Camping near George Washington Memorial Parkway combines urban proximity with natural settings along the Potomac River basin. Located in eastern Virginia at elevations between 10-400 feet, the area experiences humid summers and mild winters with spring and fall offering optimal camping conditions. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with seasonal water restrictions during winter months.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Bull Run Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course that draws enthusiasts throughout the year. As one visitor noted, "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."
Water recreation options: At Pohick Bay Campground, visitors can enjoy multiple water activities during summer months. According to one camper, "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" makes this location particularly appealing for water enthusiasts. The park provides rental equipment for those without their own gear.
Nature scavenger hunts: Family-oriented activities include organized outdoor exploration at several parks. A visitor to Bull Run Regional Park shared, "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
What campers like
Waterfront wildlife viewing: The riverside location provides opportunities for wildlife observation. One camper at Pohick Bay noted, "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" The waterfront areas attract various bird species throughout the year, particularly during migration seasons.
Heated facilities during off-season: Winter camping benefits from climate-controlled amenities at Westmoreland State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "Bath houses are always SO clean and heated in the winter. So appreciate the recycling bins." This makes shoulder season and winter camping more comfortable than at parks without such amenities.
Metro accessibility: The location provides urban access without city camping drawbacks. A camper at Pohick Bay stated, "Stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat."
What you should know
Yurt camping George Washington Memorial Parkway options: For those seeking alternative accommodation, Cherry Hill Park provides yurt options near the parkway. A camper explained, "There are some nice tenting sites under the trees and off by themselves for the true campers, and for the rest of us glampers there are hookups and lots to do."
Site levelness varies significantly: Prepare for potential site grading issues at certain campgrounds. One camper at Bull Run noted, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level." Bringing leveling equipment is advisable, especially for RVs and trailers.
Weekday versus weekend experience: Occupancy patterns affect the camping atmosphere significantly. According to a camper at Westmoreland, "If you're anything like me, traveling for peace and quiet and solitude, I highly recommend Sunday and Monday nights if you have flexibility with jobs etc. It was SUPER quiet during my stay."
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities calendar: Many parks offer organized programs suitable for children. A visitor to Louise F. Cosca Regional Park wrote, "We loved our stay! It was quiet and peaceful and we were able to take the metro into DC for a day of exploring!" Planning around these schedules maximizes the family camping experience.
Playground proximity considerations: Site selection affects convenience for families with young children. At Bull Run, a camper observed, "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located." When making reservations, check campground maps for proximity to play areas.
Bathhouse locations: For families with children, proximity to facilities matters. One Bull Run camper stated, "We had a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious." Request sites near bathhouses when making reservations with children.
Tips from RVers
Premium site advantages: For RV campers, upgraded sites offer additional amenities. A visitor to Fairfax County Burke Lake Park mentioned, "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground." Premium sites typically include concrete pads and additional space.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience environmental noise factors. A Bull Run visitor noted, "Camp ground is nice. The only drawback is that it is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away." Select sites further from roads for quieter camping experiences.
Winter hookup availability: For yurt camping near George Washington Memorial Parkway during colder months, utilities remain operational at most locations. According to a Pohick Bay camper, "Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends." Water hookups may require freeze protection or be shut off during extreme cold.
