Best Campgrounds near McLean, VA

The suburban outskirts of McLean, Virginia provide convenient access to several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, balancing proximity to Washington DC with natural settings. Lake Fairfax Campground in nearby Reston offers tent and RV sites with hookups from March through early September, while Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville provides year-round camping with full amenities. Burke Lake Park Campground features lakeside sites with boat access and hiking trails. Greenbelt Park Campground, operated by the National Park Service, serves as one of the closest natural camping areas to the capital, with basic tent and RV sites but no hookups. Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton combines water recreation with camping options including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins.

Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during the peak season from late spring through early fall. Summer humidity and occasional thunderstorms characterize the camping season, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F in July and August. Urban noise remains noticeable at many sites, with aircraft and traffic sounds common. As one camper at Greenbelt Park noted, "Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring areas." Cell service is generally excellent throughout the region, though some campgrounds in river valleys may have spotty coverage. Many sites feature level, gravel pads with picnic tables and fire rings, though fire bans may be implemented during dry periods.

Riverside camping locations along the Potomac receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic value despite their proximity to urban areas. The C&O Canal towpath provides access to several hiker-biker campsites with basic amenities. According to one visitor at Swains Lock, "The sites are flat and dispersed with most located adjacent to the river. Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring and grill." Campers frequently mention the trade-off between convenience and solitude, with sites closer to DC offering easier access but more crowded conditions. During summer weekends, many campgrounds reach capacity, especially those with swimming areas or water access. Winter camping options are limited, with Bull Run Regional Park being one of the few year-round facilities in the immediate area.

Best Camping Sites Near McLean, Virginia (100)

    1. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "If you are looking for camping in Fairfax County Virginia, this is it, because there are only a couple to choose from."

    "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."

    2. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "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."

    "That being said, I’m sure there were a few campers who didn’t like being right next to the walkway to the bathrooms and showers. The park is broken down in to various sections and slightly tiered."

    3. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "We have lived in northern Virginia for over 30 years and never been to this campground until this month! Very nice campground with friendly staff and friendly campground hosts."

    "History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."

    4. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "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."

    "Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers."

    5. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter.

    Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

    6. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "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."

    7. Little Bennett Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 528-3430

    "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."

    "We live in Montgomery County and this is a nice camping get away close to home."

    8. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 221-7181

    $26 / night

    "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."

    10. Marsden Tract Group Campsite

    1 Review
    Cabin John, MD
    3 miles
    Website

    $40 / 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"

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Recent Reviews near McLean, VA

731 Reviews of 100 McLean Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Adventure Bound Washington DC

    Nice

    This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Watermelon Park Campground

    Beautiful setting!

    This camping ground is for RVs only. It's right on the Shenandoah River so it's a quiet peaceful setting. However it's a long way from any town, has terrible wifi, (the mobile data was slightly better) & doesn't hav a laundry room. The road in is very narrow so our moterhome had a little difficulty getting in, but we made it! There is only a dumping station. This is just info, not a bad review :) they have showers & firewood & the staff is very friendly & helpful! Tubing on the river was closed for the season but that wud have been a great pass time!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aquia Pines Campground

    Good stopover near the highway but hidden between the trees

    We where forced land-inwards because of tropical storm Erin (potential hurricane hitting the Outer Banks). So we decided to visit Washington DC and had a stopover here. It was conveniently located. Terrain is not flat but our spot was well levelled. There is a big dog (and an older gentleman) in the office to welcome you. Full hook up was oké and our spot was nicly secluded between the trees.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    A World Away Farm LLC

    Great folks. Inexpensive for full hookup.

    They have a farm with chickens, ducks, horses etc for our 7 yr old to enjoy. She got to feed the chickens, gather eggs and offer carrots to the beautiful horses. Wonderful people ❤️. We will be back next year.

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. 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. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can’t be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

  • John B.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    Overcrowded with upkeep

    I hate leaving bad reviews, but I think people should be aware of this campsite. First thing we noticed when we arrived at the campsite was that it was very tight. We had a pull through campsite, but on the camp side it was all dirt and grass that look like it hadn’t been mowed in over two weeks. With the heat and humidity we have been having for the last couple weeks, I knew this was gonna be a buggy site. Then the rains came and everything turned into mud. We had a rug laid down, but the mud and water worked its way through that. We couldn’t enter the RV without tracking mode through it. On days it was raining we spent a lot of time in the camper. That’s when we discovered another issue. On almost all occasions there was no Internet. We had a strong Wi-Fi signal, but no Internet. Upon talking to some of our neighbors who frequented this campsite, they said they had never seen it this bad. The other thing too, was that there was hardly any trash receptacles. Ending this on a good note, we loved how close it was to historical Harpers Ferry, and how convenient it was to be able to walk to the visitor center and catch a ferry. It really is a beautiful area. I would hope that the management of this KOA would address these issues, because I’m sure I’m not gonna be the only one to leave a negative review about this campground.


Guide to McLean

McLean area camping spots provide a mix of urban convenience and natural environments, with most sites requiring reservations 3-6 months in advance during peak season. Summer humidity levels regularly reach 70-80% from June through August, creating muggy camping conditions. Temperatures typically range from 75-95°F during camping season, with occasional evening thunderstorms common in July and August.

What to do

Outdoor water activities: Lake Fairfax Campground offers multiple water recreation options during the summer months. "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)," explains Amy B. The water park requires an additional fee but provides relief during hot summer days.

Historical exploration: Civil war sites surround many camping spots near McLean, Virginia. "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," notes Daniel S. about his experience at Oak Ridge Campground. Most historical sites are within a 20-30 minute drive from campsites.

Metro access for DC exploration: Several campgrounds serve as affordable bases for Washington DC tourism. According to Beth R. at Cherry Hill Park, "On-site bus shuttle" makes city access convenient. Another camper added, "The best park in the DC area! Very nice grounds, clean, and amenities galore! Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!"

What campers like

Tree cover for summer shade: Many campers appreciate the natural cooling provided by wooded sites. At Lake Fairfax, one reviewer mentioned, "Best quality: totally in the woods so summer sun doesn't affect you." This natural shade becomes particularly valuable during July and August when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 90°F.

Proximity to urban amenities: The convenience of nearby shopping centers and restaurants ranks high in reviews. "Walmart and Wegman's 5 miles from Park," notes one reviewer about Little Bennett Campground, highlighting the accessibility of groceries and supplies. Sites within 10 miles of McLean typically have multiple shopping options within a 15-minute drive.

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain exceptional bathroom facilities. At Oak Ridge Campground, a camper noted, "The showers were hot, water pressure and shower heads good. Shower stalls offered more privacy than most, each having a locking door and small dressing area with a bench, and an adequate sized shower curtain, too." Bull Run campers specifically mentioned "locking doors, individual stalls" in their bathroom facilities.

What you should know

Aircraft noise: The McLean area experiences frequent overhead air traffic due to proximity to multiple airports. Crystal C. at Greenbelt Park Campground observed, "You can hear some traffic noise. Perhaps from the highways or just in the park." Another camper noted at Bull Run, "It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away."

Limited winter options: Most campgrounds close between November and March. Bull Run Regional Park remains open year-round but offers reduced amenities during winter months. Cherry Hill Park maintains winter operations with full hookups for RVs, though tent camping becomes challenging when temperatures drop below freezing.

Tick precautions: Several campgrounds report significant tick activity, particularly from April through October. One camper warned, "Ticks were really bad. We killed dozens and ended up taking at least one with us when we left." Campers should check daily for ticks and use appropriate repellents on clothing and exposed skin.

Tips for camping with families

Weekday camping for solitude: Weekend crowds significantly impact the camping experience at most sites near McLean. "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," shares Tana S. about Lake Fairfax. Tuesday through Thursday reservations typically provide quieter experiences.

Structured activities: Bull Run Regional Park offers organized family programs throughout summer. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," reports Bridget H. The park runs scheduled nature programs most Friday and Saturday evenings between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Small tent sites on slopes: Family tent campers should note site limitations. "Many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant," warns an Erin W. at Lake Fairfax. Request specific site recommendations when making reservations, particularly for multi-tent family setups.

Tips from RVers

Site selection challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven sites requiring significant leveling equipment. One RVer at Pohick Bay Campground noted, "Nice layout, not all sites are level (half)." Sites along ridgelines tend to require less leveling than those positioned on slopes.

Drainage concerns: Heavy rains can impact low-lying campsites. "There was a fairly heavy day of rain. Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical. 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," reported one Bull Run camper. Request higher elevation sites when booking during spring and summer.

Limited satellite coverage: Dense tree cover impacts signal reception at most sites. "There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy," notes a Little Bennett camper. Cell service ranges from excellent (4-5 bars) near Cherry Hill Park to spotty (1-2 bars) at more remote campgrounds like Pohick Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near McLean, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McLean, VA is Lake Fairfax Campground with a 4-star rating from 25 reviews.

What parks are near McLean, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near McLean, VA that allow camping, notably Rock Creek Park and National Mall & Memorial Parks.