Best Campgrounds near Gainesville, VA

Heading west from Gainesville, Virginia, you'll find several camping options with Shenandoah National Park being the main draw for most campers. Big Meadows Campground has good facilities including bathrooms and a camp store that stocks basic supplies. Mathews Arm Campground sits in a quieter part of the park and typically has fewer people around. Westmoreland State Park Campground lets you camp near the Potomac River, which works well if you want to fish or paddle. The roads to these places stay in decent shape most of the year, though some close during winter months. Shenandoah has many hiking trails that take you through forests and to viewpoints throughout the park. Your phone probably won't work well in many of these camping areas, so download maps before you go. These campgrounds within driving distance of Gainesville give you different settings depending on whether you want to hike, fish, or just hang out in the woods.

Best Camping Sites Near Gainesville, Virginia (126)

    1. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    8 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."

    2. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    17 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. Lake Fairfax Campground

    24 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."

    4. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    18 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. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    26 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."

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

    17 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    20 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."

    7. Greenville Farm Family Campground

    2 Reviews
    Catharpin, VA
    6 miles
    +1 (703) 754-7944

    $60 / night

    "Trails, creek, pool, fishing ponds (back end), batheooms, etc, great rates. No firewood- need to bring your own."

    8. Hillwood Camping Park

    2 Reviews
    Gainesville, VA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (703) 754-6105

    9. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    118 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

    "Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."

    10. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers."

    "In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 126 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gainesville, VA

985 Reviews of 126 Gainesville Campgrounds



Guide to Gainesville

Camping near Gainesville, 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 nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails right from your campsite. At Big Meadows Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls," making it clear that there are great hiking options nearby.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds have access to rivers or lakes. A visitor at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground noted, "Hiking, fishing, breathtaking views, tons to do in the area!"
  • Stargazing: Enjoy the night sky away from city lights. One camper at Mathews Arm Campground shared, "The view of the stars might have been spectacular if it hadn’t been so overcast that night."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Greenbrier State Park Campground stated, "The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly and park rangers are present and helpful."
  • Privacy: Many campers enjoy spacious sites. At Lewis Mountain Campground, one visitor said, "We liked this campground so much, smallness and setting, we almost cancelled our next reservation to stay here."
  • Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park are close to Washington, D.C., making it easy to explore the city. A reviewer mentioned, "We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground warned, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7."
  • First-come, first-served sites: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground advised, "Arrive early enough in the day to snag a better site."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mathews Arm Campground, lack certain amenities like showers and electric hookups, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Westmoreland State Park Campground, one parent noted, "Great playground with plenty of other kids."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp store is well stocked and had decent hours."
  • Plan short hikes: Keep hikes manageable for little ones. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground said, "Nice short hike to the summit."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA mentioned, "The roads are crumbling and too small for most RV's."
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Pohick Bay Campground offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One camper said, "The bathrooms are clean and very well kept."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds can be loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA warned, "Partiers with foul mouths throughout the campground."

Camping around Gainesville, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gainesville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gainesville, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 campgrounds and RV parks near Gainesville, VA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gainesville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gainesville, VA is Bull Run Regional Park with a 4-star rating from 42 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Gainesville, VA.

What parks are near Gainesville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Gainesville, VA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.