Camping near Fort Belvoir offers access to the Potomac River watershed and Virginia's coastal forests, with elevations ranging from 5 to 200 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F from June through August, making water access a priority for campers. Fall camping season extends through October with cooler temperatures and changing foliage.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Pohick Bay Regional Park maintains an 18-hole course within walking distance of camping areas. "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes Rachel L. from Pohick Bay Campground.
Historical exploration: The region contains significant Revolutionary and Civil War sites accessible from campgrounds. "We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things. Definitely worth exploring. Get your camp on do some hiking, biking, fishin, and also exploring th history of the area well worth it," writes Daniel S. about Oak Ridge Campground.
Water activities: Multiple waterfront camping options offer canoeing and fishing opportunities. "The park has a beautiful lake with a 5-mile gravel walking/running/biking trail around the lake's perimeter. You are not supposed to swim in the lake but you can take out boats (there is a boat launch)," explains Sarah M. at Burke Lake Park.
What campers like
Quiet camping close to DC: Many campsites provide natural settings within an hour of Washington DC. "Oak Ridge Campground is deep at 'end' of Prince William Forest (13 miles from forest entrance gate). There are three loops, front to back. Loop A are walkin only sites for RVs and tents. Loops B and C reservable," details Tracy R. about staying at Oak Ridge.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse quality varies across parks but receives positive mentions. "This campground has great space and super clean bathrooms with marble tile," reports Chad about Oak Ridge Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to spot native wildlife. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" writes Kathie M. about her stay at Pohick Bay.
What you should know
Military installation access: Some campgrounds have restricted entry requirements. "This campground is abord Fort Belvoir, an US Army base in Northern, VA. It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river," explains Jack R. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
Ticks and insects: The forested areas require proper preparation against ticks. "Ticks were really bad. We killed dozens and ended up taking at least one with us when we left," warns Tracy R. about Oak Ridge Campground.
Seasonal crowds: Campgrounds near water features become very busy during summer weekends. "This place is packed full of people who like to stay up late and make lots of noise. Park rules aren't very well enforced. Showers were clean and campsites seemed well maintained," mentions Kelli T. about Pohick Bay.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-rich parks: Choose campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "Decent campground here suitable for campers new and old. Have tent, full hook up RV sites and even cabin sites for the families who just want the comfort of a home. The sites and clean and spacious. The bathrooms are also clean and have hot showers," suggests Daniel S. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Organized activities: Some parks offer scheduled events for children. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shares Ben G. about Pohick Bay.
Pet-friendly trails: Many parks allow leashed dogs on hiking paths. "The bathrooms at most locations enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances, with most parks requiring pets to be supervised at all times," notes a reviewer about pet-friendly camping near Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some campgrounds. "Our site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," reports Drew M. about his experience at Bull Run Regional Park.
Dump station quirks: Facility design can present challenges for RVers. "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," warns Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest.
Transportation planning: Many RVers recommend having additional transportation when camping near Fort Belvoir. "You really need a toad since supplies are not very close to the camping area," advises Mike H. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, highlighting a practical concern for those bringing larger rigs to pet-friendly camping near Fort Belvoir.
