Best Tent Camping near Lorton, VA
Searching for a tent campsite near Lorton? Finding a place to camp in Virginia with your tent has never been easier. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Lorton, Virginia's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Lorton, Virginia (23)
1. Leesylvania State Park Campground
6 Reviews•4 Photos•115 SavesDumfries, VirginiaLeesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing, and boating. A universally accessible fishing pier, playground, boat launch, boat storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center, and gift shop are available. A 20-station fitness trail and canoe and kayak rentals also are available.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$15 - $18 / night
2. Caledon State Park Campground
5 Reviews•14 Photos•116 SavesKing George, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
3. Lichtman Camp 1 — Prince William Forest Park
1 Review•5 SavesPrince William Forest Park, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Goodwill Cabin — Prince William Forest Park
1 Review•1 Photo•6 SavesDumfries, VirginiaOverview
Cabin Camp 3 is located in Prince William Forest Park and is one of five large cabin camp facilities located in the park. Camp 3 is the only camp where visitors can rent a single cabin. There are thirteen cabins available for rent. The cabins are very rustic and provide a unique camping experience in Northern Virginia. The cabins offer easy access to 37 miles of hiking and 21 miles of biking trails in the park. The park's land was set aside during the Great Depression, and in 1935 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the previously over-farmed acreage, converting it to recreational lands for public use. The CCC built trails, dams and cabins, making the park a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation.____
Recreation
The park offers many recreational activities, including hiking, biking, orienteering and fishing. Hikers enjoy exploring the park's 37 miles of foot trails. Campers may hike South Orenda Road to South Valley Trail and Laurel Trail Loop.__ Bicyclists will find 21 miles of paved roads within the park, including the 12-mile Scenic Drive. Little traffic and a 25 m.p.h. speed limit make this a popular biking spot. Mountain biking is also available on 10 miles of gravel fire roads.__ The park boasts 30 orienteering courses with picturesque settings. Orienteering is a 19th century Scandinavian sport primarily used as military training. The courses were developed in 1972 and continue to provide hours of entertainment and exploration for park visitors.__ Approximately 18 miles of streams and two small lakes are open to the public for fishing. The water quality of Quantico Creek supports numerous fish species and other aquatic life. The most common fish species are bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
Facilities
The campground is open mid-April through the first weekend in November and there are three 4-person, seven 6-person, and three 10-person cabins. The 4-person and 6-person cabins are located in the "A" Unit and the 10-person cabins are located in the "B" Unit. There is a bath house with hot showers, a craft lodge, and a fire ring in both the A unit and the B unit. All campers renting cabins must share these common spaces.
Natural Features
Prince William Forest Park preserves approximately 15,000 acres of Piedmont forest covering a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. The park represents one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area and is the third largest unit of the National Park System in Virginia. The area is the largest example of a Piedmont forest ecosystem in the National Park Service, making it a significant natural resource.__ __ Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any adventurous visitor.____ __ The park is home to 46 species of mammals, 22 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, more than 129 species of birds, 26 species of fish and an unknown number of invertebrates. __ More than 900 plant species exist in Prince William Forest Park. From the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree, each species has a special role to play in this forest ecosystem. From tree bark in winter, wildflowers in spring, canopy cover in summer and autumn colors in fall, Prince William Forest Park offers beautiful scenery year-round.
Nearby Attractions
Prince William Forest Park is centrally located, with easy access to all of the attractions the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., area have to offer. From the park entrance, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the main gate of the United States Marine Corps Base Quantico are just a mile away.____ The park is located directly between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park.
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Cabins
$70 / night
5. Happyland Cabin — Prince William Forest Park
1 Review•2 SavesDumfries, VirginiaCabin Camp 5 was the last camp to be completed by the CCC and WPA. The camp offers the largest capacity (210 in summer, 104 in winter) due to the large dorm buildings and restrooms. This is also the only camp with heat, so this camp may be rented year-round. This is also the only camp to have an outdoor picnic pavilion located inside the camp. Cabin Camp 5 is set up in two units with cabins that sleeps 2 to 4 people and larger dorm buildings that sleep 24.
- Tents
6. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
18 Reviews•94 Photos•160 SavesCatonsville, MarylandHilton is a place for kids of all ages to play and explore. Located off Hilton Avenue, this area is within walking distance for many residents in Catonsville. A popular spot for afternoon walks and morning workouts, the trails are active with local residents and visitors from far away.
You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures. The area also has a small campground with six mini-cabins and 12 basic campsites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$20 - $51 / night
7. Marsden Tract Group Campsite
1 Review•22 Photos•74 SavesCabin John, MarylandOverview
The Marsden Tract Group Campground was built by scouts to provide access to larger campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area. It is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area and Anglers Inn. The group campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, rock climbing, paddling and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Marsden Tract.
Recreation
The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.
Natural Features
Marsden Tract Group Campsite is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.
Nearby Attractions
Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located about 14 miles outside of Washington, D.C., providing affordable camping near the nation's capital. Many campers will base out of Marsden to see the sites such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Mall, Capitol and The White House.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer. Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$20 / night
8. Endeavor Point
5 Reviews•13 Photos•56 SavesPatuxent River, MarylandNOTE: THERE IS A 2 NIGHT MINIMUM FOR HOLIDAY WEEKENDS.
Great place for fishing, camping, kayaking, lazy days on the beach grilling and hanging out with family and friends. Book family events on the beach. Come and explore the historic Benedict village. Join us at our Endeavor Point to enjoy simplicity and remarkable views of the Patuxent river. The Endeavor Point is located at the end of Mill Creek Road, offering breathtaking views of the Patuxent river, overlooking Golden Beach and St. Mary's County shoreline. Far enough for a serene retreat and yet just a few minutes drive to shops and restaurants in Prince Frederick or Charlotte Hall. Endeavor Point is a diamond in the rough. Come play, fish, relax, and have fun! Whether you’re in Maryland for a day, weekend stop or a week of touring, Endeavor Point is the perfect spot for bird watching, fishing, kayaking, camping, stargazing, or just enjoying a serene evening by the fire. Enjoy breathtaking views from each one of our 3 comfortable accommodations or from any of the campsites. Spacious outdoor area, rustic beach, long pier. Explore the Patuxent river or Mill Creek with our kayaks or paddle board, available for rent on site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$55 - $95 / night
9. Sky Meadows State Park Campground
11 Reviews•35 Photos•131 SavesParis, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
Recent Tent Reviews near Lorton, Virginia
569 Reviews of 23 Lorton Campgrounds
Reba H.
Traveler
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Well maintained but fair warnings
The Hilton area campground is unique because, unlike the Hollofield area of the park, it doesn't allow RVs and its tent sites are non-electric. However, a tiny cabin experience with electricity is available... within the same loop as non-electric tent camping. My non-electric tent campsite was surrounded by brightly lit cabins, even unoccupied all of their porch lights stay on all night. It doesn't make the upper half of the campground ideal for stargazing. The other reviewers are correct that the lower half of the loop is situated lower in the valley which will make any rain you get more difficult, so avoid booking a site at the very bottom. Overall the campground and state park deserve 4 stars because from what I could see tent pads were level, firepits had grill gates, showers were hot, and staff were cleaning and maintaining the grounds everyday. But be safe; prepare detailed offline navigation if you use the trails surrounding the camp. I definitely got lost relying on blazes for what I thought was supposed to be the Charcoal Trail.
Kristy R.
Guide
Cherry Hill Park
Great Family Fun
Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice. My grandchildren live it there. We will return to a premium tent site soon.
- Ron H.Guide
Little Bennett Campground
Nice quite and spacious campground
This is our second time here. This place is quiet the spaces are big. They can accommodate large campers,ours is 35 ft. Tent camping have big areas. Lost of nature trails.
Jason S.Traveler
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Very Warm in the Summer
The layout is nice and the grass tent pads have real grass, not gravel. Many of the tent sites are not shaded though. This makes the hot summer even hotter.
MichaelTraveler
Matoaka Beach Cottages
Camping on the cliffs with beach access
They have a few tent camping spots as well as cabins. Just call ahead. I just showed up and got a perfect camp spot with a view of the sunrise and access to the private beach.
- Susan P.Traveler
Westmoreland State Park Campground
Westmoreland
My son and I went here at the end of August for our first tent camping trip and even with the heat it was still great it’s a beautiful spot and the camp host was super friendly
- bbrian R.Guide
Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club
Camping at a nudist campground
We tent camped at Pine Tree Associates. They are a nudist club with a very nice camp ground. There is a bath house with outdoor showers. Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers.
- JJD B.
Scout
Lake Fairfax Campground
Perfect quick getaway
For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground. Quiet time was observed and there are plenty of nice trails around for hiking and biking
- Courtney K.Traveler
Matoaka Beach Cottages
Peaceful serenity
We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful Peaceful camping trip! Out spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves. We will definitely be back for another visit. The owners are very nice.
- Patraic E.Scout
Little Bennett Campground
Good get away.
Went here during the week and the tent sites where pretty empty. The facilities are well kept. My only complaint is I could here the traffic from the highway on the A loop. Otherwise my stay was quiet and pleasant.
- bbobGuide
Pohick Bay Campground
Expensive for people traveling
I found it expensive for a tent site. No electric or water and was over $40. Out of area fee and a transaction fee (I even paid cash) If your traveling looking for a cheaper place to park for the night, this is not it.
singinajf@aol.comTravelerLittle Bennett Campground
Nice place
Little Bennett has spacious RV and tent sites as well as cabins and yurts. It's very clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking within the park and many activities for kids. We were very impressed by their covid safety. Will be back!
- bbrian R.Guide
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Camping close to civilization
We went tent camping with 3 friends. We occupied 2 camp sites. There was a clean bath house with showers. There was plenty of downed trees and limbs for firewood. If you like being close to stores, this is your place. We were 5 minutes from a grocery store and plenty of places to eat.
- Yvonne B.Traveler
Bull Run Regional Park
I'll go again just for the showers
We tent camped there with 2 other families memorial day weekend. It rained the entire time but we still had a blast.
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.
Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located.
Jake C.
Legend
Casa Vargas
Secluded Camping Near Skyline Drive
Jake from the Dyrt here! Casa Vargas offers secluded RV & Tent sites near the famous Skyline Drive that offers great views of the Shenandoah Mountains. Make this your homebase for a weekend to explore the area, and make sure to post some pictures and leave a review on the Dyrt!
Rob O.Traveler
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great family campground with trails and HOT showers
Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 1 nights, park ranger met me at the entrance to ensure i could find my site. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked with HOT water in the private showers. This is a great base camp for getting out to hike the various trails in Prince William Forrest. Firewood is gather your own from fallen limbs in the park.
- EEric P.Traveler
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Location location proximity!
Our layout - May 28 (memorial day)- 30th. Tent camping for 3 nights with 3 kids ages 12, 10, and 8. Campground was mostly empty, 1 other tenter and 3 RVs
Good -
1. Easy Check in - drive to your reserved site and done. If you just pull in with no reservation then you'll have to call or go online. Money is never taken at the campground, as it's a national park.
2. It's a National Park - which means you're supporting your national parks, they have interpretive programs and junior ranger for the kids!
3. The BEST PART - it's proximity to DC, whether you choose to drive or use the train it's soooo easy (take the train)
Time for the BAD
1. Cleanliness - this is why this campground gets such low marks. The bathrooms are disgusting...even after they are "cleaned". This was not our first stay here, each time they have been disgusting. We used baby wipes.
2. No hook ups - even with tent camping we like to be plugged in but no RV services are offered here.
3. No playground - There are hiking trails but really nothing for the kids to do in the campground itself.
4. Overall care of the facility - tall grass in the campgrounds means more ticks and other bugs. Just has a general neglected feel.
Bill G.Guide
Cedarville State Forest
Another great central Maryland area
We stayed here a few times just to get out for a bit. It’s quiet, but not too dark, as the lights from DC interfere with the night sky here. The camping loop is small and is shared by tent and RV. The trails are maintained well. I’ve never left this park without at least one tick. No camp store. Firewood is available. Supplies can be gotten nearby. Tent sites can accommodate maybe up to a six person tent comfortably. Bathrooms are clean and showers are warm. Water is readily available.
- Julie A.Guide
Westmoreland State Park Campground
cramped n crowded camping but fun n activities galore!
I could not wait to get there! I was so excited to go fossil hunting! Camping was way too cramped for me as we tent camp and were stuck surrounded by RVs. The people next to us could be heard whispering! That being said, the fossil hunting was fun and my hubby found a few neat sharks teeth. The hiking was a blast and fishing was productive and fun! Next time though we will just day trip it as I never want to camp that closely to others again - ugh
Simon S.
RangerPatapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Many great trails to explore
Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD. We live close by so we go there for hiking a lot too.
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Facilities/ Amenities
Bathrooms were clean and well maintained.
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Surrounding area
This is where this camp ground shines. It has access to many trails and the Patapsco River. Saw Mill trails is great for a family hike.
The state park is in a great location for a quick trip for groceries and restaurants.
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- Kelsey K.Traveler
Pohick Bay Campground
Family oriented, but super close and not private
Initially disappointed by the tiny spot we got, but we were able to move. Majority of the spots are extremely close to the next and doesn't allow much privacy. Very few trees in between. We chose another spot that was available, however, we found out the first night that there is a boat area and bright light all night right behind us and the light came through the tent. Another dissapointment. We camped in a tent and did 3 nights, 4 days. (4th of July weekend) We loved the family friendliness that allowed us to walk right down the street/trail to take our kids to the water park. They give you a discounted price if you are camping. They also have mini golf and disc golf near by as well. If we come again, we will definitely be more particular about our spot. They also had bathrooms and showers not to far from our spot that were actually clean.
Alexander H.Scout
Sky Meadows State Park Campground
Simple Adventure
Everything at the park is laid out pretty clearly and straight forward enough so you shouldn't have too many issues. Make sure to have cash to simplify paying for things such as firewood (you can pay upfront).
There are camp toilets with toilet paper and hand sanitizer near the Red 1 tent site (not sure if there are others) which were clean enough. The trails are beautiful and I'm sure there was more to do, but didn't have a chance to see. Definitely a reason to return!
- AAndrewScout
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
5-star campground/trails, serious bug infestation
My family lives near Greenbelt National Park and we have hiked the five-mile perimeter trail dozens of times with our dogs. However, this park has a serious bug problem. Most of the time, we return home from our hikes only to find ticks on at least one of us!
We were excited to finally tent camp at Greenbelt two years ago for my wife's 30th and had a memorable time around the campfire, but were disappointed the next day that chiggers and ticks had once again swarmed us on our hike. Enjoy the camping but wear bug repellent and stay out of the tall grasses!
- Teresa K.Guide
Westmoreland State Park Campground
Camping with a Pool!
The best thing that is offered here is there is a pool! There are many amenities in addition. There are boat rentals, fishing, beach, docks, picnic areas, cabins, tent camping, rv camping, trail hiking, etc. The visitor center is large with a small gift shop/camp store. The group sites are very nice. The whole park is very well maintained and large. The cabins are clean and accommodating. The view from most cabins along the water are so nice. There are random exercise machines placed along trials to enhance workouts. My only gripe is the camp site pads. They're made of very loose gravel which I find bothersome as the little rocks get into our shoes and the tent stakes slid out easily.
- Mary N.Traveler
Cedarville State Forest
Great Hiking but cold showers
Weekend trip with our Aliner went well. Site was clean and electric worked. Nice gravel paths leading to the bath house.
Pros-Hiking trails are beautiful. We will return with our MTB. Pretty quiet campground. We had tent and trailer neighbors (Inner loop is electric hook ups, outer is tent camping). Sites are spaced well.
Cons- No ranger to be found. If you had an issue this could be a problem. Bath House showers went from hot to freezing randomly. After our second ice cold shower we gave up. Finally, there is no dish cleaning station. Plenty of water spouts but no hot water for cleaning. Maybe we couldn’t find it but other campers didn’t find it either.
Over all it was a nice campground for a quick visit. Definitely worth checking out.
- BBill G.Scout
Westmoreland State Park Campground
Great place for a quick getaway
We just got back from spending the weekend here. We chose to spend our weekend tent camping and could not have been happier with our decision. My daughter LOVED being able to walk all trails. We were a bit disappointed the boardwalk was closed (but we still loved walking the rest of the trails). There were lots of families here and everyone was happy to be there. Both beaches were very walkable on the trails from campsite C. We felt like we had all out own space, but when you walked around it was great to have the feeling of a small community of people who were all there for the same reason...to enjoy being outside!
- Mallory H.Traveler
Westmoreland State Park Campground
Quick Stay
While we only camped here for one night, we enjoyed the park from check in to checkout!
Since we tent camp our site was dry and had no amenities but there were full hook up sites available. Our site was nestled in with the full hook up sites so it was as far away from the bathrooms as possible, not a big deal just something to note.
Since we visited in March, the trees did not have much foliage so the sites were more exposed than I tend to prefer and lots of the campers around left their outside RV lights on all night.
Being in campground A, we were only a short walk to the trail leading to fossil beach which was beautiful!
Guide to Lorton
Tent camping near Lorton, Virginia, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenient access to outdoor activities, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Leesylvania State Park Campground provides essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay for all campers.
- Caledon State Park Campground features a serene environment with picnic tables and firewood available for a cozy camping experience.
- Marsden Tract Group Campsite offers a secluded setting with picnic tables, perfect for group gatherings in a natural landscape.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- At Leesylvania State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy hiking trails and fishing along the scenic Potomac River.
- Caledon State Park Campground is known for its beautiful hiking paths and opportunities for wildlife observation, including bald eagles.
- Marsden Tract Group Campsite allows for hiking and exploring the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, providing a unique outdoor experience.
Explore local attractions
- Happyland Cabin — Prince William Forest Park is a great spot for those looking to escape the city while still being close to various attractions in Northern Virginia.
- Goodwill Cabin — Prince William Forest Park offers access to extensive hiking trails and historical sites, perfect for a day of exploration.
- Seneca Creek State Park Campground provides a peaceful retreat with easy access to nearby parks and recreational areas, ideal for family outings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lorton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lorton, VA is Leesylvania State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lorton, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Lorton, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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