Primitive camping options around Ashburn, Virginia span across Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia within a 30-mile radius. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 300-900 feet and deciduous forest landscapes. Most camping areas remain open from April through October, with limited winter availability at select sites like Bull Run Regional Park.
What to do
Water activities at Pohick Bay: Located 30 miles from Ashburn, this park offers boat rentals and fishing opportunities on the Potomac River. "There is plenty of things to do to keep the kids busy. There is also a pool/water park in the park as well as a nice network of trails," notes Ben G. about Pohick Bay Campground.
Hiking on the C&O Canal: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct access to the historic 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," reports Susan K. about Brunswick Family Campground.
Historical exploration: Many campsites serve as excellent baseplates for visiting Civil War sites. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Park on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous. The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone," shares Roberta K.
What campers like
Convenience to DC: Cherry Hill Park offers the closest camping to the capital. "Great campground. A bit pricey, but has a full hookup loop. Other loops are tent only. Wonderful bath house. Lots of stuff to do," says PattyD T. about Little Bennett Campground, which is about 25 miles from Ashburn.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept bathhouses. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," reports Tana S. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Natural settings: Despite suburban locations, many sites maintain wooded areas. "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 is of the bathrooms. They're worth staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls," says Yvonne B. about Bull Run Regional Park.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds have nearby railroad tracks. "The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It's not bothered me but you should be aware," mentions Dale Y. about Brunswick Family Campground.
Site spacing varies: Expect closer quarters at popular locations. "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," notes Ray & Terri F. about Little Bennett Campground.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. "This campground is right on the Potomac, easy to get to, reasonably priced, and the sites are spacious. The loops are small, each containing a dozen or fewer spaces," reports Dale Y.