Best Campgrounds near Fort Belvoir, VA

Fort Belvoir, Virginia and the surrounding area feature a mix of established campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles. Pohick Bay Campground and Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp are among the primary camping areas within proximity to Washington DC. The region includes options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals, with several facilities located along the Potomac River. Most campgrounds are within a 30-minute drive from the nation's capital, making them convenient basecamp locations for exploring both natural areas and urban attractions.

Camping options near Fort Belvoir vary in terms of military access requirements, seasonal availability, and amenities. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp requires military credentials for entry, while nearby Pohick Bay Regional Park is open to the general public. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though facilities like Oak Ridge Campground at Prince William Forest Park operate seasonally from March through October. Water and electric hookups are common at most sites, with sanitary dump stations available at larger facilities. As one camper noted about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, "Super clean, very well maintained, pet friendly... Good for a day or two."

Campers report the Potomac River views as a significant highlight at several campgrounds in the area. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers river access with fishing opportunities and equipment rentals through the base outdoor recreation center. Pohick Bay Campground combines wooded sites with water recreation possibilities, making it popular for families. The campground density ranges from more secluded forest sites to areas with closely positioned RV pads. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "This is a nice family campground that is 30 minutes from DC. We like going there if we're in the mood to camp, but don't have time for a long drive." Many campgrounds feature playgrounds, hiking trails, and water activities to keep visitors engaged during their stay.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Belvoir, Virginia (84)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

    38 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    3 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."

    2. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    16 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."

    3. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    19 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."

    4. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    9 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."

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

    17 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    13 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."

    6. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "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."

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

    9 Reviews
    Marbury, MD
    11 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"

    8. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "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."

    9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

    4 Reviews
    Fort Belvoir, VA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (703) 805-3081

    $55 / night

    "This campground is abord Fort Belvoir, an US Army base in Northern, VA. It is very clean and there are many amenities close by."

    "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."

    10. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."

    "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."

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Recent Reviews near Fort Belvoir, VA

590 Reviews of 84 Fort Belvoir Campgrounds


  • Amanda S.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    Got bed bugs? They do.

    Stayed in cabin 202 for a Fri- Sun and on our last morning we found a bed bug on our clothing. While they gave a refund it does not come close to cover the time and energy of remediating all of our clothing, sheets, and blankets. We also had to throw out items that could not be cleaned properly and now have to replace them(pillows, shoes, etc). My husband has 23 bites over the course of 2 nights. They burn and itch very badly. I truly hope this was a hiccup for them and they go through correct methods of having the cabin treated properly. 

    UPDATE: A recount of the bites- my husband has 31 bites so far. The remediation of all of our items is exhausting. All the blankets, clothing, suit cases, all the other items we used in the cabin needs to be cleaned. We had to throw out our shoes because they shrunk in the dryer. Spent$$$ replacing shoes for a family for 4. Pillows are not cheap to replace either. I bought a new corset at the renfest this weekend that I'm hoping doesn't get ruined when it goes through the dryer. That too was expensive. So if you're looking to have to spend a bunch of extra money to replace items you didn't want to replace in the first place- I recommend staying here.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Pax River Hog Point Campgrounds — Naval Airstation (Nas) Patuxent River

    Left Early, Won’t Be Back

    When we saw a review of this campground on Rec.gov complaining about the amount of bugs we thought they were being ridiculous, they were not. In addition to an insane amount of bugs making the experience here uniquely miserable — it is not quiet or peaceful. A (clearly quite drunk) group nearby was singing at the top of their lungs until at least 11pm when we made the decision to bail seeing as we weren’t going to be getting any sleep between being eaten alive and serenaded.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Adventure Bound Washington DC

    Nice

    This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aquia Pines Campground

    Good stopover near the highway but hidden between the trees

    We where forced land-inwards because of tropical storm Erin (potential hurricane hitting the Outer Banks). So we decided to visit Washington DC and had a stopover here. It was conveniently located. Terrain is not flat but our spot was well levelled. There is a big dog (and an older gentleman) in the office to welcome you. Full hook up was oké and our spot was nicly secluded between the trees.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    A World Away Farm LLC

    Great folks. Inexpensive for full hookup.

    They have a farm with chickens, ducks, horses etc for our 7 yr old to enjoy. She got to feed the chickens, gather eggs and offer carrots to the beautiful horses. Wonderful people ❤️. We will be back next year.

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can’t be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

  • Josey F.
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Greenville Farm Family Campground

    Wonderful!

    We are repeat customers and come here with our troops. Nice mix of RV and tent campers. Quiet. Trails, creek, pool, fishing ponds (back end), batheooms, etc, great rates. No firewood- need to bring your own.


Guide to Fort Belvoir

Camping near Fort Belvoir, Virginia provides access to the Potomac River watershed with elevations ranging from 200 to 400 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Most campsites in the area sit on clay-based soils that can become muddy after rain, so proper footwear and tent placement are essential during wet weather.

What to do

Wildlife watching opportunities: Bull Run Regional Park offers numerous chances to spot native wildlife within its forested areas. As one camper noted, "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates" (Ben J.). The diverse ecosystem supports various species throughout the year.

Water recreation access: Smallwood State Park Campground features Mattawoman Creek, which is ideal for kayaking. "We've camped here on 3 separate occasions. The grounds were clean and perfect for us. Mattawoman Creek is right there and great for kayaking" (Lorraine P.). The park maintains several docks and water access points.

Mountain biking trails: Lake Fairfax Campground offers extensive trail networks suitable for mountain biking within 30 minutes of DC. A visitor mentioned, "Great place to mountain bike as we noticed several groups camping and biking during our stay" (Corey B.). The trails vary in difficulty, making them appropriate for different skill levels.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Cherry Hill Park maintains exceptionally clean amenities. According to a camper, "Everything was extremely clean and well maintained. We loved the brick patio with patio furniture" (John A.). The campground staff performs daily maintenance of restrooms and common areas.

Private campsites: Pohick Bay Campground provides well-spaced sites with natural screening between neighbors. "The sites were roomy and not too close. We saw lots of wildlife but had no issues with trash or food (raccoons left everything alone)" (Lisa P.). Many sites feature natural barriers that enhance privacy.

Historical attractions: Oak Ridge Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring Civil War sites. "We saw DC during the day but camped each evening. It was amazing!" (Lisa P.). Multiple battlefields and historical landmarks are within a 30-minute drive of the campground.

What you should know

Military access requirements: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp requires military credentials for entry. "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river" (Mike H.). The base offers no visitor passes for non-military campers.

Seasonal noise considerations: Bull Run Regional Park experiences periodic noise from neighboring facilities. One camper reported, "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away" (Drew M.). Noise levels vary by season and day of week.

Insect management: Cedarville State Forest has significant tick populations during warm months. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers" (Ben J.). Using proper repellents and performing tick checks after hiking is essential in this area.

Tips for camping with families

Water park access: Bull Run Regional Park includes water recreation facilities that appeal to children. A visitor shared: "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon" (Bridget H.). The water park typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Family activities: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides structured recreation for children. "The staff is amazing. The showers are clean/hot and the playground is in very good condition" (Rebecca E.). Weekly scheduled activities include nature programs and outdoor games.

Educational opportunities: Burke Lake Park Campground offers environmental education programs seasonally. "Located close to George Mason University, host to many high school cross country meets, this park has a beautiful lake with a 5-mile gravel walking/running/biking trail around the lake's perimeter" (Sarah M.). The visitor center contains exhibits on local wildlife and ecosystems.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling needs: Cherry Hill Park offers varying site conditions that may require leveling equipment. "Our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that" (Roberta K.). Most RV sites have gravel pads rather than concrete.

Utility connections: Cedarville State Forest provides electric hookups but limited water connections. A camper noted, "We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs. Site 5 or 7 wouldn't have that problem" (Nurse N.). The campground offers 30-amp service at most sites.

Dump station conditions: Bull Run Regional Park has functional but sometimes challenging dump facilities. "They have a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower" (Ben J.). The dump station can experience lines on Sunday mornings during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a map of Fort Belvoir Campground?

Maps of Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp are available at the campground office upon check-in. For advance planning, you can find maps on the Fort Belvoir MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) website or by calling their office directly. The campground is located on the Fort Belvoir Army base in Northern Virginia, and detailed site layouts help visitors navigate the facilities and nearby recreational areas including the Potomac River access points. While planning your trip, you might also consider exploring nearby Pohick Bay Campground, which offers complementary maps of the surrounding region and trails.

How do I make reservations at Fort Belvoir Campground?

Reservations for Fort Belvoir Campground can be made through the military MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) system. Active duty military, retirees, DoD civilians, and other eligible patrons can book sites by calling the reservation office directly or using the DoD Lodging website. Reservations can typically be made up to 6 months in advance, with priority often given to active duty personnel. For alternative options in the area, Prince William Forest RV Campground offers a convenient reservation system with sites that can be booked online up to 6 months ahead, making it another good option for planning visits to the Northern Virginia area.

What amenities are available at Fort Belvoir RV Park?

Fort Belvoir RV Park offers comprehensive amenities including full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. The campground features clean facilities with modern bathhouses and laundry services. Recreational amenities include access to the Potomac River with a fishing pier, plus equipment rentals for kayaks and canoes through the base's outdoor recreation center. The military installation provides additional conveniences like PX/commissary access, a golf course, and other base facilities for eligible campers. For those seeking alternatives with similar quality amenities, Greenbelt Park Campground and Burke Lake Park Campground both offer well-maintained facilities within reasonable driving distance of DC-area attractions.