Lake Fairfax Campground accommodates pets at all 60 campsites, with clean restroom facilities and private shower stalls that campers consistently rate highly. The campground provides gravel pads with electric hookups (110/30/50 amp) and fire rings at each site, though some tent sites have noticeable slopes that may require careful setup. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the park, with plenty of trails for walking pets around the lake and wooded areas. Sites 30, 33, and 35 offer more tree coverage and privacy for tent campers with pets, while many RV sites provide easier access to the bathhouse. Interior sites have more grass but tend to be less level than the outer loop campsites.
Bull Run Regional Park offers additional pet-friendly options with year-round availability, including cabins that accept dogs with proper registration. The park features hiking trails through wooded areas where pets can explore while leashed, with several water access points for dogs that enjoy swimming. Trails remain well-maintained and relatively uncrowded during weekdays, providing better experiences for reactive dogs. The campground strictly enforces quiet hours, helping to minimize barking issues among camped pets. During summer months, pet owners should be aware of the hot gravel surfaces at Lake Fairfax that can be uncomfortable for dog paws. Bathrooms remain exceptionally clean despite the high volume of campers and their pets throughout the busy season.
$30 - $70 / night
"There is a cool skate park right near the campground which is great if you like to use it, but can get a little loud in the evening. They also had on spot lights once dark."
"Checked out the Mtn biking trails, skateboard park, Great Falls National Park is only a few miles away. Also went golfing at Top Golf. Super clean restrooms."
$34 - $90 / night
"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."
$999 / night
"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."
"There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly."
"We prefer hiking as a family and staying away from crowds and this camp site wasn’t crowded or felt busy. It’s a quick drive from NOVA but just far enough where you feel away from it all."
$20 / night
"The park is located away from the camping grounds. It has two play grounds, several picnic tables and a bathroom."
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"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."
$33 - $150 / night
"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."
"This is a pet friendly campground. There's a lot to do out at the whole park, and its worth exploring (we just didn't have time). I'm sure its so pretty out near the water."
$45 - $55 / night
"Awesome site tucked away in mature woods. Quiet. Easy paved access. Near C&O Canal, biking, hiking across street in Block House Park. Lovely attentive host."
$20 / night
"Purchasers the camp site is beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization it's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water"
TravelerWe began our membership here this June. it has a great atmosphere on the banks of the Shenandoah River. There are activities every weekend like concerts and group activities. Staff is very friendly and helpful. The facilities are clean and very convenient. Pet friendly; two dog parks.
LegendThis place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September. The original site the gave us had a large rut and washed out spot, so we could not get level. I checked in the office and the reassigned another space that was much better. Full hook ups, nice clean shower and bathrooms, playground, pool, large dog park.
TravelerThe 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.
ScoutOverall 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.
RangerGreat campground for families. Large water park that goes to 3 ft. Playgrounds, dog park, canteen, mini golf, jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal cars, gem mining are just some of the amenities. Very pricey during peak season. We did the camp & store at about $50/night.
RangerThis 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.
LegendI asked myself what was the closest location I could find to Great Falls when making a day of this area. 3 miles was about as close as I could get, and while in this area a lot can happen in 3 miles it was well worth the traffic I faced, the driving in and out of the "city" and the overall discovery of this location as it was.
Let me just start by saying I expected to find this and just go to Great Falls, but had I have known that it had so many different things around I would have probably extended my stay a bit. There was a waterpark and outdoor sports area where you could enjoy so many activities. And then there was the lake itself!! Bike trails, hiking trails and equestrian trails surround this area and I honestly could have spent so much more time just enjoying this space because of all the interesting things there were to do right in front of me.
But with all good things there is also a price point that has to match and I will say that this one is a bit steep at $28 on week days or $31 on weekends for a regular tent camper with no electricity. For those needing hook ups that extends even more so to $37 or $45 for RVs depending on length on weekday to $41 or $50 for weekends.
That really was the deal breaker for me the price. While I was there on a weekday, the following day was a weekend and that hike though not but a few dollars was hard to swallow in an already kind of expensive primitive site.
TIPS:
RangerOverall great sites, not many trees so some are exposed. There is a cool skate park right near the campground which is great if you like to use it, but can get a little loud in the evening. They also had on spot lights once dark. Great hiking, close to Great Falls. Kids also loved the water park! Clean restrooms and multiple large private shower stalls.
LegendCherry 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.
Lake Fairfax Campground sits in a wooded area in Reston, Virginia, about 5 miles from Great Falls. The campground features gravel sites at different elevations throughout the property, with a mix of shaded and open areas. Temperatures during summer camping season typically range from 65-90°F, with high humidity making proper site selection important for comfort.
Disc golf course: Pohick Bay Regional Park has an 18-hole course within walking distance of the campground. "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," shares Rachel L.
Mountain biking trails: Access multi-use trails directly from your campsite at Lake Fairfax Park. "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, & canoeing). Best quality: totally in the woods so summer sun doesn't affect you," notes Amy B.
Paddling opportunities: Rent boats at Pohick Bay to explore the Potomac watershed. "There is boat rental a short walk down the trail from the campgrounds and the pool and disc golf course are another short trail walk away," explains Ben G.
Quiet wooded setting: Bull Run Regional Park offers secluded sites despite its proximity to urban areas. "Very spacious sites and awesome views of the forest," comments Charyssa G.
Large bathroom facilities: Lake Fairfax Park provides exceptional bathroom amenities. "Bathrooms are well maintained and huge," reports Erin W. Another camper adds: "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained."
Access to Washington DC: Greenbelt Park Campground provides an economical base for exploring the nation's capital. "The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods. Can't beat the close proximity to DC," writes a reviewer at Greenbelt Park.
Site leveling requirements: Many tent sites at Lake Fairfax have noticeable slopes. "Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant," cautions Erin W.
Metro access: Some dog friendly campgrounds near Great Falls offer public transportation to Washington DC. "GETTING TO DC: There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall), but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm," notes Laura M. at Greenbelt Park.
Traffic noise: Burke Lake Park Campground, while pet-friendly, has some environmental noise to consider. "This place can be noise at night with all the cars zooming by," mentions Jennie M.
Water park access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Great Falls feature water recreation. "There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids," notes Erin W. about Lake Fairfax. Similarly, at Pohick Bay: "There's a water park, paddle boats, playgrounds, trails, skate park, sports fields."
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas at Pohick Bay Regional Park. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," explains Ben G.
Educational programs: Check for scheduled activities at Cherry Hill Park. "This campground has so much to offer. We loved it... Nightly hayride... On-site bus shuttle," reports Beth R. The park also offers structured activities for children throughout peak season.
Loop selection matters: At Little Bennett Campground, certain loops offer better sites for larger rigs. "Sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only," advises Ray & Terri F.
Level check before booking: Some campgrounds have significant variation in site grading. "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," suggests Corey B.
Connectivity options: At Little Bennett, cell signal strength varies by provider. "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna. There is no WiFi," notes Ray & Terri F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Great Falls, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Great Falls, VA is Lake Fairfax Campground with a 4-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Great Falls, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 89 dog-friendly camping locations near Great Falls, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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