Camping options near Mount Vernon, Virginia include several established sites within a 30-mile radius offering varying degrees of amenities and natural settings. The region sits at the confluence of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds, with an average summer high of 87°F and winter lows around 30°F. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though seasonal facilities typically operate from March through October.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: At Pohick Bay Regional Park, campers can enjoy an 18-hole disc golf course surrounded by forest. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes one reviewer who uses this campground as their weekend getaway spot.
Water activities: Multiple campgrounds offer water access for boating, swimming, and fishing. "Eagles everywhere!" exclaims one visitor to Pohick Bay, while Cherry Hill Park features "two pools" and a "splash pad" according to a recent camper who gave the facilities five stars.
Historical exploration: The Mount Vernon area provides access to numerous historical sites. At Oak Ridge Campground, visitors noted, "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. Definitely worth exploring."
Trail systems: Most campgrounds feature hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. One visitor to Smallwood State Park mentioned, "There are hiking trials, but none are two extensive. The trails can be massively over grown at times making some inaccessible."
What campers like
Proximity to DC with forest feel: Many campers appreciate the blend of accessibility to Washington DC while still experiencing nature. A Pohick Bay visitor noted, "Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area," while another mentioned staying there for two weeks while "visiting friends in Alexandria. Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city."
Clean, modern facilities: Campground cleanliness is frequently mentioned in positive reviews. At Bull Run Regional Park, a camper shared, "Bath houses are clean and well maintained," while another specifically praised, "The bathrooms are worth staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls... Best camping showers I've ever had."
Wildlife viewing: Nature enthusiasts enjoy spotting local wildlife. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites," wrote one camper about Pohick Bay, while others mentioned deer, rabbits, and turtle sightings at several parks.
Spacious sites: Site privacy varies between campgrounds, but many offer good separation. A camper at Smallwood State Park noted, "The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they're very private with woods between each one." At Bull Run, another visitor appreciated how "your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Mount Vernon require advance booking, especially during peak season. Greenbelt Park Campground is "a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online," according to a recent visitor.
Ticks and insects: Several campgrounds report significant tick populations. At Cedarville State Forest, one camper warned, "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers." Multiple reviews across different parks emphasize the need for insect repellent, particularly during summer months.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain. A visitor to Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," while at Pohick Bay another noted, "Nice layout, not all sites are level (half)."
Noise considerations: Despite their natural settings, some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads, airports or facilities. "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," reported one Bull Run camper, while another mentioned music from events echoing throughout Smallwood State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Families should consider campgrounds with dedicated children's amenities. Burke Lake Park offers numerous family activities as noted by one visitor: "Train, carousel, fishing," making it "a good spot with plenty to do with a little one."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. Bull Run Regional Park has "a nice playground" according to reviews, and at Pohick Bay, a visitor observed, "Plenty of playgrounds and trails nearby to keep the family busy."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs for children. One Bull Run visitor shared, "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," while another mentioned a "nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Swimming options: For summer visits, consider campgrounds with water features. Pohick Bay includes "Pirate's Cove waterpark" which is "definitely a highlight in summer" according to a camper, while Cherry Hill Park offers both a "swimming pool" and "hot tub" that received positive mentions in reviews.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should research specific sites before booking. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, a visitor advised, "Lots are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space," while noting some sites "weren't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
Hookup availability: Full hookup options vary between campgrounds. One camper at Cherry Hill Park listed the amenities: "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer," though noted the tradeoff of "Gravel pad, Expensive, Spotty Wi-Fi."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have size restrictions or challenging access. One camper at Cedarville State Forest warned, "I have trouble believing they could wedge themselves here," when referring to larger RVs navigating the small loops.
Dump station quality: Facilities for waste disposal receive mixed reviews. A camper at Cedarville noted their "new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower."
