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Camping options around Mount Vernon, Virginia include several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of DC. Pohick Bay Regional Park provides tent, RV, cabin and glamping accommodations with amenities like electric hookups and hot showers. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers military personnel access to riverside camping with full hookups. Bull Run Regional Park and Burke Lake Park provide additional developed camping areas with varying amenities and natural settings. The region features a mix of county, regional, and federal recreation areas, most offering reservable sites.
Many campgrounds in the Mount Vernon area operate year-round, though some facilities like Oak Ridge Campground at Prince William Forest Park are seasonal, typically open March through October. Water access is a common feature, with several campgrounds situated near the Potomac River or other water bodies. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months and holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. Electric and non-electric sites are available throughout the area, with varying levels of privacy between campsites. A reviewer noted, "We stay here at least 6 trips a year. Nice layout, not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help."
Campgrounds near Mount Vernon tend to be family-oriented with numerous recreational activities. Pohick Bay provides access to hiking trails, disc golf, and water activities, making it popular for families. Some campers praise the proximity to DC while still feeling removed from urban areas. "This was a great place to stay! Close to everything D.C. has to offer while being far enough away to be in the woods," wrote one camper. Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds and individual sites. At some locations, particularly in non-electric tent areas, sites can be quite close together with limited separation. Wildlife sightings, particularly eagles, are mentioned in reviews of riverside campgrounds. For those seeking more privacy, site selection is important, with outer loop and corner sites generally offering more seclusion.
"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."
"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."
from $37 - $170 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $39 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city."
"Stayed here for a week while working nearby. Easy to get to and set up. Office was closed when we arrived but arrival paperwork was posted outside office door."
"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."
from $999 / night
Check Availability"We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."
"Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"They are in short distance from the water. There is a playground, bathhouse, and historical buildings that are accessible to campers. There are hiking trials, but none are two extensive."
"Nice trails, water sports available, and historic landmarks"
from $27 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
"It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river."
from $55 / night
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GuideIf you want to be near Annapolis, right on the Severn River...this is it. About 15 RV spots nestled in the woods...with full hook ups. A couple of primitive spots as well. Just a quick 5 min walk to the river...right across from the Academy. NEX, gas within 10 min walk, and 15 min drive to downtown Annapolis. Staff is always great here, and the park is clean....for a park on the woods.
TravelerBased on my stay 3 nights and what I read of Greenbelt Park (the other closeby to Washington campground) I would say this has to be much better and I will stay here again on a future visit. Campground sits inside of a much larger park with great trails, amenities and well maintained. Campground is quiet, lots of trees, forest and yet each space is very large with good spacing and privacy to adjacent sites. High tree canopy at your site so lots of room to spread out. Sites themselves are a little rustic - a mix of grass, gravel and dirt, but not muddy (it rained a good bit prior to my stay) - but in good condition. Shower/toilet block is clean and good hot water and good water pressure. Most sites are flat or near flat and the ones that aren't need minimal levelling blocks. Campground apparently is never full and there was only 1 other when I was there - really hard to believe. There is a neighborhood road up by the sites near the shower block but it is low speed and lightly travelled and I had no disturbance from it. Nice surrounding neighborhood. No signs of vagrants. Park police patrolled multiple times per day and report very little non-camper entry to ther facilities. I felt very safe.Easy access to Eashington - bus stop outside the campground to metro or just drive to the metro (free parking weekend, $6 midweek) and then train (about 8 per hour) into the sites - an hour or less total to get there. For more local people, this seems like a good escape "to the woods" without travelling forever.
TravelerGood spot to get away and pitch a tent. Never anyone else there too! Make sure to get a daily ($4) or annual (~$22 I forget) Access Permit on Virginia DWR, as well as special WMA camping license (free)
GuideWhat a gem! We found this place as an alternative to staying in DC during 4th of July festivities. Nice spacious sites, cabins were super clean and smelled great! Did I mention they were air conditioned during the hotest week of the summer!
Bathrooms and showers were spotless.
Many things to see and do there. Historic property, big lake (no swimming), boating, fishing, hiking. There is an Art Center with juried displays for sale.
ScoutThe park is very well maintained, and the campsites have clean fire pits and cooking grills. The restrooms are clean, spacious, and well maintained, and my campsite was large enough to comfortably fit a 6-person tent and a canopy.
However, there were a few concerns during our stay. Despite the campground’s quiet hours policy starting at 10:00 PM, many campers continued to make noise well past that time. I did not notice any campground staff or maintenance personnel making rounds to enforce the quiet hours.
I also felt concerned about security. One of my neighboring campers, who was visiting from South Carolina, told me that his generator had been stolen during the night. He reported the theft to the police, and an official report was filed. Incidents like this made me feel unsafe while camping.
I recommend increasing staff or security patrols, especially during the evening and overnight hours, to enforce quiet hours and improve the safety and security of campers and their belongings. With better enforcement and security, Burke Lake Campground would provide an even better camping experience.
ScoutFor $90 per night the WiFi should work better. Didn’t connect at all. Had to use the antenna pointed East to get local Baltimore news.
ScoutThis camp ground is like a resort with 2 pools mini golf splash pad and many other amenities
GuideThis park is top notch. The grounds are immaculate. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have a lovely gift shop. We were in the 400 sites and it was nice and shady. Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park. This is my all time favorite park so far and I need to go back.
TravelerThere are some good things about this Famcamp. It's like a diamond in the rough. If the military would spend some time and money on it, it could be a great campground. One of the greatest points about this campground is its location. You are so close to downtown D.C.! Every RV site (as far as I saw) was a level concrete pad. All sites, except for tent sites, have full electricity. Most sites have sewer and water. Sites 12-18 should be mainly used for the smaller travel trailers. I had an interesting time getting my 35' 5th wheel into the site. Even though I got my RV into the site, I don't have much room for my truck. My site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill. Everything is rusted beyond repair. My grill was filled with cigarette butts and my fire pit had trash in it. There is some shade. My site has two trees at the front of the pad on both sides of the RV. My bedroom stays nice and cold and I have a good view for my Starlink in the rear. The sites are close to each other, but there is some space. The good thing is that we are surrounded by the golf course. You don't get much noise from the base, because of the location, and because the FamCamp is surrounded by trees. You can hear the busy road outside the fence but I don't hear it much inside the RV. Every once in a while you'll hear an aircraft... but this is an air base, it's expected. We were told the community laundry was not working and to use the base laundry mat. Finally, one of the best parts about the campground, is the lady at outdoor rec that is in charge of the Famcamp. She is very nice and helpful. She will try to assist you with anything you need from directions to useful tips.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Mount Vernon?
Several campgrounds are available within a reasonable drive from Mount Vernon. Pohick Bay Campground is one of the closest options, offering waterfront camping in a family-friendly environment with trails and a waterpark. Burke Lake Park Campground provides another nearby option with a beautiful 5-mile trail around the lake, fishing opportunities, and recreational facilities including a carousel and miniature train. Other options in the broader area include Fairfax County Burke Lake Park, Greenbelt Park Campground, and Cedarville State Forest, each offering different amenities and natural settings for campers looking to explore the Mount Vernon region.
Are there RV parks or RV-friendly camping options in Mount Vernon?
Yes, there are several RV-friendly options near Mount Vernon. Prince William Forest RV Campground offers a well-maintained facility with clean bathrooms and a pool, located less than an hour from Washington DC. The campground is adjacent to Prince William Forest and provides convenient access to shops and restaurants. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp is another option specifically designed for RVs, featuring full hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. While more basic in amenities, many campers also use Pohick Bay for RV camping, as it offers suitable sites with electrical hookups in a scenic waterfront setting.
How far are the closest camping sites from Mount Vernon historic area?
Fairfax County Burke Lake Park is approximately 15-20 minutes from Mount Vernon, making it one of the closest camping options to the historic area. This park features a large lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved 5-mile walking path, and excellent facilities including a playground, carousel, and kiddy train. Greenbelt Park Campground is another option about 25-30 minutes away, offering a more rustic camping experience while still being relatively close to Mount Vernon. While helicopters and urban sounds are occasionally audible, the campground provides a convenient base for exploring both Mount Vernon and Washington DC attractions.
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