Prince William Forest Park provides tent and RV camping near Hartwood, Virginia with access to hiking trails and historical sites. Oak Ridge Campground inside the park has spacious sites separated by trees and updated facilities. The surrounding area offers multiple camping options within a 30-mile radius, ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV parks.
What to do
Historical exploration: 10 miles from Hartwood. Prince William Forest Park contains Civil War battlefields and historic buildings. Kenneth H. notes, "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner."
Kayaking on Mattawoman Creek: 45 minutes east. Smallwood State Park offers water access for paddlers. "Mattawoman Creek is right there and great for kayaking," says Lorraine P. The park includes multiple docks for fishing and boat slips for larger vessels.
Visit Colonial Beach: 1.5 hours southeast. From Harbor View RV and Camping Resort, campers can explore this waterfront town. "Nearby Colonial Beach is a cute area that has nice waterfront access. We also loved going to Westmoreland park which was practically next door to Harbor View. Great trails and fossil beach was fun," shares Ariel F.
What campers like
Clean, modern bathrooms: Recently renovated. Oak Ridge Campground at Prince William Forest Park features updated facilities. "The bathrooms were nice and clean throughout my stay and looked newly renovated," writes Clara K. Another camper mentions, "Bathrooms were clean and stocked. Sites were nicely kept."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk best times. The wooded settings provide habitat for various species. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, Jack R. observed "Eagle's nests were interesting" along the Potomac River, which offers "great Potomac River views."
Quiet camping despite proximity to major roads: Most campgrounds maintain buffer zones. "While the sites were close together in typical RV park style, they were not scrapping together like we've seen at some places and there were many well established trees to provide lots of share instead of being in an open field," noted a camper at Americamps.
What you should know
Military base access requirements: Bring ID. Some campgrounds near Hartwood are on military installations with restricted entry. At Champs RV Military A.P. Hill, "must have proper government ID to access post," states James P., who adds "The Good: easy reservations and check in; hard surface sites; sites mostly level; showers and bathrooms are super clean; laundry facility is clean."
Limited cell service at some locations: Coverage varies significantly between carriers. James P. notes at Fort A.P. Hill, there's "limited cell service (StarLink or similar is your best option)," while other campgrounds report better connectivity.
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings heavy pollen. Campers should prepare for allergens during certain times. "If you have allergies, avoid spring. EVERYTHING outside was covered in a light haze of pollen. I worked outside several days and had to wipe my computer off a couple times a day," warns a visitor to Harbor View.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options available. Bull Run Regional Park offers family-friendly facilities. "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," shares Bridget H. who adds that the park hosts "a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides."
Animal interactions: Feed farm animals. Some campgrounds offer unique experiences for children. At The HarmStead Campground, "The hosts provided our kids with a cup of animal food to feed the goats and the emu. The spot had a fire ring and a picknick table. Highlight for the kids were the playground and the fireflies at night," reports Michael.
Swimming options: Seasonal pool availability. Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities during summer months. "Swimming pool was awesome with lites and fountains," noted Donna A. about her stay at Americamps, making it a good option for families looking to cool off.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Bring blocks. Some campgrounds near Hartwood have uneven terrain. "Our site was perfectly level. Most sites appeared fairly level. Sites 10-14 were our favorites and ones we'd try to get if we go again," shares Laure D. about Smallwood State Park, while another RVer notes, "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable."
Alternate commuting options for DC visits. When staying at RV parks near Hartwood for Washington DC access, public transportation is available. Ken W. notes a campground is "Very close to Washington DC. About 17 miles to the closest Rail station to bring you to the mall in Washington DC."
Full hookup availability and limitations. Most RV parks near Hartwood offer various hookup options. Nick E. reports, "Would give it 4 stars for the hookups and friendly staff but we were welcomed to our site with pile of dog poop that had been left there. Gravel site pad could definitely use some maintenance and fresh material added."
