RV campgrounds near George Washington Memorial Parkway offer camping options in a region characterized by Potomac River views and historical sites dating to the Revolutionary and Civil War periods. Located in the Mid-Atlantic region, these campgrounds experience humid summers with temperatures typically ranging 75-90°F and mild spring and fall seasons ideal for camping.
What to do
Explore national historical sites: Several campgrounds provide access to significant historical landmarks. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, you can visit the adjacent Prince William Forest National Park. "Prince William Forest which is a fantastic National Parks forest," notes one camper, while another mentions "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby."
Kayak on the Potomac River: Riverside camping areas offer water recreation opportunities. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, "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."
Take in local attractions: The region contains museums and natural areas worth visiting. "The National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," mentions one reviewer about sites near Prince William Forest. At Bull Run Regional Park, families can enjoy "miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate well-maintained amenities. At Cherry Hill Park, one camper noted "Everything was extremely clean and well maintained. We loved the brick patio with patio furniture." Another camper at Bull Run Regional Park shared, "The 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."
DC access: Proximity to Washington DC is a significant draw. "The best park in the DC area! Very nice grounds, clean, and amenities galore! Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" writes one Cherry Hill Park reviewer. Another mentions, "This was a great stop to take the kids to visit the city. Easy access and well laid out sites. They have a bus stop for metro service to the city."
Pool and recreation: On-site swimming pools help during hot summer months. At Thousand Trails Harbor View, "The pool is a nice size and includes a kiddie pool. There is a playground with lots of picnic tables and a putt putt (small fee) that's is close. There is a basketball court and nice paved roads to ride bikes on."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Uneven campsites can create setup difficulties. At Smallwood State Park, "Sites are private with most having thick foliage and trees between them. Our site was perfectly level. Most sites appeared fairly level." This contrasts with Thousand Trails Harbor View where "Gravel site pad could definitely use some maintenance and fresh material added. Had to put down boards to park our travel trailer because about a third of the pad had just turned into mud."
WiFi and connectivity: Internet access varies significantly between locations. "I work full-time remote and the Verizon service was perfect with our hotspot," notes a Harbor View camper. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, a visitor mentioned, "If the campground had better wifi and cable it would get five stars," while another reported "Promised wi-fi does not even appear as an available signal."
Noise levels: Expect varying degrees of noise depending on location. At Burke Lake Park, one camper warned, "When a bunch of high schoolers decide to party till 3AM, there's no one to call. Then, at 6AM the walking groups start on the trail, so be prepared to listen to their shitty music." Meanwhile, at Bull Run Regional Park, "a shooting range near by so can be kind of noisy."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Parks offer various entertainment options for children. Burke Lake Park features numerous family attractions: "Nice spot with plenty to do with a little one. Train, carousel, fishing." Another camper mentioned the park has "beautiful lake with a 5-mile gravel walking/running/biking trail around the lake's perimeter."
Pool access: Swimming pools provide relief during hot weather. Cherry Hill Park has "two pools, splash pad, paved roads for scootering." A Bull Run Regional Park camper shared, "The campground had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground."
Site selection: Choose spots that offer appropriate space for family needs. At Bull Run Regional Park, "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." At Prince William Forest, "Quiet campground with tables and fire rings at all sites. Small, well stocked camp store."
Tips from RVers
Military access restrictions: Some rv campgrounds near George Washington Memorial Parkway require military credentials. At Fort Belvoir, "This campground is abord Fort Belvoir, an US Army base in Northern, VA... You need military credentials." Similarly, at Camp Meade RV Park, "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post."
Hookup availability: Pay attention to what connections are offered. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, "Almost all sites are pull through and are close together. Most have some tree cover. Some long term guests occupy the back sites which have sewer." One visitor at Bull Run advised, "You might want to ask about that" regarding site leveling, noting "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground."
Site spacing: Proximity to neighbors varies by location. Thousand Trails Harbor View campers noted, "The spaces are CLOSE, but the bathrooms are very clean!" while another mentioned sites are "very close together. Most are nestled under the trees, so good shade during summer."
