Prince William Forest encompasses 15,000 acres of protected woodland with campsites scattered throughout its deciduous forest terrain. The region's RV camping options range from basic tent-friendly sites with no hookups to resort-style facilities with full amenities. Seasonal considerations include hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F and relatively mild winters, though occasional snowfall can affect access to certain campgrounds from December through February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Burke Lake Park offers a well-stocked 218-acre lake with multiple fishing spots. "Swimming, biking, and hiking. Excellent campground and park for families," notes Amy B. about the recreational options at Burke Lake Park Campground.
Historical exploration: Visit Civil War battlefields near the Nokesville area. "Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," shares Kenneth H. about excursions from Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Family activities: Bull Run Regional Park features multiple playgrounds and seasonal events. "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," reports Bridget H. about the family-friendly atmosphere.
What campers like
Privacy and layout: Many campers appreciate the site arrangements at Bull Run. "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone," explains Roberta K. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Shower facilities: Multiple reviewers specifically mention the bathroom facilities. "They're worth staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," enthuses Yvonne B. about the facilities at Bull Run Regional Park.
Waterfront access: Several campgrounds offer direct river or lake access. "We stayed right on the river (all spots are along the water). We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus," writes Mikala S. about her experience at Harpers Ferry Campground.
What you should know
Train noise: At some campgrounds, nearby train tracks can affect your sleep. "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will," warns Sherri C. about Harpers Ferry Campground.
Military presence: Several RV sites near Nokesville, Virginia are on or near military bases. "Must have proper government ID to access post... sometimes you hear military field training going on (live ranges, helicopters, and ospreys - but I don't mind)," explains James P. about Military Park Fort AP Hill Champs Camp RV Park.
Suburban location: Some campgrounds are situated in developed areas. "This park is located in the middle of suburbia in Burke Va," notes Tom C. about Burke Lake Park, adding that while the camping area is "located in the very back corner away from all the activity spots," campers should expect some urban noise and traffic.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's programs. "This park has too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," recommends Bridget H. about Fort Valley Ranch.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds have designated swimming areas. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill. Within a 10-minute drive, there are opportunities for hiking and river activities. We found a river access point perfect for swimming and wading," shares Jason G.
Safety considerations: Campgrounds with security can provide peace of mind for families. "Clean and safe," notes Anne C. about Oak Ridge Campground, though other reviewers mention safety concerns at some locations, with one camper noting: "When a bunch of high schoolers decide to party till 3AM, there's no one to call."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites near Nokesville require additional blocks or leveling equipment. "Our site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," explains Drew M. about his stay at Bull Run Regional Park.
Hookup quality: Some parks offer better utility connections than others. "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained," reports Megan K. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Connectivity: Cell service varies significantly by location and provider. "I work full-time remote and the Verizon service was perfect with our hotspot," notes Ariel F. about her stay at Thousand Trails Harbor View, which is important for RVers needing to stay connected.
