c
cara S.
Scout
ScoutPatapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hilton area
Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
Camping near George Washington Memorial Parkway
Camping areas near George Washington Memorial Parkway include several developed campgrounds within a short drive of Washington DC. The region includes established facilities like Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton, VA and Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offering various accommodation options from tent sites to cabins and glamping opportunities. Most campgrounds in this area provide amenities suitable for families and recreational activities, particularly around water features. Public lands and regional parks provide the primary camping infrastructure, with few primitive camping opportunities directly adjacent to the parkway itself.
Reservations are typically required at most developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, including Pohick Bay and Bull Run Regional Park, though services may be limited in winter. One camper noted, "This is a nice family campground that is 30 minutes from DC. We like going there if we're in the mood to camp, but don't have time for a long drive." Access roads are generally well-maintained, making most campgrounds suitable for both tent and RV camping. Electric hookups, water, and sanitary facilities are common at established sites, though availability varies by campground.
Several visitors mentioned the proximity to water as a key attraction for camping in this area. Pohick Bay Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its waterfront location and family-friendly amenities. A visitor commented, "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites." Campgrounds in the region often feature additional recreational opportunities such as hiking trails, disc golf courses, and water access for boating and fishing. Privacy between campsites varies considerably, with some reviewers noting that certain areas can become crowded and noisy during peak season. Military members should consider Fort Belvoir's RV camp, which offers clean facilities and river views but requires military credentials for access.
Best Camping Sites Near George Washington Memorial Parkway (88)
1. Pohick Bay Campground
37 ReviewsLorton, VA7 milesWebsite+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."
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
2. Cedarville State Forest
17 ReviewsBrandywine, MD12 milesWebsite+1 (301) 888-1410$30 / night
"We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."
"Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
3. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD22 milesWebsite+1 (301) 937-7116$999 / night
"Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."
"That being said, I’m sure there were a few campers who didn’t like being right next to the walkway to the bathrooms and showers. The park is broken down in to various sections and slightly tiered."
4. Burke Lake Park Campground
15 ReviewsBurke, VA14 milesWebsite+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. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
32 ReviewsGreenbelt, MD20 milesWebsite+1 (301) 344-3948$20 / night
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"
6. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
32 ReviewsDumfries, VA21 milesWebsite+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."
7. Bull Run Regional Park
43 ReviewsIron Gate, VA24 milesWebsite+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."
8. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
19 ReviewsDumfries, VA18 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."
"Stayed here for a week while working nearby. Easy to get to and set up. Office was closed when we arrived but arrival paperwork was posted outside office door."
9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
4 ReviewsFort Belvoir, VA5 milesWebsite+1 (703) 805-3081$55 / night
"Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
"It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river."
10. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
9 ReviewsMarbury, MD13 milesWebsite+1 (888) 432-2267$27 - $65 / night
"They are in short distance from the water. There is a playground, bathhouse, and historical buildings that are accessible to campers. There are hiking trials, but none are two extensive."
"Nice trails, water sports available, and historic landmarks"
Recent Camping Photos near George Washington Memorial Parkway
193 Photos of 88 George Washington Memorial Parkway Campgrounds
Andrew M.
Pohick Bay Campground
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Joe C.
Cedarville State Forest
Jen V.
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Rachel
Burke Lake Park Campground
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Becky
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Janelle
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Marvin D.
Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping — Prince William Forest Park
Evelyn T.
Cherry Hill Park
Recent Reviews near George Washington Memorial Parkway
573 Reviews of 88 George Washington Memorial Parkway Campgrounds
- FFredrick K.
TravelerMarble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Great place to get some peace and quiet
If youre looking for fun and people, go to the south campground. But if youre looking for true quiet and have a tent, check out the dispersed campsites. Good shower and bathroom setup that i bet would fare well in a tornado, its got that solid storm shelter feel. Next to a quiet airport, plenty of free firewood to gather
John M.
GuideMatoaka Beach Cottages
Fantastic location with winderful hosts
Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.
Beth B.
LegendPrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Nice clean Campground
Stayed here for a week while working nearby. Easy to get to and set up. Office was closed when we arrived but arrival paperwork was posted outside office door. Even with busy road nearby, park was quiet and felt private. Sites were level and paved making setup easy. Sites had 1/2 site extra paved for vehicle with extra parking nearby. There was no litter in park, we observed a staff member daily making the rounds to keep everything clean. There was walking access into the park on wide private roads without traffic. With park access you are able to walk into national forest park from RV camp. National Forest visitor center close by, 1 exit away going south I95. Amenities in RV park included swimming pool, chess board with extra large pieces, playground and clean bath house. Firewood and ice on site.
- CCaitlin R.Scout
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great Campground
Our family loved this campground. It was entirely wooded with plenty of shade, sites were close but separated enough to feel like you were in your own site. Our kids and others rode their bikes around the loop all weekend long. Bathrooms could have been a little cleaner and all the entrances except one were closed, but that’s what happens when you cut budgets for public lands.
Ashley T.TravelerGoose Bay Marina
Jeepers Creepers meets Catalina Wine Mixer
When we first arrived it was late (we are either late or not coming as always!) the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will love it tomorrow… welp he knows me! All the boat storage and walking around it so fun looking at all the boat names… they are remodeling the bathhouses now they look nice so far on the inside. Everyone is working really hard a staying busy tending to the boats or landscaping or docks… Vicki is super friendly she works practically everyday… but hopefully one day she will trust someone enough to delegate her duties to…
Thiru Moorthy G.ScoutBull Run Regional Park
⭐ 1-Star Review – Shockingly Rude, Misleading, and Embarrassing Experience
I am writing this review because what happened to me at Bull Run Regional Park Campground was not just inconvenient—it was humiliating, unprofessional, and completely avoidable.
I camp in my Tesla. I have already stayed at this exact campground before with no issue. Their online reservation system allowed me to book again—no warnings, no restrictions, nothing to indicate a problem. So I drove all the way from North Carolina to Virginia trusting that everything was fine.
When I arrived to check in, the office staff was literally handing me the paperwork. Out of nowhere, a ranger barged in and bluntly told me: “You cannot camp in a Tesla. You need a separate rig.”
His tone was rude, dismissive, and made me feel like I was doing something dirty or cheap. There was zero respect, zero empathy—just instant judgment. I felt like I was being treated as if I was trying to sneak in or break rules, even though they allowed the booking and accepted my reservation.
If they have such a rule, why wasn’t I notified during booking? Why was I allowed to stay the first time? Why let me drive for hours only to embarrass me at the check-in counter?
The office employee even tried to defend me, but he couldn’t convince the ranger. Instead, they told me I could not stay and promised an immediate refund.
After a long drive, being spoken to like that was extremely disappointing. I’ve camped all over North Carolina and never been treated with such disrespect. Camping in a Tesla is clean, quiet, zero-emission, and safe, yet I was made to feel like I didn’t belong.
To make matters worse, it has now been seven days and not a single dollar of the refund has appeared. When I called, the office representative didn’t even ask for my reservation details and seemed completely clueless. She first said she couldn’t do anything, then suddenly changed her story and said she would “leave a note.” When I asked to speak with someone who could actually help, she put me on hold and suddenly claimed the manager had “just refunded” me and that I would see the money in two business days.
After everything that happened, it felt like another layer of indifference and incompetence.
This entire experience—from the rude ranger to the unprofessional refund handling—left me feeling disrespected and upset. For a campground that charges over $75 a night after fees and taxes, the treatment I received was unacceptable.
Guests deserve honesty, clear communication, and basic respect.
- aamanda A.Scout
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Great Campsite!
The campground is well maintained. The facilities were clean, and the other campers were friendly. There was plenty of firewood (fallen tree limbs and branches on the ground to use. Overall we had a great time!
Vidalia S.LegendColes Point Marina
Marina on the Potomac
We kept our boat here, so it was no problem for us to park our van for free. But they do have lovely campsites, with toilets, showers, water, pump out, electric, and trash, right on the Potomac River. They allow tent, camping and RVs and have several cottages. Price varies depending on size and services. Tents are $20 a night. The only problem, or maybe it's an advantage, is that it is a long way to anything else. Small store onsight. Will recieve and hold packages. Great accommodating and friendly staff.
Guide to George Washington Memorial Parkway
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near George Washington Memorial Parkway?
Which is the most popular campground near George Washington Memorial Parkway?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near George Washington Memorial Parkway is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.
What parks are near George Washington Memorial Parkway?
What parks are near George Washington Memorial Parkway?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near George Washington Memorial Parkway that allow camping, notably Fort Washington Park and National Mall & Memorial Parks.
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