Best Tent Camping near Herndon, VA
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Best Tent Sites Near Herndon, Virginia (33)
1. Sky Meadows State Park Campground
11 Reviews•35 Photos•131 SavesParis, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
2. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
18 Reviews•94 Photos•160 SavesCatonsville, MarylandHilton is a place for kids of all ages to play and explore. Located off Hilton Avenue, this area is within walking distance for many residents in Catonsville. A popular spot for afternoon walks and morning workouts, the trails are active with local residents and visitors from far away.
You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures. The area also has a small campground with six mini-cabins and 12 basic campsites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$20 - $51 / night
3. Leesylvania State Park Campground
6 Reviews•4 Photos•115 SavesDumfries, VirginiaLeesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing, and boating. A universally accessible fishing pier, playground, boat launch, boat storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center, and gift shop are available. A 20-station fitness trail and canoe and kayak rentals also are available.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$15 - $18 / night
5. Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
11 Reviews•24 Photos•119 SavesSharpsburg, MarylandOverview
The Antietam Creek Campground is located at Mile 69.4 on the C&O Canal Towpath, a few miles south of Shepherdstown on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, boating and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Antietam Creek Campground.
Recreation
Popular activities at Antietam Creek include boating and fishing. Kayaking the creek and surrounding areas during various times of the year are scenic and ever changing. Nearby boat ramps at Dargan Bend and Snyders Landing provide motor boat access to the river. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the watered sections of the C&O Canal the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older. West Virginia Licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.
Natural Features
Antietam Creek Campground is just south of Sharpsburg, MD. Antietam Creek is a typically mild and slow moving creek which feeds into the much larger and faster Potomac River directly adjacent to the campsite. River rise and floods can modify conditions quickly here.
Nearby Attractions
Antietam Battlefield, South Mountain Recreation Area and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park all provide additional hiking and history adventures specifically about the Civil War Era.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer. Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$10 / night
6. Marsden Tract Group Campsite
1 Review•22 Photos•74 SavesCabin John, MarylandOverview
The Marsden Tract Group Campground was built by scouts to provide access to larger campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area. It is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area and Anglers Inn. The group campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, rock climbing, paddling and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Marsden Tract.
Recreation
The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.
Natural Features
Marsden Tract Group Campsite is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.
Nearby Attractions
Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located about 14 miles outside of Washington, D.C., providing affordable camping near the nation's capital. Many campers will base out of Marsden to see the sites such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Mall, Capitol and The White House.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer. Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$20 / night
7. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
1 Review•8 SavesSandy Spring, MarylandThe Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is Maryland's biggest climbing and ziplining adventure!
We have 5 campsites on site. Please note, these campsites are only available for scout troops and youth groups who are also taking part in park activities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$150 - $200 / night
8. Lichtman Camp 1 — Prince William Forest Park
1 Review•5 SavesPrince William Forest Park, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
9. Goodwill Cabin — Prince William Forest Park
1 Review•1 Photo•6 SavesDumfries, VirginiaOverview
Cabin Camp 3 is located in Prince William Forest Park and is one of five large cabin camp facilities located in the park. Camp 3 is the only camp where visitors can rent a single cabin. There are thirteen cabins available for rent. The cabins are very rustic and provide a unique camping experience in Northern Virginia. The cabins offer easy access to 37 miles of hiking and 21 miles of biking trails in the park. The park's land was set aside during the Great Depression, and in 1935 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the previously over-farmed acreage, converting it to recreational lands for public use. The CCC built trails, dams and cabins, making the park a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation.____
Recreation
The park offers many recreational activities, including hiking, biking, orienteering and fishing. Hikers enjoy exploring the park's 37 miles of foot trails. Campers may hike South Orenda Road to South Valley Trail and Laurel Trail Loop.__ Bicyclists will find 21 miles of paved roads within the park, including the 12-mile Scenic Drive. Little traffic and a 25 m.p.h. speed limit make this a popular biking spot. Mountain biking is also available on 10 miles of gravel fire roads.__ The park boasts 30 orienteering courses with picturesque settings. Orienteering is a 19th century Scandinavian sport primarily used as military training. The courses were developed in 1972 and continue to provide hours of entertainment and exploration for park visitors.__ Approximately 18 miles of streams and two small lakes are open to the public for fishing. The water quality of Quantico Creek supports numerous fish species and other aquatic life. The most common fish species are bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
Facilities
The campground is open mid-April through the first weekend in November and there are three 4-person, seven 6-person, and three 10-person cabins. The 4-person and 6-person cabins are located in the "A" Unit and the 10-person cabins are located in the "B" Unit. There is a bath house with hot showers, a craft lodge, and a fire ring in both the A unit and the B unit. All campers renting cabins must share these common spaces.
Natural Features
Prince William Forest Park preserves approximately 15,000 acres of Piedmont forest covering a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. The park represents one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area and is the third largest unit of the National Park System in Virginia. The area is the largest example of a Piedmont forest ecosystem in the National Park Service, making it a significant natural resource.__ __ Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any adventurous visitor.____ __ The park is home to 46 species of mammals, 22 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, more than 129 species of birds, 26 species of fish and an unknown number of invertebrates. __ More than 900 plant species exist in Prince William Forest Park. From the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree, each species has a special role to play in this forest ecosystem. From tree bark in winter, wildflowers in spring, canopy cover in summer and autumn colors in fall, Prince William Forest Park offers beautiful scenery year-round.
Nearby Attractions
Prince William Forest Park is centrally located, with easy access to all of the attractions the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., area have to offer. From the park entrance, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the main gate of the United States Marine Corps Base Quantico are just a mile away.____ The park is located directly between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park.
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Cabins
$70 / night
10. Happyland Cabin — Prince William Forest Park
1 Review•2 SavesDumfries, VirginiaCabin Camp 5 was the last camp to be completed by the CCC and WPA. The camp offers the largest capacity (210 in summer, 104 in winter) due to the large dorm buildings and restrooms. This is also the only camp with heat, so this camp may be rented year-round. This is also the only camp to have an outdoor picnic pavilion located inside the camp. Cabin Camp 5 is set up in two units with cabins that sleeps 2 to 4 people and larger dorm buildings that sleep 24.
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews near Herndon, Virginia
854 Reviews of 33 Herndon Campgrounds
Reba H.
Traveler
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Well maintained but fair warnings
The Hilton area campground is unique because, unlike the Hollofield area of the park, it doesn't allow RVs and its tent sites are non-electric. However, a tiny cabin experience with electricity is available... within the same loop as non-electric tent camping. My non-electric tent campsite was surrounded by brightly lit cabins, even unoccupied all of their porch lights stay on all night. It doesn't make the upper half of the campground ideal for stargazing. The other reviewers are correct that the lower half of the loop is situated lower in the valley which will make any rain you get more difficult, so avoid booking a site at the very bottom. Overall the campground and state park deserve 4 stars because from what I could see tent pads were level, firepits had grill gates, showers were hot, and staff were cleaning and maintaining the grounds everyday. But be safe; prepare detailed offline navigation if you use the trails surrounding the camp. I definitely got lost relying on blazes for what I thought was supposed to be the Charcoal Trail.
- JJennifer L.
Guide
William Houck Campground
Perfectly awesome
We stayed here May 1st, one night, it was a weekday night so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. I start my review with that because we have heard this place can get very busy. They said it has long already been completely (180 sites!) booked for Memorial Day. That being said, we tent camped, it cost about $25. We bought three bags of their kiln dried wood which made for a wonderful and easy fire ($15), the tent sites were perfectly flat with crushed gravel and fire rings. The place was CLEAN as heck, the bathroom/shower were so clean it was like it must have been built last week. I mean seriously in perfect condition, water was hot the sites are not on top of each other and each has its own designated parking area. The surrounding park is seriously gorgeous. You cannot go wrong here, we enjoyed every single second.
- Jeanette M.
Scout
Crows Nest Campground
Great for a Weekend Getaway
I don’t normally go camping in a Tent but I feel like it’s something I want you more often, I think this place is a great place to go for the weekend with the kids.
Kristy R.Guide
Cherry Hill Park
Great Family Fun
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. My grandchildren live it there. We will return to a premium tent site soon.
Sammii D.
Ranger
Camp Winery
Beautiful!
Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too
Bridget H.Ranger
Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
Trails and Water
We legit loved this park! I took my grandkids tent camping and we had a wonderful experience. We brought our bikes and hit the trails. It was some great times. We had electricity and water and the bathrooms were close to our site. The park is on the Shenandoah River and there are multiple spots to put in and take out. There is primitive tent camping down by the river which looks fantastic. We definitely loved the trails with hiking and biking options. We will definitely go here again.
- Michelle O.Scout
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Camp here!
Tent camped here last Labor Day weekend. Site was a good size. Fantastic KOA. Tons of things to do for our 9 year old!
Annie S.Scout
Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders
Almost Heaven!
Great place! Lots to do on-site. Tent camped and really had a great time. Harper’s Ferry is a beautiful place to hike, camp and visit. Highly recommended!
- MMark G.Traveler
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Maryland
Nice, but expensive
It was a nice place to stay for kids, lots to do for them. But very expensive for tent camping. I still paid nearly 100 a night.
- Ron H.Guide
Little Bennett Campground
Nice quite and spacious campground
This is our second time here. This place is quiet the spaces are big. They can accommodate large campers,ours is 35 ft. Tent camping have big areas. Lost of nature trails.
Jason S.Traveler
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Very Warm in the Summer
The layout is nice and the grass tent pads have real grass, not gravel. Many of the tent sites are not shaded though. This makes the hot summer even hotter.
- bbrian R.Guide
Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club
Camping at a nudist campground
We tent camped at Pine Tree Associates. They are a nudist club with a very nice camp ground. There is a bath house with outdoor showers. Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers.
- Brian V.Traveler
North Fork Resort
Expensive
Stopped here for a tent site. And the cost was almost $60 a night. They do offer discounts for some associations but I wasn’t a member of any.
Maggie A.GuideHarpers Ferry Campground - River Riders
River Front Camping
This campground has an abundance of things to do. The campground offers adventures like rafting, biking, tubing and zip lining to name a few. If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry (If you’re facing the river then the trail is to the right of the campground with a sign reading that you have entered Harper’s Ferry National Park. The trail is about 1.5 miles one way). From there you can grab a bite, visit the history of Harper's Ferry or continue exploring more hiking trails. There are train tracks behind the campground with a train going through day and night. For me it’s a minor inconvenience and my daughter, who even as a baby, slept through it. Do bring ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper. Bathroom and showers located nearby. You’re not allowed to park at the tent sites but most of the tent sites allow you to drop all your camping gear off and then park in a designated area. Between the tent sites being close together and the campground being part of zip lining/rafting courses there’s not a ton of privacy (especially during the weekend). Overall, it's a great adventurous spot!
- JJD B.Scout
Lake Fairfax Campground
Perfect quick getaway
For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground. Quiet time was observed and there are plenty of nice trails around for hiking and biking
- Anthony W.Traveler
Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
clean & quiet
Campground has nice sized clean sites for tent camping. The park offers a large clean man made lake for swimming and fishing. For the remainder of 2018 the dam the holds back the lake is under repairs so no swimming for this summer.
- KKaren M.Scout
Crows Nest Campground
I’d skip it
Hodgepodge mix of tent sites and long term motor homes on a creek which is nice . Owner is strange and will yell at clients blaming them of chopping down trees when they haven’t or other false claims.
- Patraic E.Scout
Little Bennett Campground
Good get away.
Went here during the week and the tent sites where pretty empty. The facilities are well kept. My only complaint is I could here the traffic from the highway on the A loop. Otherwise my stay was quiet and pleasant.
singinajf@aol.comTravelerLittle Bennett Campground
Nice place
Little Bennett has spacious RV and tent sites as well as cabins and yurts. It's very clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking within the park and many activities for kids. We were very impressed by their covid safety. Will be back!
Corey B.GuideAndy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
Great Kid Friendly Getaway
Great views of the blue ridge mountains with many river access points. The Virginia Canopy Tour is fun. We camped with our pop-up in the RV section. Sites were spacious and the bathhouse clean. We checked out an adventure pack from the visitors center and hiked the River Trail, thus our son became a junior ranger. Tent sites, RV sites, camping cabins and large cabins all available. Firewood for sale in the park. We’ll be back! More trails to hike!
- bbobGuide
Pohick Bay Campground
Expensive for people traveling
I found it expensive for a tent site. No electric or water and was over $40. Out of area fee and a transaction fee (I even paid cash) If your traveling looking for a cheaper place to park for the night, this is not it.
- bbrian R.Guide
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Camping close to civilization
We went tent camping with 3 friends. We occupied 2 camp sites. There was a clean bath house with showers. There was plenty of downed trees and limbs for firewood. If you like being close to stores, this is your place. We were 5 minutes from a grocery store and plenty of places to eat.
- Yvonne B.Traveler
Bull Run Regional Park
I'll go again just for the showers
We tent camped there with 2 other families memorial day weekend. It rained the entire time but we still had a blast.
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.
Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located.
Jake C.
Legend
Casa Vargas
Secluded Camping Near Skyline Drive
Jake from the Dyrt here! Casa Vargas offers secluded RV & Tent sites near the famous Skyline Drive that offers great views of the Shenandoah Mountains. Make this your homebase for a weekend to explore the area, and make sure to post some pictures and leave a review on the Dyrt!
- Beth C.Traveler
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Hagerstown MD
Really nice wooded campground with waterpark.
This campground has tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground. Has a great water park, playground and bounce pad feature. Definitely recommend for families and /or anyone looking for easy convenience camping.
Rob O.Traveler
Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park
So peaceful, free split firewood, close to Gettysburg
Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 2 nights and found a pleasantly prepared raised bed area to pitch my tent on. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. This is a great base camp for getting out to the Gettysburg National park and battlefield. town is less than 10 miles away that has a grocery store and restaurants. FREE split firewood. So quiet i swear i heard a squirrel burp.
Ray G.Traveler
Candy Hill Campground
⬆️💲
I only called to inquire about the cost. Passing through and needed a spot to decompress for a few days. I was told it was $40 a night for a tent site for one person. The guy who answered was super nice but I thought that was really steep. Didn't see cost info anywhere online so thought this might help others.
Guide to Herndon
Tent camping near Herndon, Virginia, offers a variety of scenic locations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Tent campers should check out local attractions
- Experience the beauty of the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, where you can enjoy group camping and take on the largest aerial challenge course in North America.
- Visit Seneca Creek State Park Campground, known for its peaceful atmosphere and easy access to hiking trails, making it a great spot for family camping.
- Explore the Sky Meadows State Park Campground, which offers stunning views and a chance to hike the Appalachian Trail.
Tips for tent camping near Herndon
- Bring your own water and supplies when camping at Marsden Tract Group Campsite, as it lacks amenities like drinking water and toilets, making it ideal for those seeking a true backcountry experience.
- For a more accessible option, consider Leesylvania State Park Campground, which features picnic tables and restrooms, perfect for families looking for convenience.
- If you're up for a hike, the Marsden Tract offers a secluded camping experience with beautiful surroundings, but be prepared for a trek to reach the site.
Unique features of nearby campgrounds
- The Shenandoah Adventures campground provides a fantastic setting for water activities like fishing and kayaking, making it a great choice for those who love being on the water.
- Enjoy the rustic charm of Goodwill Cabin, which offers large group accommodations and a variety of outdoor activities, perfect for gatherings and family reunions.
- Experience the tranquility of Happyland Cabin, where you can disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in nature, all while being close to the conveniences of Northern Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Herndon, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Herndon, VA is Sky Meadows State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Herndon, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Herndon, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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