RV campgrounds near Manassas Park, Virginia offer varied camping experiences within an hour's drive of Washington DC. The region sits in Virginia's Piedmont area where forests meet urban infrastructure, with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with moderate humidity, while spring and fall provide cooler camping conditions with occasional rain.
What to Do
Hiking nearby parks: Oak Ridge Campground in Prince William Forest Park provides access to over 37 miles of hiking trails through second-growth forest. "Beautiful park and campground with many nice camp sites! I wish I could have stayed more," notes one visitor to Oak Ridge Campground.
Explore military history: Located just 10 miles from Manassas Park, the National Marine Corps Museum offers educational exhibits about military history. "National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes a camper from Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Water activities: Burke Lake Park features a 218-acre lake with fishing opportunities and boat rentals. "You can take out boats (there is a boat launch). Campgrounds are nice, located in the woods along the lake and have access to decent bathrooms," according to a camper at Burke Lake Park Campground.
What Campers Like
Private, wooded sites: Many campgrounds feature tree cover that creates natural separation between sites. At Bull Run Regional Park, "your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone. Bath houses are clean and well maintained," notes a reviewer who appreciates the layout of Bull Run Regional Park.
Transportation options: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to Washington DC for day trips. "This park has too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," shares a camper who visited Bull Run Regional Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of bathroom facilities. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, "the showers are clean/hot and the playground is in very good condition," according to a reviewer who appreciates the maintenance standards.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, especially during peak season from May through September. The region gets crowded on summer weekends and holiday periods.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways, trains, or military operations. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "there are train tracks behind the campground with a train going through day and night. Do bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper," advises one camper at Harpers Ferry Campground.
Military base access: Several campgrounds operate on military bases and require proper identification. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, "you need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river," notes a visitor.
Water drainage issues: After heavy rains, some campgrounds experience drainage problems. A Bull Run Regional Park camper reports, "There was a fairly heavy day of rain. The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow. Result was lots of standing water at our campsite."
Tips for Camping with Families
Recreation options: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly activities on-site. At Bull Run Regional Park, families can enjoy "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."
Educational opportunities: The region provides numerous historical sites for educational day trips. One camper at Fort Belvoir notes, "Eagle's nests were interesting," referring to wildlife viewing opportunities near Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
Weekday camping: For a quieter family experience, consider camping Sunday through Thursday. A Burke Lake Park visitor warns about weekends: "When a bunch of high schoolers decide to party till 3AM, there's no one to call. Then, at 6AM the walking groups start on the trail."
Tips from RVers
Site preparation: Some RV sites require leveling blocks. A Fort Belvoir camper notes, "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable."
Supply planning: Many RV parks have limited on-site supplies. A Fort Belvoir visitor advises, "You really need a toad since supplies are not very close to the camping area."
Internet considerations: RVers who need to work remotely should check connectivity options. At Thousand Trails Harbor View, one camper reported, "I work full-time remote and the Verizon service was perfect with our hotspot," highlighting the reliable cell service at Thousand Trails Harbor View.
Tree clearance: RVers with taller vehicles should watch for low-hanging branches. A Prince William Forest RV Campground reviewer mentions, "Most have some tree cover (and some of the trees could use a trim along the roads)."