Best Campgrounds near Iron Gate, VA

The region surrounding Iron Gate, Virginia features a variety of established campgrounds within driving distance, primarily concentrated in the northern Virginia corridor. Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton offers year-round camping with boat-in access and full hookup options for RVs, while Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville provides a mix of tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Burke Lake Park Campground in Fairfax Station stands out for its lakeside setting with boat-in and hike-in access options. Most campgrounds in this region serve as convenient basecamps for exploring both natural areas and the greater Washington DC metropolitan area, with many sites situated near water features or wooded areas.

Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during the peak season from April through October. Many campgrounds near Iron Gate maintain year-round operations, though amenities may be reduced during winter months. As one camper noted, "If you're looking for camping in Fairfax County Virginia, this is it, because there are only a couple to choose from." Road access is generally well-maintained, with most sites accessible by standard vehicles. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and occasional severe storms, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures. Cell service is typically reliable throughout the region due to proximity to urban areas, though coverage may vary in more remote locations.

Campers consistently mention the balance between natural settings and urban proximity as a defining characteristic of the area. "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground," noted one visitor to Burke Lake Park. Site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds, with some offering more privacy than others. Noise from nearby roads, gun ranges, or aircraft is mentioned in several reviews, particularly at Bull Run and campgrounds closer to military installations. Wildlife sightings commonly include waterfowl, with many campgrounds situated near lakes, ponds, or the Potomac River. Most established sites provide standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, with varying levels of hookups for RVs.

Best Camping Sites Near Iron Gate, Virginia (115)

    1. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "We have lived in northern Virginia for over 30 years and never been to this campground until this month! Very nice campground with friendly staff and friendly campground hosts."

    "History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."

    2. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 221-7181

    $26 / night

    "Showers are in loop B, which is a 5-7 minute walk. During holiday weekends the sites closest to the shower facilities are fully booked and have less privacy."

    "The Oak Ridge campgrounds at Prince William Forest Park are a lovely little campground just outside Washington DC. The sites were large, the facilities are clean and the staff friendly and helpful."

    3. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."

    "Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers."

    4. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."

    "This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."

    5. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "If you are looking for camping in Fairfax County Virginia, this is it, because there are only a couple to choose from."

    "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."

    6. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    17 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    14 miles
    +1 (703) 221-2474

    "Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city."

    "Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located."

    7. Greenville Farm Family Campground

    2 Reviews
    Catharpin, VA
    9 miles
    +1 (703) 754-7944

    $60 / night

    "Trails, creek, pool, fishing ponds (back end), batheooms, etc, great rates. No firewood- need to bring your own."

    8. Fairfax County Burke Lake Park

    2 Reviews
    Fairfax Station, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground."

    "i’ve camped here too many times to count, love being surrounded by nature!"

    9. Leesylvania State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 730-8205

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Close to me so theres nothing new"

    "Good for a day use, parking is full most of the time but have a lot of space to park you may have to walk but you will find one spot..."

    10. Hillwood Camping Park

    2 Reviews
    Gainesville, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 754-6105
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Recent Reviews near Iron Gate, VA

853 Reviews of 115 Iron Gate Campgrounds


  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    Great camp site for our motorcycle trip

    Awesome views, good food in the restaurant up the hill. Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Adventure Bound Washington DC

    Nice

    This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Watermelon Park Campground

    Beautiful setting!

    This camping ground is for RVs only. It's right on the Shenandoah River so it's a quiet peaceful setting. However it's a long way from any town, has terrible wifi, (the mobile data was slightly better) & doesn't hav a laundry room. The road in is very narrow so our moterhome had a little difficulty getting in, but we made it! There is only a dumping station. This is just info, not a bad review :) they have showers & firewood & the staff is very friendly & helpful! Tubing on the river was closed for the season but that wud have been a great pass time!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Beautiful spot!

    Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours. Unfortunately there was a decent bit of trash we cleaned up. The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Horrie Neighbors

    dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. i think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Riverside site

    The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river. I saw one other site before ours. So limited, but we saw very few people. Got buggy at night, but that happens. Also wish people picked up their trash, but we helped. Absolutely recommend

  • j
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Lake Anna State Park Campground

    Nice space

    Great space for rvs and tents. Cabins and yurts available, bath house clean, but toilet paper is thinner than dry onion skin. Beach area is 1/2 mile paved walk. Beach very crowded on weekends.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aquia Pines Campground

    Good stopover near the highway but hidden between the trees

    We where forced land-inwards because of tropical storm Erin (potential hurricane hitting the Outer Banks). So we decided to visit Washington DC and had a stopover here. It was conveniently located. Terrain is not flat but our spot was well levelled. There is a big dog (and an older gentleman) in the office to welcome you. Full hook up was oké and our spot was nicly secluded between the trees.


Guide to Iron Gate

Camping near Iron Gate, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and convenient access to outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to consider.

What to do:

  • Explore the trails: Many campgrounds in the area have great hiking options. For instance, at Cedarville State Forest, one reviewer mentioned, "There are some really nice trails accessible from the loop," making it a perfect spot for nature walks.
  • Visit local attractions: If you're near Greenbelt Park Campground, you can easily access Washington, D.C. A visitor noted, "As soon as you leave the park you are in College Park with Metro access close by."
  • Fishing and kayaking: At Burke Lake Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One camper shared, "The park offers a lake for fishing and kayaking," highlighting the fun water activities available.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Fairfax Campground mentioned, "Great bathrooms all singles w showers," which adds to the comfort of the stay.
  • Friendly staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Pohick Bay Campground said, "The check-in at the camp store is crowded and narrow, but our 34 ft makes it okay," indicating that staff assistance is available even in busy times.
  • Community feel: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park foster a sense of community. A camper noted, "There is a generally good sense of community," which can make your stay more enjoyable.

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or airports. A visitor at Bull Run Regional Park complained, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place," so be prepared for potential disturbances.
  • Site proximity: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Greenbelt Park Campground mentioned, "The campsites are pretty close together," which might not suit everyone’s preference for privacy.
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A reviewer at Prince William Forest RV Campground noted, "Most sites do not have sewer access or decent access to Wi-Fi," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Cherry Hill Park, one reviewer said, "There is plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
  • Pack for convenience: Bring along essentials like snacks and games. A family camper at Lake Fairfax Campground mentioned, "You can buy firewood but is pretty expensive," so it’s wise to bring your own.
  • Plan for downtime: Make sure to schedule some relaxation time. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground shared, "The weekend tends to be a bit louder but during the week was very quiet," which can be perfect for family bonding.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A reviewer at Bull Run Regional Park noted, "We visited Cherry Hill Park Campground in a Class A Motorhome and while it was tight, we fit no problem."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. A camper at Lake Fairfax Campground mentioned, "Campground has mostly level gravel lots with fire rings, picnic tables," which is helpful for RV setups.
  • Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds may have limited maneuvering space. A visitor at Prince William Forest RV Campground said, "Sites are paved and mostly level and pull through," but noted that "the sites are very small," so plan your parking accordingly.

Camping near Iron Gate, Virginia, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Iron Gate, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Iron Gate, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 115 campgrounds and RV parks near Iron Gate, VA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Iron Gate, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Iron Gate, VA is Bull Run Regional Park with a 4-star rating from 42 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Iron Gate, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Iron Gate, VA.

What parks are near Iron Gate, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Iron Gate, VA that allow camping, notably Prince William Forest Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.