Best Campgrounds near Leesburg, VA
Leesburg, Virginia and its surrounding countryside provide access to numerous developed campgrounds within an hour's drive. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA, Watermelon Park Campground, and Lake Fairfax Park are among the established camping areas offering varied accommodation types. The region includes tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping options across state parks, regional parks, and private campgrounds. Most locations provide standard amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms, with many sites also featuring electric hookups and water. The proximity to the Potomac River and Shenandoah Valley creates opportunities for waterfront camping experiences while remaining accessible to Washington DC.
Seasonal considerations affect camping near Leesburg, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Lake Fairfax Campground operates from March to September, while several other areas remain open year-round, including Harpers Ferry KOA and Bull Run Regional Park. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Many camping areas in the region provide access to historic sites and recreational activities including hiking trails, water sports, and cultural attractions. The C&O Canal towpath offers additional access to hiker-biker campsites along the Potomac River. According to one visitor at Brunswick Family Campground, the area is "situated next to the river so half of the sites have river views. Nice boat loading ramp and dock for fishing. Also situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction."
Campers consistently mention the convenience of camping locations for accessing both natural areas and historic sites. Several visitors highlighted the proximity to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Antietam Battlefield, and Washington DC as key advantages. While many campgrounds provide shaded sites, reviews indicate that some locations have closely spaced sites with limited privacy. Campgrounds near rivers tend to receive higher ratings for scenery and recreational opportunities. A camper noted that Harpers Ferry KOA is "very convenient to many historic and recreational sites" and that "the area has river float and whitewater rapids trips on both the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers." Wildlife viewing, historical exploration, and water-based recreation represent common highlights in camper reviews, with noise levels varying based on proximity to roads and neighboring campsites.
