Camping in Leesburg, Virginia offers diverse seasonal experiences with average summer temperatures around 85°F and winter lows near freezing. The area's piedmont landscape features rolling hills at approximately 300-500 feet elevation between the Potomac River and Blue Ridge Mountains. Fall camping from September to November provides colorful foliage displays while avoiding summer's higher humidity and insect activity.
What to Do
Hiking historic trails: At Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders, access the Appalachian Trail directly from your riverside campsite. "It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite! The camp ground is part of river riders which offers lazy tubing, white water tubing, zip lining, and great kayaking down the river," notes Robin W.
Water recreation options: The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers offer multiple access points for water activities. "The Shanandoah is just as beautiful. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families or just a couple wanting to get away," says Brian S. about Brunswick Family Campground, where the river is "beautifully clean, clear and cool."
Train spotting: Several campgrounds provide unique railroad viewing opportunities. "The CNO railroad runs pretty close it's not super loud just wanted to make you aware," mentions one Brunswick Family Campground reviewer. Train enthusiasts can watch passenger and freight trains passing throughout the day from several waterfront camping locations.
Battlefield exploration: Civil War history surrounds most campgrounds in the region. "This is a nice campground with lots of great places nearby including Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Frederick, Washington DC, Baltimore, and more," shares Matt S. from Harpers Ferry KOA, highlighting the historical significance of the area.
What Campers Like
Private wooded sites: Little Bennett Campground offers secluded camping areas with natural separation. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," reports Ray & Terri F., noting the privacy aspect that differs from more crowded options.
River access: Waterfront camping provides immediate recreation options. "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," writes Darcy S. about Harpers Ferry Campground, highlighting the primary appeal.
Seasonal timing advantages: Avoiding peak summer crowds offers better experiences. "We stayed here on the night of December 11, 2020. No problem finding a spot, campground was about half full when we got there around 4pm," notes John B. about Shenandoah River State Park, demonstrating off-season availability.
Budget-friendly options: Some sites offer surprising value compared to resorts. "We got a discount for staying 2 nights so it was only $29 a night. Don't buy the $25 firewood it'll be gone in one night they have wood throughout the campground go forage!" advises Mikala S. about Harpers Ferry Campground.
What You Should Know
Site limitations: Verify campsite specifications before booking. "Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air," warns Matt S. about Harpers Ferry KOA.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds implement minimum stays. "But Bull Run manages to goose you even more. There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights. But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week. In APRIL for gosh sakes!" reports Stuart O. from Bull Run Regional Park.
Weather considerations: Drainage issues affect some campgrounds during rain. "While we were here, there was a fairly heavy day of rain. Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical. 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," notes a Bull Run Regional Park camper.
Yurt camping logistics: Yurt camping near Leesburg, Virginia requires advance planning. "There are tent, full hook up RV sites and even cabin sites for the families who just want the comfort of a home," explains Daniel S., highlighting the range of accommodations including yurts at various parks within driving distance of Leesburg.
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity planning: Cherry Hill Park offers exceptional family amenities near Leesburg, Virginia. "Tons of stuff to do here, especially for families: arts & crafts, indoor movie theatre, games, civil war reenactments, wine tastings, etc. We were certainly never bored, and the kids thought they had died and gone to heaven," shares Jen V.
Playground access: Consider campsite proximity to play areas. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious. The site had water and electric which was nice," explains Ben G. about his family experience at Pohick Bay Campground.
Nature programs: Seasonal education opportunities enhance yurt camping near Leesburg. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had 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," reports Bridget H.
Bathroom facilities: Check bathroom amenities when planning. "I'll go again just for the showers... 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," enthuses Yvonne B. about Bull Run.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many sites require additional equipment. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," notes a Little Bennett camper, highlighting topographical challenges.
Premium site value: Evaluate whether upgraded sites justify additional cost. "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs. I wish there was a little bit more room in between the campers for privacy but it did not hurt our stay," shares Jonathan B. about Cherry Hill Park.
Access considerations: Verify your rig will fit campground roads. "All roads were very narrow and winding. We did fine with the pup, but can't imagine trying to navigate a large motorhome through there," observes one Harpers Ferry KOA visitor, providing critical navigation insights for larger vehicles.
