Best Campgrounds near Occoquan, VA

Campgrounds near Occoquan, Virginia range from established facilities to rustic sites, with several options located within a 30-minute drive of the town. Pohick Bay Regional Park offers one of the most popular campgrounds in the area, featuring sites for tents, RVs, and cabins in a wooded setting along the Potomac River. Bull Run Regional Park and Prince William Forest Park provide additional camping experiences with varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering full hookups for electricity, water, and sewer. The proximity to Washington DC (approximately 25-45 minutes away) makes these campgrounds popular with visitors combining outdoor recreation with urban tourism.

Several campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from March through October. Pohick Bay Campground and Oak Ridge Campground at Prince William Forest Park have specific operating seasons, while others like Bull Run Regional Park remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds feature comfort stations with showers and flush toilets, though cleanliness and maintenance can vary. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for camping. One visitor noted, "We were here to visit DC and it was an excellent spot to stay. It was extremely hot as it was July but the sites had a lot of shade."

Campers consistently mention the balance of natural settings with proximity to urban amenities as a key advantage of camping in this area. While sites at most campgrounds offer fire rings and picnic tables, privacy varies significantly between locations and specific sites. "Some sites are big and beautiful and others you'll barely have room for your tent. Stick to the outer loops and you should be fine," advised one Pohick Bay camper. Family-friendly amenities are common at the regional parks, with playgrounds, water parks, and recreational facilities available at many locations. Military personnel should note that Fort Belvoir offers a dedicated Travel and RV Camp with high ratings. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area campgrounds, with visitors frequently reporting encounters with raccoons, squirrels, and various bird species.

Best Camping Sites Near Occoquan, Virginia (88)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "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."

    "Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers."

    2. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 221-7181

    $26 / night

    "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."

    3. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "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."

    4. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    17 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    7 miles
    +1 (703) 221-2474

    "Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city."

    "Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located."

    5. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "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."

    6. Leesylvania State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 730-8205

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Close to me so theres nothing new"

    "Good for a day use, parking is full most of the time but have a lot of space to park you may have to walk but you will find one spot..."

    7. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023

    9 Reviews
    Marbury, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $27 - $65 / night

    "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"

    8. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "If you are looking for camping in Fairfax County Virginia, this is it, because there are only a couple to choose from."

    "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."

    9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

    4 Reviews
    Fort Belvoir, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 805-3081

    $55 / night

    "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."

    10. Fairfax County Burke Lake Park

    2 Reviews
    Fairfax Station, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground."

    "i’ve camped here too many times to count, love being surrounded by nature!"

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Recent Reviews near Occoquan, VA

615 Reviews of 88 Occoquan Campgrounds


  • Amanda S.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    Got bed bugs? They do.

    Stayed in cabin 202 for a Fri- Sun and on our last morning we found a bed bug on our clothing. While they gave a refund it does not come close to cover the time and energy of remediating all of our clothing, sheets, and blankets. We also had to throw out items that could not be cleaned properly and now have to replace them(pillows, shoes, etc). My husband has 23 bites over the course of 2 nights. They burn and itch very badly. I truly hope this was a hiccup for them and they go through correct methods of having the cabin treated properly. 

    UPDATE: A recount of the bites- my husband has 31 bites so far. The remediation of all of our items is exhausting. All the blankets, clothing, suit cases, all the other items we used in the cabin needs to be cleaned. We had to throw out our shoes because they shrunk in the dryer. Spent$$$ replacing shoes for a family for 4. Pillows are not cheap to replace either. I bought a new corset at the renfest this weekend that I'm hoping doesn't get ruined when it goes through the dryer. That too was expensive. So if you're looking to have to spend a bunch of extra money to replace items you didn't want to replace in the first place- I recommend staying here.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Adventure Bound Washington DC

    Nice

    This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Watermelon Park Campground

    Beautiful setting!

    This camping ground is for RVs only. It's right on the Shenandoah River so it's a quiet peaceful setting. However it's a long way from any town, has terrible wifi, (the mobile data was slightly better) & doesn't hav a laundry room. The road in is very narrow so our moterhome had a little difficulty getting in, but we made it! There is only a dumping station. This is just info, not a bad review :) they have showers & firewood & the staff is very friendly & helpful! Tubing on the river was closed for the season but that wud have been a great pass time!

  • j
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Lake Anna State Park Campground

    Nice space

    Great space for rvs and tents. Cabins and yurts available, bath house clean, but toilet paper is thinner than dry onion skin. Beach area is 1/2 mile paved walk. Beach very crowded on weekends.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aquia Pines Campground

    Good stopover near the highway but hidden between the trees

    We where forced land-inwards because of tropical storm Erin (potential hurricane hitting the Outer Banks). So we decided to visit Washington DC and had a stopover here. It was conveniently located. Terrain is not flat but our spot was well levelled. There is a big dog (and an older gentleman) in the office to welcome you. Full hook up was oké and our spot was nicly secluded between the trees.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    A World Away Farm LLC

    Great folks. Inexpensive for full hookup.

    They have a farm with chickens, ducks, horses etc for our 7 yr old to enjoy. She got to feed the chickens, gather eggs and offer carrots to the beautiful horses. Wonderful people ❤️. We will be back next year.

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can’t be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. 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. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.


Guide to Occoquan

Camping near Occoquan, Virginia offers sites within a 45-minute radius of town, with options ranging from waterfront locations to forested settings. The region experiences typical Mid-Atlantic weather patterns with average summer temperatures reaching the upper 80s and winter lows in the 30s. Most campgrounds in the Occoquan area offer access to water recreation on the Potomac River watershed.

What to do

Disc golf courses: Pohick Bay Regional Park features an 18-hole course among its amenities. "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes Rachel L.

Mountain biking: Lake Fairfax Campground provides extensive trail networks suitable for riders. "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing, & canoeing)," says Amy B.

Historical exploration: Oak Ridge Campground in Prince William Forest Park serves as a base for historical sites. "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," explains Daniel S.

Boating options: Multiple boat launches provide water access at several parks. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions Anne K. about Pohick Bay, while Smallwood State Park offers "boat launching access" according to Sean R.

What campers like

Urban proximity with natural setting: Bull Run Regional Park balances accessibility with seclusion. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous. 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," remarks Roberta K.

Shade coverage: Many campsites provide tree cover for summer heat relief. "Best quality: totally in the woods so summer sun doesn't affect you," notes Amy B. about Lake Fairfax. Similarly, "Sites are very well spaced out and there are only 15 in the only camp loop... Campground was very shaded," reports Laure D. about Smallwood State Park.

Wildlife viewing: Pohick Bay Campground offers opportunities for bird watching. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" shares Kathie M.

Site privacy: Campground layouts often provide separation between sites. "Sites are very well spaced out... Sites are private with most having thick foliage and trees between them," notes Caitlin A. about Smallwood State Park Campground.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings fill quickly, especially at Bull Run Regional Park. "There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights. But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week. In APRIL for gosh sakes!" warns Stuart O.

Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between parks. Smallwood State Park Campground has "Bath house was old, and quite buggy, but reasonably clean. No dish washing sink, which was a bummer for me," according to Jen V., while Lake Fairfax gets praised: "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," from Tana S.

Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. "We were in Loop C and could hear activity at Quantico. Lots of air noise too, from both airplanes and helicopters," mentions Tracy R. about Oak Ridge Campground, while Bull Run has "a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," notes Drew M.

Site leveling: Terrain can present challenges at certain locations. "If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask before committing to the inner loop," advises Corey B. about Lake Fairfax Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Water recreation: Lake Fairfax Campground features a popular water park. "We enjoyed the water park immensely. Ten of us in total with kids ranging from 18 months old to 13 years old. Everyone enjoyed the water park and the time we spent there," shares Corey B.

Organized activities: Bull Run Regional Park schedules kid-friendly 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... They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," reports Bridget H.

Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The campground sits in a beautiful Prince William national Forrest. At the sites there are picnic tables, fire pits, and grills which makes for easy cooking and relaxing," notes Daniel S. about Oak Ridge Campground.

Family camping success: Pohick Bay offers multiple family amenities. "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning. This was music to our ears as we camp with our 3 and 1 year old," shares Ben G.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Prince William Forest RV Campground offers varied lot arrangements. "Lots are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space," notes Megan K.

Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment. "Our site was the last site available when I made the reservation about 6 weeks prior. Site 9 is next to the bathhouse and across from the dumpsters. Neither was an issue... Our site was perfectly level. Most sites appeared fairly level," reports Laure D. about Smallwood State Park.

Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds have varying availability throughout the year. "Stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat. Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends," mentions Josh J. about staying at Pohick Bay during off-season.

Hookup availability: Services vary between parks. "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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best fishing spots at Occoquan Reservoir?

The Occoquan Reservoir offers several productive fishing spots throughout its waters. Fairfax County Burke Lake Park features excellent bank fishing access with a stocked lake known for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. For those seeking alternative fishing locations, the reservoir shoreline near Pohick Bay Campground provides access to deeper waters where larger fish tend to congregate. The boat ramps and fishing piers at various points along the reservoir offer optimal spots for catching bass, perch, and catfish. Early morning and evening hours typically yield the best results, especially during spring and fall when fish are most active.

When is the best time to visit Occoquan for outdoor recreation?

The optimal time to visit Occoquan for outdoor recreation is late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when temperatures are moderate and conditions are ideal for water activities. Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite visitors note that these shoulder seasons offer less crowded conditions on nearby waterways. Summer months (July-August) provide warm weather perfect for swimming and boating but expect higher visitor numbers, especially on weekends. Brunswick Family Campground campers mention that spring brings excellent fishing opportunities as water temperatures rise. Fall offers spectacular foliage views, while winter visits provide peaceful solitude but with limited water recreation options due to colder temperatures.

Is camping allowed at Occoquan Regional Park?

Occoquan Regional Park itself does not permit overnight camping, but several excellent camping options exist nearby. Prince William Forest RV Campground offers clean facilities with full hookups less than 30 minutes away. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Oak Ridge Campground in Prince William Forest Park provides peaceful, wooded sites with access to hiking trails. While you cannot camp within Occoquan Regional Park boundaries, you can enjoy its day-use facilities including picnic areas, trails, and water access before returning to nearby campgrounds for overnight stays.

What are the boat launch facilities at Occoquan?

Occoquan offers multiple boat launch facilities for visitors. The primary boat ramp at Leesylvania State Park Campground provides concrete launches with nearby parking for vehicles and trailers. Burke Lake Park Campground offers boat rentals and a launch area suitable for smaller watercraft. Additional launch points can be found at several marinas along the reservoir with varying amenities including fuel services, waste disposal, and seasonal dock rentals. Most facilities charge a modest launch fee, and some require reservations during peak summer weekends. Be aware that water levels can fluctuate seasonally, affecting launch conditions.