Tent campsites near Leesburg, Virginia range from primitive sites along the Potomac River to more developed backcountry options in the Blue Ridge foothills. The region sits at elevations between 300-1,700 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and high humidity levels that peak in July and August. Spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with temperatures between 55-75°F, though rainfall can be frequent in April and May.
What to do
Trail exploration on the Appalachian Trail: The AT runs nearby, making it accessible for day hikes from several campgrounds. At Sky Meadows State Park Campground, you can access both the main AT and historic route. As one camper noted, "Nice area to hike around, with access to the AT. There is also a stretch of trail that they deem the 'old AT' before it was relocated."
River activities on the Potomac: The river provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling near several sites. At Antietam Creek Campground, you can enjoy direct river access. A visitor mentioned: "The Potomac is mostly flat with some 'swirlies' for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing."
Historical site visits: Many campgrounds sit near Civil War battlefields and historic structures. One camper at Sky Meadows shared, "When we were there they were having a historical reenactment near the visitors center that was so cool!" This provides educational opportunities between camping activities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Despite being in a popular region, many campgrounds offer good separation between campsites. A visitor at Marsden Tract Group Campsite commented, "The camp site is beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting supports diverse wildlife observation. At Sky Meadows, one camper reported: "At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail."
Clean facilities: Despite the rustic nature of many sites, campers frequently mention well-maintained facilities. A visitor at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground noted, "There is a basic, but clean, bathroom with showers. There is also a year-round water source (the bathroom closes in winter)."
What you should know
Water sources vary significantly: Water availability differs greatly between sites. At Sky Meadows, "Non potable water is available via hand pump near rest rooms," while another camper advised, "I couldn't figure out how to use the potable water pump, but there are plentiful creeks you can filter water from."
Hike-in requirements: Many tent campsites near Leesburg require walking to reach your site. A Marsden Tract visitor warned, "It's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water no bathrooms or electricity but all in all it's beautiful."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect site conditions throughout the year. A Sky Meadows camper reported, "I hiked in while it was raining, and the mud wasn't as bad as I'd feared. However, the worn down parts of the trail attracted rainwater drainage, and the runoff narrowed the trail significantly."
Check-in procedures: Each campground has unique registration requirements. One camper at Sky Meadows explained, "You have to drive up to the main building, register, go back to the overnight lot, put in the gate code, hang the lot tag on your mirror, and hike in to the site."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for convenience: Choose sites with easier access when camping with children. A visitor at Antietam Creek Campground advised, "You have to park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site. Not much traffic on that road and a trail with many cyclists and runners."
Pack light for hike-in sites: When using backcountry sites with children, minimize gear. A Sky Meadows camper recommended, "My brother and I really only got to check out the trails leading to and from the overnight camping spots - but the rest of the park looks like a lot of fun, plenty of things to do. The campsites are about 1 mile from the overnight lot, which was a great hike-in if you don't overpack!"
Use site amenities for storage: Bear boxes provide secure storage for food and scented items. At Sky Meadows, a camper appreciated that "having a bear box at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag."
Tips from RVers
Plan for primitive conditions: Most tent campsites near Leesburg aren't suitable for RVs due to access limitations and lack of hookups. At Gathland State Park Campground, campers report "solid camping area" but it's designed for tents only with "no parking nearby."
Consider nearby towns for supplies: With limited on-site amenities, knowing nearby towns is essential. One Antietam Creek camper mentioned, "It's nice being so close to cool historical stuff" and "One can walk to Shepherdstown, WV for some fun."
Use alternative transportation: Some campers recommend bicycles for accessing remote sites. An Antietam Creek visitor noted, "Stayed at this campsite while Bikepacking the C&O... was a bit crowded and buggy but every site had its own picnic table and fire pit/grill."
