M., indicating that premium hookups may be in specific areas of the campground.
Site surface conditions: Weather can affect site conditions at several parks. One camper at Harbor View reported, "Gravel site pad could definitely use some maintenance and fresh material added. Had to put down boards to park our travel trailer because about a third of the pad had just turned into mud," suggesting RVers should bring leveling blocks and ground protection, especially during wet seasons.
