Camping near George Washington Memorial Parkway offers outdoor experiences within 30 miles of Washington DC, with most locations accessible year-round despite seasonal temperature variations ranging from 30-90°F. The campgrounds along this corridor provide strategic positioning for both urban exploration and riverside recreation, with several locations offering direct water access to the Potomac River watershed.
What to Do
Disc golf courses: Pohick Bay Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course popular with weekend visitors. According to one camper, "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."
Kayaking and paddling: Smallwood State Park Campground offers excellent water access via Mattawoman Creek. A camper noted, "Mattawoman Creek is right there and great for kayaking. We'll definitely be back!!" The park maintains multiple docks for fishing and water activities.
Wildlife observation: Many campgrounds in the area offer wildlife viewing opportunities. At Pohick Bay Campground, bird watchers can spot eagles. One visitor mentioned, "We stay here at least 6 trips a year. Nice layout, not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help."
Historical exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to Civil War sites and historical buildings. At Oak Ridge Campground, campers can explore the historic areas of Prince William Forest Park. As one visitor explained, "There is lots and lots of history around the area. We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things."
What Campers Like
Proximity to transit options: Cherry Hill Park offers convenient public transportation access to DC. A visitor shared, "Great for a DC visit. They have a bus stop for metro service to the city, but we took the 20 minute drive." Many campers appreciate avoiding city driving and parking.
Wooded privacy: Cedarville State Forest provides more secluded camping within reach of DC. One camper observed, "Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC. There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog."
Clean facilities: Bull Run Regional Park receives consistent praise for its bathroom facilities. A reviewer enthusiastically stated, "I'll go again just for the showers. Best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
Water recreation: Several campgrounds feature water amenities beyond natural bodies. A Pohick Bay camper noted, "This is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around. Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer."
What You Should Know
Military credentials required: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp requires military ID for entry. A visitor explained, "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra preparation. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, a camper cautioned, "Caution though, the back row is steep. We were unable to get our Super C level. The rain created red clay mud so the dogs were a mess."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area now require advance reservations. At Greenbelt Park Campground, a visitor advised, "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online."
Seasonal insect populations: Ticks are particularly prevalent in warmer months. One Cedarville State Forest camper reported, "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Tips for Camping with Families
Scheduled activities: Bull Run Regional Park offers organized family programs. A visitor detailed, "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."
Kid-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds and water features. At Burke Lake Park, one visitor noted, "Nice spot with plenty to do with a little one. Train, carousel, fishing."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs are available at several locations. At Pohick Bay, a camper shared, "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."
Space consideration: Site selection matters for family camping. One Pohick Bay visitor explained, "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious. We are tent campers but almost all our neighbors were in an RV or trailer."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most developed campgrounds offer at least electric hookups. A Cherry Hill Park visitor detailed, "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer," making it suitable for extended stays.
Dump station accessibility: Oak Ridge Campground offers clean facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms were clean and stocked. Sites were nicely kept. Be aware that they do not sell firewood on-site!"
Site dimensions: Several campgrounds have space limitations. At Cedarville State Forest, an RVer cautioned, "The sites for tents are big enough for a 4 person tent. There are clean bathrooms and the hosts, who I have spoken to many times, are friendly and knowledgeable about the area."
Seasonal considerations: Year-round camping is available at several locations, though winter facilities may be limited. A Pohick Bay camper noted, "Stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends."
