Bull Run Regional Park offers cabin camping just 12 miles from Herndon, Virginia in Centreville. The park sits at 300 feet elevation within the Chesapeake Bay watershed and features deciduous forest that creates spectacular fall colors from mid-October to early November. Winter temperatures typically range from 25-40°F, while summer camping sees highs around 85-95°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Bull Run Regional Park serves as an excellent base for history enthusiasts visiting Civil War battlefields. "This park has too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," notes Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Hike canal paths: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct access to the C&O Canal towpath. "Situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," shares Susan K. about Brunswick Family Campground.
Enjoy water activities: Fishing, swimming, and boating options abound at many parks near Herndon. "The river is beautifully clean clear and cool. There wasn't much late night going on it seemed all the campers for the most part we're turned in by 11," explains Brian S. about Brunswick Family Campground.
What campers like
Private shower facilities: Campers consistently praise the bathroom amenities at Bull Run. "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," notes Yvonne B. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Convenient DC access: Cherry Hill Park's location makes it ideal for tourists. "Great for a DC visit. 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, but we took the 20 minute drive," says Joe R. about Cherry Hill Park.
Spacious campsites: Little Bennett Campground earns praise for its well-designed spaces. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only," reports Ray & Terri F. about Little Bennett.
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Several campgrounds near rivers have nearby train tracks. "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night," warns Sherri C. about Harpers Ferry Campground.
Seasonal facilities: Many parks have limited hours or seasonal closures. "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms," notes Adam and Suzanne B. about Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Some parks require equipment for leveling. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reports a camper at Little Bennett Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Check for scheduled activities: Many parks offer organized events for children. "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. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Consider glamping options: For families new to outdoor stays, Little Bennett Campground offers comfortable glamping near Herndon. "This is a good regional campground with activities for kids on special days. Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes," notes Georgia H. about Little Bennett Campground.
Look for water features: Kids enjoy river access at several parks. "Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home," says Nicholas S. about Brunswick Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Reserve premium sites early: High-demand sites with full hookups book quickly. "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer, Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride, Gated, On-site camp store, On-site bus shuttle," lists Beth R. about Cherry Hill Park.
Check site dimensions: Some parks have limited space for larger rigs. "We stayed at site D72 for 4 days. The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," shares Ray & Terri F. about Little Bennett Campground.
Be aware of seasonal pricing: Out-of-state visitors often pay premium rates. "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night. No senior or veteran discount," reports Napunani about Little Bennett Campground.
