Camping areas along George Washington Memorial Parkway extend from suburban Washington DC into rural Virginia. Sites range from heavily wooded locations to waterfront settings with access to the Potomac River. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with nighttime temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Bull Run Regional Park maintains an 18-hole course popular with campers seeking recreational activities. "Great regional park with lots to do - trails, biking, boating," notes Kristen M. about the facilities at Bull Run Regional Park.
Kayaking and canoeing: Explore Mattawoman Creek directly from Smallwood State Park. "Mattawoman Creek is right there and great for kayaking," reports Lorraine P., who has camped at Smallwood State Park multiple times.
Historical exploration: Prince William Forest offers access to numerous Civil War sites within short driving distance. "We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things," shares one camper who found the historical context worthwhile at Oak Ridge Campground.
What campers like
Metro accessibility: Greenbelt Park Campground provides convenient public transportation options. "Take the METRO if you are going into the District. There are two stations very close to camp. Rides vary depending on how far you are going but on average I spent about $10 per day on METRO versus $20-$40 on parking," advises Crystal C. about Greenbelt Park Campground.
Well-maintained showers: Bull Run Regional Park offers private shower facilities that receive consistently positive reviews. "I'll go again just for the showers... They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Best camping showers I've ever had," reports Yvonne B.
Wildlife viewing: Campers at Cedarville State Forest report diverse wildlife sightings. "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates. Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC," writes Ben J. about their experience at Cedarville State Forest.
What you should know
Varying site levelness: Several campgrounds require additional equipment for level setups. "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable," notes Mike H. about camping at Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds operate on reservation-only systems, especially during peak seasons. "When I was checking out this site I wasn't sure how it would work out exactly... I went ahead and booked for the days I would be there in good faith and spent $100 for 5 days ($20 per night)," explains Crystal C. about Greenbelt Park.
Tick prevalence: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near George Washington Memorial Parkway report tick issues during warmer months. "Ticks were really bad. We killed dozens and ended up taking at least one with us when we left," warns Tracy R. at Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Waterpark amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer water recreation facilities for children. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," mentions Anne K. about Pohick Bay Campground.
Organized activities: Cherry Hill Park offers structured family programming throughout the week. "Nightly hayride... They have so much going on! Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park," explains Jason E. about the comprehensive family services at Cherry Hill Park.
Playground proximity: When selecting sites at pet-friendly campgrounds, consider proximity to recreation areas. "We had a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," shares Ben G. about his experience at Pohick Bay with his young children.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup variability: RV sites range from 30-amp to 50-amp service depending on the campground. "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer," lists Beth R. as amenities at Cherry Hill Park, while others note limited electrical service at other locations.
Leveling requirements: Some RV sites require additional equipment for proper setup. "Not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help," notes Robert P. about Pohick Bay Campground's terrain.
Navigation challenges: RVers should assess site access before arrival, especially in more wooded areas. "We have AT&T and had two bars pretty consistently. We would stay here again," adds Nurse N. after successfully navigating Cedarville State Forest with their pop-up camper.
