Best Campgrounds near Dumfries, VA

Campgrounds near Dumfries, Virginia range from established sites with amenities to rustic cabin options within a 30-minute drive. Prince William Forest Park offers several camping areas, including Oak Ridge Campground and Prince William Forest RV Campground, with accommodations for both tent and RV camping. Nearby options include Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton and Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, which provide additional amenities like electric hookups, water access, and cabin rentals. The region includes a mix of federal, state, and county-managed properties with varying levels of development.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most campgrounds in Prince William Forest Park operating from March through October. Pohick Bay and Bull Run Regional Park maintain year-round availability. Roads within the camping areas are generally well-maintained, though some sites have terrain challenges. "Careful some near steep drop off. Stick to main road or inner circle or first circle if in big unit," noted one camper about Pohick Bay. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may be spotty in more remote sections of Prince William Forest.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Pohick Bay with its Potomac River access. Campers report enjoying the mix of natural settings while remaining close to urban amenities and attractions. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of these campgrounds for exploring Washington DC, which is less than an hour away. "Great nature getaway from the city. The downside is that there are no trails accessible onsite and the campground is pretty close to main road," shared one reviewer about Prince William Forest RV Campground. Noise from nearby roads and air traffic is mentioned in several reviews, particularly for campgrounds closer to I-95. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, fishing areas, and hiking trails are common features at most established campgrounds in the region, making them popular for weekend getaways from the DC metropolitan area.

Best Camping Sites Near Dumfries, Virginia (83)

    1. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 221-7181

    $26 / night

    "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."

    2. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "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."

    "Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers."

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

    17 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    3 miles
    +1 (703) 221-2474

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

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

    4. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "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."

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

    9 Reviews
    Marbury, MD
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $27 - $65 / night

    "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."

    "Nice trails, water sports available, and historic landmarks"

    6. Leesylvania State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 730-8205

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Close to me so theres nothing new"

    "Good for a day use, parking is full most of the time but have a lot of space to park you may have to walk but you will find one spot..."

    7. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "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."

    8. Aquia Pines Campground

    5 Reviews
    Stafford, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 659-3447

    "And the host are very kind and very friendly, event near Rt. 95, not very loud noise with big tall trees, happy stay!"

    9. Goodwill Cabin — Prince William Forest Park

    1 Review
    Dumfries, VA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 221-5843

    $70 / night

    "Sites have extras like fire rings with seating, swimming ponds, hiking trails, grassy playing fields, etc. but I’m not sure they all have all of these. They’re all among the trees and shady."

    10. Cabin Camp 3 — Prince William Forest Park

    1 Review
    Dumfries, VA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 221-5843

    $50 - $70 / night

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Recent Reviews near Dumfries, VA

565 Reviews of 83 Dumfries Campgrounds



Guide to Dumfries

Camping near Dumfries, Virginia, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Pohick Bay Campground. A reviewer said, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness at Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park. One camper remarked, "The entire campground was clean and well-kept, including the bathrooms and showers."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Cherry Hill Park is noted for its community vibe. A visitor mentioned, "There is a generally good sense of community, which is lucky because of how close together the sites are."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Bull Run Regional Park, can be noisy. One camper complained, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place… absolutely annoying sound 24/7."
  • Limited Amenities: At Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park, there are no electric hookups. A visitor noted, "No wood for sale at that time," which can be a hassle if you forget to bring your own.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA said, "Definitely crowds up on the weekends but the amenities are endless!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground, which has a "perfect little tent camping loop" and is great for kids.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities like hiking and fishing to keep the kids engaged. One family shared, "The park is on a cliff overlooking the Potomac River, and the Big Meadow trail brings you to Fossil Beach."
  • Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with clean bathrooms and playgrounds, like Westmoreland State Park Campground, where "the whole place seems very well taken care of."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers at Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park recommend checking site sizes before booking. One camper said, "We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Campgrounds like Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park have no electric hookups, so plan accordingly. A visitor noted, "Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets in all Loops."
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Make sure to utilize dump stations at campgrounds like Pohick Bay Campground to avoid any issues. One camper mentioned, "The check-in at the camp store is crowded and narrow even with renovations."

Camping near Dumfries, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dumfries, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dumfries, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 83 campgrounds and RV parks near Dumfries, VA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Dumfries, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dumfries, VA is Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dumfries, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Dumfries, VA.

What parks are near Dumfries, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Dumfries, VA that allow camping, notably Prince William Forest Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.