R
Roger M.
Traveler
TravelerFredericksburg-Washington DC KOA
Family friendly
Nice size spots. Lake on site. Playground for kids. Fun bike rentals. Lots of dog walks and a dog park. Camp store has a little bit of everything.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Lorton, VA
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Pohick Bay Campground's pet-friendly sites accommodate both RV and tent campers with spacious, shaded spots throughout the year. Located in Lorton, this regional park welcomes dogs at all campsites while maintaining clean facilities and regular staff patrols. Bull Run Regional Park and Burke Lake Park also offer dog-friendly campgrounds with varying amenities - Bull Run provides electric hookups and sewer connections for RVs, while Burke Lake features tent sites with picnic tables and access to hiking trails suitable for dog walking. Leashed pets must be attended at all times in these campgrounds. Sites backing up to trails provide convenient access for dog walks, though the trails can get muddy after rain. Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours which apply to barking dogs as well as human noise.
Several walking paths throughout Pohick Bay lead from campsites to water access points where leashed dogs can cool off during summer months. The trail network connects camping areas to marina facilities and disc golf courses, providing varied terrain for morning and evening dog walks. Campsites near the playground areas tend to be busier and noisier, so pet owners seeking quieter surroundings should request outer loop sites or locations away from high-traffic areas. The campground store sells basic pet supplies, though selection is limited. Multiple reviewers note the abundance of wildlife including raccoons and squirrels that show no fear of humans or pets, requiring careful food storage and pet monitoring. The proximity to wooded areas means checking pets for ticks after walks, particularly in spring and summer months.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Lorton (72)
1. Pohick Bay Campground
"We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
from $37 - $170 / night
Check Availability2. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
"The Oak Ridge campgrounds at Prince William Forest Park are a lovely little campground just outside Washington DC. The sites were large, the facilities are clean and the staff friendly and helpful."
"Showers are in loop B, which is a 5-7 minute walk. During holiday weekends the sites closest to the shower facilities are fully booked and have less privacy."
from $26 / night
Check Availability3. Bull Run Regional Park
"Portable water and dumping station located at the camp store. We stayed at site 146 on the first caul-de-sac off the first loop just another site away from the bath house (which was pretty clean)."
"Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had. Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."
from $39 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
"Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located."
"Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city."
5. Burke Lake Park Campground
"We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."
"This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."
6. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
"The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours. I have a reactive dog and he did well here! We’ll be back!"
"They are in short distance from the water. There is a playground, bathhouse, and historical buildings that are accessible to campers. There are hiking trials, but none are two extensive."
from $27 - $65 / night
Check Availability7. Lake Fairfax Campground
"A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing"
"If you are looking for camping in Fairfax County Virginia, this is it, because there are only a couple to choose from."
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability8. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
"Super clean Very well maintained Pet friendly... kinda No veteran discounts smh Good for a day or two"
"Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
from $55 / night
Check Availability9. Cherry Hill Park
"Great location with access to all forms of transportation. Store fully stocked to include groceries. Two pools. Hot tub. Play areas to include a game room and miniature golf. "
"As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same."
from $999 / night
Check Availability10. Fairfax County Burke Lake Park
"BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground."
"i’ve camped here too many times to count, love being surrounded by nature!"
Drive Time
- 19 min from Washington, DC
- 57 min from Baltimore, MD
- 1 hr 14 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 16 min from Lexington Park, MD
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Lorton, VA
61 Photos of 72 Lorton Campgrounds
Sonyia W.
Pohick Bay Campground
Katia G.
Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
Phillip W.
Burke Lake Park Campground
Caitlin A.
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Gwynn G.
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Charity B.
The Oasis at Lake Serenity
Charity B.
Charity’s Hope Family Farm Resort
Caralee B.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
adrian F.
Lake Fairfax Campground
Nick C.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Evelyn T.
Cherry Hill Park
Nicholas S.
Rappahannock River Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Lorton, VA
607 Reviews of 72 Lorton Campgrounds
singinajf@aol.comTravelerRamblin' Pines
Quiet Spot
The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The bathrooms are incredibly clean. We love all the games there are to play and the dog park is our favorite spot. Overall, it's peaceful and quiet in a nice, wooded setting.
- JJordan W.
ScoutBrunswick Family Campground
Great but only a few things I noticed
Overall great camp ground only thing I noticed is at some of the RV sites the hook ups are in crazy spots some are In the neighboring sites area so you have to drag extensions around them. Also the pool and dog park isn’t on site you have to leave to go to it.
- Linda B.
RangerCherry Hill Park
Actually a 10!!!
This is a campers dream site. Everything you can think of is offered here. You have to check their website to see all. This is the closest site to Washington DC. Great location with access to all forms of transportation. Store fully stocked to include groceries. Two pools. Hot tub. Play areas to include a game room and miniature golf. Pets are pampered here. Even dog walking service available.
Megan K.
GuidePrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great spot with hookups by PW park
If you, like me, hate making reservations over the phone, it was worth it! Quick, simple, painless process.
Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk
Lots: lots are really staggered/ set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space. It wasn't crowded either way, especially given on a weekend
Small pool
Wifi: don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter
Cell service: I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well.
Area: the surrounding area is really bikeable
Hookups: I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained.
Staff: super friendly; great check in experience They have a dog park but didn't get a chance to check it out.
Overall: great experience, would recommend
MickandKarla W.
LegendCherry Hill Park
Impressive Campground
Cherry Hill Park was easy to find and get to basically right off I-95. This was our first time RVing into the WA DC area and we were concerned about traffic getting to the campground(CG). As we arrived, traffic was heavy on I-95 but manageable. Cherry Hill’s and our RV GPS directions were spot on getting us to the park. We were very impressed with this CG from the moment we entered. We picked up our package outside the office(no contact check-in) and went to premium site 93 with FHUs. Back-in was easy. The wifi was very good but the CG was only about a 1/4 full. Cherry Hill has many different ways to stay; cottages, cabins, yurts, glamping pods, premium and regular tent sites in addition to the RV sites. As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same. There are a few sites in the CG on the end that will give you a little more yard space like 97(need to be a competent backer), 402, and 1723. We got 2 bars each on Verizon and AT&T. The CG’s cable provided a large selection of channels and worked well. We were impressed with the main laundry facility due to the amount of large washers and dryers, very fair pricing and very clean. The two off leash dog parks(in the same area) were nice plus there’s a well maintained walking trail that goes around this very large CG’s perimeter. We really liked how there are trash receptacles and dog poopy bag dispensers nicely placed all over the CG. Though we didn’t use it, they even have a dog walker service so you can spend a lot of time exploring the DC area without worrying about your pups. About the only draw back was the road noise from the interstate and highway pretty much 24/7, but considering the area that is to be expected. Sites 13-38 and 1500 sites near the premium tent area are the farthest away from the road noise. We would definitely stay here again.
Caitlin A.ScoutSmallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Private sites with water views nearby
These campground is a great find. The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they’re very private with woods between each one. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours. I have a reactive dog and he did well here! We’ll be back!
J B.ScoutGreenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
The park/ trails
The park is located away from the camping grounds. It has two play grounds, several picnic tables and a bathroom. The bathroom is a average out door bathroom with no A.C. and the floor always seems to be wet, but I never had an issue with no toliet paper. The trails are maintained. You could tell there was even some work in progress spots. Wish there were some doggie bag stations just for the trash can. The trail comes close to the road enough times that it could be a great add for a visitor who brings pets and staff would not have to hike in to hike out a bag of garbage.
Nancy W.LegendRamblin' Pines
Good location to Baltimore/Frederick Attractions
We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick. The campground is quite large with lots of seasonal sites but there are some transient spaces that can accommodate big-rigs. In addition to RV sites, there are tent sites and cabins.
We stayed in one of the transient sites (#FR14) across from the RV storage lot. It was a long gravel back-in with 50-amp FHU. The water hook-up is in a pit so it doesn’t freeze so look under the cover. It can be a bit difficult to reach and you have to get on the ground to hook-up. Based on the location of the spigot, we were not able to attach our water filter (we drank the tap water anyway and it was good). The electric worked fine and were able to reach the sewer with our 20’ hose. The view out of our front window was of the storage lot which was not the most scenic. However, parking in the FR row is the easiest place for big-rigs to park since some roads in the park are tight and hard to navigate with the trees and with the two-way traffic.
There are lots of amenities and it seems some people come here for the activities and things to do. It is a destination for many campers. They have lots of themed events, the most popular being the entire month of October celebrating like Halloween. They set up a haunted walk through the woods, have pumpkin carving, trick or treating, a costume contest, haunted hayride, and site decoration contest every weekend. If you want to camp on the weekends– book early because we found it very difficult to get a reservation during October and you have to pay in full and there are no refunds for cancellations. Other weekends have live music, bingo, hayrides, cornhole tournaments, crafts, and more. Basically, there is something every weekend.
Huge fishing pond, shuffleboard, horseshoes, large dog park with agility, game room, playgrounds, jump pillow, heated swimming pool, and exercise room (which was decent but didn’t have a television to occupy your time), 18-hole mini golf. A short but nice hiking trail winds through the woods and is nice for walking dogs. There is a large covered pavilion with picnic tables for big gatherings. There is free Wi-Fi but it doesn’t reach sites in the back of the campground. Wi-Fi is great if you are near the office/store. The camp store is fairly large with some food/beverage items, t-shirts, large amount of RV supplies, and misc. other items. There is a coffee maker with free coffee.
Guide to Lorton
Camping in Lorton, Virginia occurs in the Piedmont region of Northern Virginia, situated between the Potomac River and the Occoquan River. The terrain features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level, creating varied camping experiences across relatively short distances. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall nights can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Disc golf courses: At Pohick Bay Regional Park, the 18-hole course provides a challenging experience for players of all skill levels. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes Rachel L., who calls Pohick Bay her "go-to weekend camping spot."
Water activities: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides convenient access to boating opportunities. The surrounding area is "really bikeable" according to Megan K., who adds that "all of the hookups looked well maintained" for campers needing facilities after a day on the water.
Historic exploration: The region contains significant Civil War sites and historic buildings. Oak Ridge Campground offers access to these attractions, with one visitor noting, "There is lots and lots of history around the area. We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things. Definitely worth exploring."
Nature trails: Multiple trail networks accommodate different hiking preferences and skill levels. "Prince William Forest has awesome day hikes," one camper reports, while another mentions the "nice network of trails" that are "plenty to keep a family occupied" at nearby campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Oak Ridge Campground offers good separation between camping areas. "The sites were roomy and not too close," notes Lisa P., adding that despite seeing "lots of wildlife" they "had no issues with trash or food (raccoons left everything alone)."
Campground cleanliness: Facilities at many area campgrounds receive praise for maintenance standards. "Bathrooms were nice and clean throughout my stay and looked newly renovated," shares Clara K. about her Oak Ridge experience, calling it "far enough and quiet enough for a weekend getaway."
Convenient DC access: Bull Run Regional Park serves as an excellent base for Washington DC visits. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC," reports Roberta K., adding, "your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone" despite proximity to urban areas.
Well-maintained shower facilities: Quality bathhouses make extended stays more comfortable. One camper raved about Bull Run's facilities: "The showers were with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," while acknowledging that "there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Spring camping often brings rain that affects site conditions. At Bull Run, drainage problems can occur: "There was a fairly heavy day of rain... 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."
Noise factors: Smallwood State Park Campground provides a quieter alternative to some busier locations, but area campgrounds have various noise sources. "Bull Run is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," reports one camper.
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring adjustment equipment. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," notes a Bull Run visitor, while another observed at Burke Lake that "many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant."
Weekend crowding: Proximity to DC means weekends bring more visitors. One Lake Fairfax visitor noted, "This place gets crowded. I shouldn't be surprised since it's in the middle of the city but driving through the masses picnicking on the weekends takes you out of it."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Cherry Hill Park offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early and late," reports Jennifer H., adding, "Just can't be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering."
Playground proximity: Sites near play areas provide convenience but increase noise. One Pohick Bay camper noted their site "backed to the playground and the bathhouse" making it ideal for families, adding "This was an amazing weekend for us and we will definitely be back."
Educational opportunities: Incorporate history lessons into camping trips. "We saw DC during the day but camped each evening. It was amazing!" reported a visitor to Oak Ridge, noting "The staff were so helpful and nice. They checked on us daily but didn't over stay."
Special programming: Many regional parks offer scheduled activities for children. "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon," reported a Bull Run visitor, adding, "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Lake Fairfax Campground has distinct camping areas with different advantages. "The outer loop campsites are easily more level than the center loop. If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask before committing to the inner loop," advises Corey B.
Hookup availability: Electric connections are common but full hookups are limited. A Prince William Forest RV Campground visitor noted, "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained."
Reservation timing: For pet-friendly camping near Lorton, Virginia, early booking is essential. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious. We are tent campers but almost all our neighbors were in an RV or trailer."
Proximity considerations: Sites near facilities provide convenience but may mean more foot traffic. "Our site was right next to the bath house, which was great for the kids. There were several paved walking paths leading to the bath house, so no one cut through our site to get to it," noted a Smallwood State Park visitor.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lorton, VA is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.
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