Best Campgrounds near Manassas, VA

Camping near Manassas, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails right from your campsite. At Big Meadows Campground, one camper shared, "We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."
• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground, provide access to rivers and lakes for fishing. A visitor noted, "Great State Park with the perfect little tent camping loop."
• Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Westmoreland State Park Campground are great for spotting deer and other wildlife. One happy camper mentioned, "The whole place seems very well taken care of, with a camp store, visitor center, and discovery/education center for kids."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. At Pohick Bay Campground, a reviewer said, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in."
• Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between campers. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground remarked, "We liked this campground so much, smallness and setting, we almost cancelled our next reservation to stay here."
• Proximity to Nature: Campgrounds like Mathews Arm Campground are close to beautiful hiking trails. One camper noted, "Good spot to camp while exploring a beautiful national park."

What you should know:

• First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, like Lewis Mountain Campground. A visitor advised, "Get here early. I arrived at about 1:00 pm on a Tuesday, and got the last (worst) site."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. At Matthews Arm Campground, a camper mentioned, "There is no electricity or hookups at Matthew’s Arm, and no cell service."
• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA complained, "Partiers with foul mouths throughout the campground. No enforcement of quiet hours."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. At Pohick Bay Campground, a reviewer said, "The kids loved the man-made beach and park."
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make things easier. A camper at Cherry Hill Park noted, "The camp store is very well stocked with camping stuff, food, and beer."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of things to do. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA said, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."
• Use the Dump Station: Many campgrounds have dump stations available. A visitor at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground appreciated, "There is a dump site on premise."
• Bring Extra Supplies: It’s always good to have backups. A camper at Big Meadows Campground noted, "Bear boxes are big and sturdy, fire pits are on the smallish side but fine."

Camping around Manassas, VA, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!