Best Tent Camping near McLean, VA
Tent camping options within proximity to McLean, Virginia are primarily found along the Potomac River corridor, with several hiker-biker campsites available in nearby Maryland. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers multiple primitive tent sites, including Swains Lock and Horsepen Branch campgrounds. Marsden Tract Group Campsite in Maryland provides secluded tent camping within the George Washington Memorial Parkway system. These sites generally accommodate tent camping only, with minimal amenities focused on essential needs.
Most tent sites in the area require short walks from parking areas, ranging from 500 feet to longer hikes. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites, though potable water is inconsistently available. Sites at Swains Lock provide both fire rings and access to treated water pumps, while other locations may require campers to bring their own water supply. Portable toilets are typically available but may not be regularly maintained. The camping season extends year-round at most locations, though early spring and late fall can bring muddy conditions along the Potomac's shoreline. Advance reservations are required for group sites like Marsden Tract, while C&O Canal hiker-biker campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tent campers at these locations benefit from direct river access and natural surroundings despite proximity to urban areas. The sites along the C&O Canal provide flat terrain for tent setup with varying degrees of tree cover for shade. Trail access is exceptional, with the 184.5-mile C&O Canal towpath connecting multiple campsites and offering extensive hiking and biking opportunities. According to one visitor, "If I lived in Washington DC, this is where I would ride my bike to every weekend. Bring the family, bring the fishing poles and forget that there is a hyper uptight city just a few miles away." Another camper noted that Marsden Tract is "beautiful, secluded, quiet, wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors with no civilization."