Prince William Forest Park and its surrounding areas offer diverse camping options within 35 miles of Washington, DC. The region features mixed hardwood forests at elevations between 200-400 feet with moderate humidity during summer months. Campgrounds in the Lorton area have varying restrictions on vehicle size and seasonal availability, with most sites requiring reservations during peak periods.
What to do
Hiking in national parks: Prince William Forest Park provides extensive trail systems for day hikes. "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Water activities: Many campgrounds offer fishing and boating access. "The 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. from Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
Historical sites: The region contains significant Civil War landmarks and museums. "We 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. They have a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt," writes Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
What campers like
Quiet surroundings: Many campgrounds provide peaceful settings despite proximity to urban areas. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous. 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," reports Roberta K. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms are very clean and well stocked. Mattawoman Creek is right there and great for kayaking," states Lorraine P. about Smallwood State Park.
Convenient metro access: Several rv parks near Lorton provide transportation options to Washington DC. "This campground is very close do Washington DC. About 17 miles to the closest Rail station to bring you to the mall in Washington DC," explains Ken W. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
What you should know
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds limit RV length and height. "Oak Ridge Campground restricts RV size to 32 feet for motorhomes and 26 feet for trailers with a 12-foot height maximum, operating seasonally from March through October with no hookups available."
Military credentials: Some Lorton-area RV parks require military ID for access. "This campground is abord Fort Belvoir, an US Army base in Northern, VA. It is very clean and there are many amenities close by," notes Jack R. from Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
Noise considerations: Background noise varies between campgrounds. "Oaka Ridge Campground is deep at 'end' of Prince William Forest (13 miles from forest entrance gate). We were in Loop C and could hear activity at Quantico. Lots of air noise too, from both airplanes and helicopters," explains Tracy R. about Oak Ridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "This campground is pretty enormous. There's got to be over the 100 sites. A loop is for walk ins, b and c loops are for reservations. The campground sits in a beautiful Prince William national Forrest," reports Daniel S. about Oak Ridge Campground.
Swimming options: Many Lorton-area rv parks offer pools during summer months. "This park has so much to offer. We loved it. Pros: 50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride, gated, on-site camp store, on-site bus shuttle," shares Beth R. about Cherry Hill Park.
Educational activities: Ranger programs enhance family experiences. "We have found municipal campgrounds in Northern Virginia are a bit spendy for being government sponsored. Not as bad as South Carolina, but way more than Florida," notes Stuart O. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Gravel pads vary significantly in quality. "Easy entry after dark. Sites were mostly level," reports Bille W. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Hookup considerations: Water and power availability changes seasonally. "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.
Seasonal rates: Campground costs fluctuate throughout the year. "Nearby Colonial Beach is a cute area that has nice waterfront access. We also loved going to Westmoreland park which was practically next door to Harbor View. Great trails and fossil beach was fun," writes Ariel F. about Thousand Trails Harbor View.
