Camping options near Leesburg, Virginia provide access to Civil War historic sites and riverfront recreation within a 30-mile radius. Seasonal humidity peaks in July and August when temperatures average 85-90°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable times for tent camping. The region's elevation varies between 300-700 feet, creating diverse camping terrain from riverfront lowlands to wooded hillsides.
What to do
Historic exploration: 6 miles from Harpers Ferry. The Harpers Ferry Campground provides direct access to both water activities and history. "You can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry. The trail is about 1.5 miles one way," notes Maggie A. Many campers use this location as a starting point for multiple historic sites.
Water activities: fishing and paddling. The Brunswick Family Campground offers immediate river access. "The Shenandoah River and the campground enjoy. The river is beautifully clean clear and cool," reports Brian S., who found the riverside location perfect for multiple water activities. The campground includes a boat ramp with easy access for kayaks and canoes.
Military base recreation: Fort Belvoir. For those with military credentials, Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp provides unique outdoor options. "The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river. There is a pier out into the river to fish on," explains Jack R.
What campers like
Spacious forest sites: pull-through accessibility. Bull Run Regional Park receives high marks for its site layout. "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," according to Roberta K. The design creates more privacy than typical row arrangements.
Clean facilities: above-average bathrooms. Multiple campers praise the shower facilities at Bull Run. "I'll go again just for the showers. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls... Best camping showers I've ever had," writes Yvonne B. Lake Fairfax Campground also earns compliments for bathroom cleanliness with "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," according to Tana S.
Riverside camping: direct water access. Harpers Ferry Campground stands out for its waterfront sites. "Our campsite was right along the water (all spots are along the water). We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus," reports Mikala S. Campers appreciate being able to swim or launch kayaks directly from their sites.
What you should know
Train noise: track proximity. Several campgrounds near Leesburg sit near active train lines. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "There is a train going through day and night. For me it's a minor inconvenience and my daughter, who even as a baby, slept through it. Do bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper," advises Maggie A.
Site leveling challenges: uneven terrain. Multiple reviews mention leveling issues. At Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefields KOA, one reviewer noted, "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." Similar issues exist at Lake Fairfax where "many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant."
WiFi reliability: variable connections. Internet access varies widely between campgrounds. RoundTop Campground visitors report, "On almost all occasions there was no Internet. We had a strong Wi-Fi signal, but no Internet." Meanwhile, at Prince William Forest RV Campground, reviewers note "Wifi: don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter."
Tips for camping with families
Water parks: built-in entertainment. Lake Fairfax Campground includes a water park adjacent to camping areas (additional fee applies). "We enjoyed the water park immensely. Ten of us in total with kids ranging from 18 months old to 13 years old. Everyone enjoyed the water park and the time we spent there," writes Corey B.
Resort-style amenities: activity centers. For families seeking structured activities, Cherry Hill Park offers comprehensive facilities. "The best park in the DC area! Very nice grounds, clean, and amenities galore! Pool, playgrounds, game room, camp store, pavilions, everything!" explains Jason E. Many campgrounds schedule weekend activities during peak season.
Hiking with children: accessible trails. Brunswick Family Campground offers family-friendly hiking directly from campsites. "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," explains Susan K., making it ideal for families with varying hiking abilities.
Tips from RVers
Big rig considerations: width and turn radius. Prince William Forest RV Campground receives mixed reviews for larger RVs. "Almost all sites are pull through and are close together. Most have some tree cover (and some of the trees could use a trim along the roads)," notes Kristen M. Always check road width and turning radius details when booking.
Dump station alternatives: planning ahead. Several campgrounds offer only partial hookups. "We had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained," explains Megan K. about Prince William Forest. Always verify hookup types before booking.
RV leveling requirements: block supplies. Many sites in the area require substantial leveling. At Fort Belvoir, reviewers advise to "bring plenty of leveling blocks" as sites "wasn't fully level." Similarly, at Bull Run Regional Park, campers note some sites have "a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side."
