Camping opportunities near McLean, Virginia range from full-service RV parks to more rustic tent sites. The region sits at the confluence of the Potomac River and its tributaries, creating a diverse landscape of waterways, forests, and rolling terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder weather with temperatures between 50-75°F.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Burke Lake Park Campground offers a 5-mile gravel trail around the lake perimeter. "The trail around the lake is a bit under 5 miles, but it's all trail. There is almost no elevation gain, and it is not very technically rigorous," notes one visitor to Burke Lake Park Campground.
Water activities: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct Potomac River access. "The Shenandoah is just as beautiful. The showers could use a good cleaning but they are typical Campground showers perfect for the campground life," reports a camper who visited Brunswick Family Campground multiple times.
Historical exploration: Prince William Forest RV Campground serves as a base for visiting Civil War sites. "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," according to one reviewer.
Transportation to DC: The metro system connects to several campgrounds for easy city access. "Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting," notes one camper about their experience using public transportation from Fort Belvoir.
What campers like
Riverfront sites: Many campers appreciate direct water access from their sites. "The campground is also right on the Potomac, easy to get to, reasonably priced, and the sites are spacious," says a visitor at Brunswick Family Campground.
Clean facilities: Bull Run Regional Park earns consistent praise for maintenance. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," writes one camper about Bull Run Regional Park.
Site layout: Pull-through sites at Prince William Forest provide convenience. "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," notes one reviewer.
Proximity to activities: Most campgrounds offer on-site or nearby recreational options. "Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home," shares a Brunswick Family Campground visitor.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near McLean are located near active train tracks. "The Marc train runs right above your head all night. If you are looking for a relaxing camp experience make sure to bring your noise cancelling headphones," warns a visitor at Harpers Ferry Campground.
Site leveling: Be prepared with leveling blocks at certain campgrounds. "My 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," reports a camper at Lake Fairfax Campground.
Reservation requirements: Military credentials are required for some sites. "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system," notes a Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp visitor.
Additional fees: Many parks charge extra for amenities beyond camping. "We enjoyed the water park immensely. Ten of us in total with kids ranging from 18 months old to 13 years old. Everyone enjoyed the water park and the time we spent there. Additional fee for access to the water park," shares a Bull Run Regional Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water parks: Several campgrounds offer water features for children. "This campground has a lot to offer & there is bunch of activities available outside the campground. This is the first place I ever camped," shares a visitor at Lake Fairfax Campground.
Playground access: Multiple rv sites near McLean, Virginia include play areas. "Our family 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 had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," describes a Bull Run Regional Park visitor.
Special events: Look for organized activities at certain parks. "A very nice State Park campground. Have a nice pool and bathrooms. On a major road not far from the freeway. Very close do Washington DC. About 17 miles to the closest Rail station to bring you to the mall in Washington DC," explains a Prince William Forest RV Campground reviewer.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences. "Register any visitors!! Clean, reasonable rates & quiet. Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby," notes another camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Pick locations carefully based on what's important to you. "The loops are small, each containing a dozen or fewer spaces. Many sites share a power pole and water faucet, but they are well situated," advises an RVer at Cherry Hill Park.
Premium site amenities: Some rv sites near McLean offer upgraded facilities. "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs," shares another Cherry Hill Park camper.
Hookup variations: Water and electric availability varies widely across parks. "This campground is close (ish) to the DC area. It is easy and convenient to get to. Almost all sites are pull through and are close together. Most have some tree cover. Some long term guests occupy the back sites which have sewer," explains a visitor to Prince William Forest.
Uneven terrain: Bring leveling equipment to most area campgrounds. "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable. You really need a toad since supplies are not very close to the camping area," notes a Fort Belvoir visitor about the RV sites.
