RV sites near Fort Belvoir, Virginia offer varied camping experiences between suburban communities and natural settings. The surrounding Fairfax County maintains moderate humidity levels in summer months with average temperatures reaching 87°F in July. Most camping options within 30 miles of Fort Belvoir remain accessible year-round, though several facilities require military credentials for entry.
What to do
Historic exploration: 10 miles from Fort Belvoir at Prince William Forest RV Campground, visitors can explore nearby attractions. "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H.
Water activities: 2 miles from base camp at Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, campers can access river recreation. "The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river. There is a pier out into the river to fish on," reports Jack R. Eagle nests visible from some sites add wildlife viewing opportunities.
Family recreation: 35 miles from Fort Belvoir at Burke Lake Park Campground, campers can find multiple activities. "Swimming, biking, and hiking," mentions Amy B., while another camper adds it has "a beautiful lake with a 5-mile gravel walking/running/biking trail around the lake's perimeter."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Highly rated by visitors to Cherry Hill Park. "Everything was extremely clean and well maintained. We loved the brick patio with patio furniture," reports John A. Another visitor called it "byfar one of the best I have ever stayed at," noting the campground's proximity to Washington DC.
Security: Military campgrounds provide added peace of mind. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, campers appreciate the gated entry. One camper at Camp Meade RV Park noted it was "great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post."
Pool access: Summer camping options with water features draw families with children. At Cherry Hill Park, one visitor detailed "Pros: 50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride."
What you should know
Site conditions: Leveling requirements vary significantly between parks. At Bull Run Regional Park, a camper noted "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," while another visitor praised the setup: "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone."
WiFi challenges: Internet connectivity differs between locations. At Thousand Trails Harbor View, a camper shared, "I work full-time remote and the Verizon service was perfect with our hotspot." However, at Prince William Forest RV Campground, visitors report "If the campground had better wifi and cable it would get five stars" and "don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls."
Noise factors: Environmental sounds affect some camping locations. A Burke Lake Park Campground visitor warned, "be prepared to listen to shitty music" from morning walking groups, while a Bull Run Regional Park camper mentioned "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options for children at Smallwood State Park. "There is a playground, bathhouse, and historical buildings that are accessible to campers," notes Teresa K. Another visitor mentioned, "The site was large, almost perfectly level, and wooded. It was also right next to the bath house, which was great for the kids."
Budget planning: Fees vary significantly between parks. A Cherry Hill Park visitor noted, "The price is a little steep, but with all the amenities you get, it is well worth it." Meanwhile, military campgrounds like Camp Meade RV Park offer substantial savings for eligible campers.
Arrival timing: Schedule appropriately for easier setup. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, a visitor shared "Easy entry after dark. Sites were mostly level," though many reviewers recommend arriving during daylight hours for easier navigation of heavily wooded sites.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose based on hookup needs at Bull Run Regional Park. A visitor noted specific sites with "50-amp sites with some full hookup options in the uneven-numbered sites along their main loop." Another camper recommended "ask about that" regarding site leveling since "I could see that some others were not so much."
Dump station access: Plan accordingly as facilities vary. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, a camper praised the "Propane and 2 easy dump stations," while Smallwood State Park received criticism for their facility: "The dump station was the strangest I've ever seen. Very run down but it worked."
Interior roads: Tight turns require careful navigation at some parks. A visitor at Prince William Forest RV Campground noted "Most have some tree cover (and some of the trees could use a trim along the roads)," indicating potential clearance issues for larger rigs on interior campground roads.
