Bull Run Regional Park Campground sits approximately 25 miles west of Washington, DC, near Great Falls, Virginia. The campground occupies a portion of the 1,500-acre woodland park at elevations ranging from 250-300 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with temperatures between 60-75°F.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Bull Run's 18-hole course provides a recreational option away from the shooting range noise. "BR park is absolutely beautiful. So much to do and centered around many historical sites. It's a gem," notes one Bull Run Regional Park visitor.
Trail exploration: Pohick Bay Regional Park offers hiking trails with wildlife viewing opportunities. "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" reports a camper at Pohick Bay Campground.
Seasonal water activities: Multiple parks in the region offer water recreation during summer months. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August... There is also a pool/water park in the park as well as a nice network of trails," mentions a Cedarville visitor.
Historical site visits: The area surrounding Great Falls provides access to Civil War battlefields and monuments. "Lots of history near by so check out the old battle fields and buildings that housed troops during civil war," suggests a camper.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds near Great Falls feature well-spaced sites. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous. 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," shares a reviewer at Bull Run.
Clean facilities: Cedarville State Forest receives positive feedback for maintenance. "Clean sites include table and fire pit. Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm," notes a recent visitor.
Family programming: Several parks offer organized activities for children. "The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful... 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," explains a camper at Pohick Bay.
Proximity to DC attractions: Locations provide convenient access to urban amenities. "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," reports a Pohick Bay visitor.
What you should know
Limited equestrian camping: The Great Falls area lacks dedicated horse facilities, though some trail systems permit equestrian use. While Camp Winery offers camping in a scenic setting, most local campgrounds do not provide corrals or designated horse camping areas.
Seasonal insect challenges: Ticks are prevalent in warmer months. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns a Cedarville camper.
Ambient noise concerns: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby facilities or transportation. "Camp ground is nice. Check in was a breeze. 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," notes a Bull Run visitor.
Varying site conditions: Leveling equipment may be necessary at some locations. "Our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that," advises a Bull Run camper.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom amenities: Andrews AFB Military FamCamp provides full facilities for qualified military families, though accessibility requires proper ID and reservations.
Playground access: Consider sites near play areas. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," shares a Pohick Bay camper.
Cabin options: For families new to camping, several parks offer cabin accommodations. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. We stayed in a cabin for 2 nights and had a great time," reports a Bull Run visitor.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer nature programs. "There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," adds a Bull Run camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Lichtman Camp 1 at Prince William Forest Park offers RV camping with access to sweet treats according to one visitor who noted they "Had a bunch of candy."
Water and dump facilities: Check accessibility of water hookups before arrival. "The idea is to use it to fill up tanks. Ranger let us know not to stay hooked up to it. 30 amp electric. No issues there," mentions a Cedarville camper.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "We're done with NOVA Parks campgrounds. Better cost options exist with Fairfax County Parks," suggests a visitor regarding regional camping options.
