RV camping near Oakton, Virginia ranges from basic sites with electrical connections to comprehensive facilities with full hookups. The area sits at approximately 400 feet elevation and spans the transition zone between the Piedmont region and Coastal Plain. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from March through October, though some larger facilities remain open year-round with heated bathroom facilities.
What to do
Hiking access: Bull Run Regional Park offers miles of hiking trails through forested areas. "There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," notes Bridget H.
Water activities: Lake Fairfax Campground features water recreation from late spring through summer. "There's a water park that is an extra cost which is fun for kids," according to Erin W., who visited in August.
Historical exploration: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides access to nearby historical sites. Kenneth H. reports, "Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner."
Metro access to DC: Cherry Hill Park offers public transportation to Washington DC attractions. "They have a bus stop for metro service to the city, but we took the 20 minute drive," says Joe R.
River recreation: Brunswick Family Campground sits directly on the Potomac River with water access. "Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids," according to Nicholas S.
What campers like
Level sites: Many campers appreciate the even, well-maintained sites at Bull Run Regional Park. "Our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that," advises Roberta K.
Clean facilities: Lake Fairfax Campground receives praise for its bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms are well maintained and huge," notes Erin W., who visited the park for a weekend trip.
Proximity to attractions: RV campers value the strategic location near major sites. "National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," Kenneth H. mentions about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
River views: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers scenic waterfront sites. Mike H. shares, "Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting. Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable."
Privacy and spacing: Several campgrounds provide well-spaced sites that offer privacy. "The sites are nicely spread out. My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," Drew M. notes about Bull Run Regional Park.
What you should know
Train noise: Harpers Ferry Campground sits near active railway tracks. "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains," Sherri C. notes.
Military access requirements: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp requires military credentials. "You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system," explains Mike H.
Campground amenities: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive on-site services. "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride, gated, on-site camp store," Beth R. details.
Seasonal pricing: Most area campgrounds implement higher rates during peak tourist seasons. "We have found municipal campgrounds in Northern Virginia are a bit spendy for being government sponsored," Stuart O. observed at Bull Run Regional Park.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require minimum stays during peak periods. Stuart O. notes, "The real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week. In APRIL for gosh sakes!" about Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: Bull Run Regional Park offers seasonal water attractions for children. "This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon," says Bridget H.
Nature programs: Lake Fairfax Campground provides ranger-led activities for children. "There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge," shares Erin W.
Kid-friendly amenities: Cherry Hill Park offers multiple recreation options. "Playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride," Beth R. lists in her review.
Transportation planning: When visiting DC attractions, plan for transit time. "Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way," Jennifer H. explains about staying at Cherry Hill Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling preparation: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp sites may require additional equipment. "Our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks," advises Thomas.
Site selection: Choose end sites at Brunswick Family Campground for more space. "Sites on the ends are by far larger than the center," Lauren B. recommends.
Water access varies: Not all RV parks provide individual site water hookups. "Prince William Forest specifically limits larger rigs," according to campground information, while "Lake Fairfax Campground in Reston features approximately 60 level RV sites with 110/30/50 amp electrical connections but no water hookups at individual sites."
Seasonal variations: Winter camping limits available facilities. "Between March and October, most area RV parks operate at full capacity, though some like Bull Run Regional Park and Fort Belvoir Travel Camp remain open year-round."
