Glamping sites in Catharpin, Virginia offer varying degrees of seclusion with sites positioned on wooded lots situated at elevations averaging 300-400 feet. Many premium sites can accommodate large RVs and include water and electric hookups. The region experiences mild summers with average highs in the mid-80s, making it an ideal location for overnight outdoor stays throughout the warm season.
What to do
Disc golf access: Bull Run Regional Park features an established 18-hole disc golf course that runs through wooded areas. "The park has 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," notes a visitor at Bull Run Regional Park.
History exploration: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park sits adjacent to several camping areas, providing access to Civil War sites and historic buildings. A camper at Harpers Ferry Campground explains, "The hike that leads to the lookout about harpers ferry was fantastic. This hike takes you well above the town settled in West Virginia. While some points are pretty steep don't let this deter you from completing it."
Water activities: Multiple sites offer river access for swimming, fishing, and boating. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions one camper at Pohick Bay Campground. At Rappahannock River Campgrounds, visitors appreciate the convenient water access: "It was super easy to get down to the water and there was plenty of spots to explore."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Campsite privacy varies significantly between locations. "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," notes a camper at Bull Run Regional Park. At Little Bennett Campground, "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup."
Bathroom facilities: Many campers mention bathroom quality as a deciding factor. "I'll go again just for the showers. We tent camped there with 2 other families memorial day weekend. It rained the entire time but we still had a blast. The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls," writes a visitor at Bull Run Regional Park.
Riverside locations: Multiple glamping options in the Catharpin region feature waterfront sites. At Shenandoah River State Park, "The primitive spots are right next to the river. The spots are a short walk from the parking area and the campground provides wagons to transport your stuff. Great fishing and swimming right at your camping spot."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience train disruptions. "The sites were oddly shaped - our grill was on the edge of the site, closer to the neighbor's picnic table. Our neighbors were all nice and respectful, but the quarters were very close," notes a camper at Cherry Hill Park.
Seasonal factors: The peak season runs May through September with most amenities fully operational. During off-peak times, some facilities reduce hours or close completely. "Most municipal campgrounds in Northern Virginia are a bit spendy for being government sponsored. Not as bad as South Carolina, but way more than Florida."
Site drainage issues: Some campgrounds have problems during heavy rain. "While we were here, there was a fairly heavy day of rain. Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical. The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow. Result was lots of standing water at our campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Most family-friendly sites offer organized children's programs. "The campground 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."
Site selection: Choose sites near playgrounds for convenience with young children. "Our Family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," notes a visitor at Bull Run Regional Park.
Multiple swimming options: Several sites feature water parks or natural swimming areas. At Little Bennett Campground, "jumping pillow and pedal cars are only open at certain hours. There is no swimming pool or lake. This campground is very close to DC and lots of shopping and Clarksburg upscale outlets."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some premium sites require significant adjustment for larger rigs. "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air. The nice staff kindly moved us to a FHU site without the patio and furniture."
Hookup reliability: Water and electric connections vary in quality between sites. "Site #D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back. Site #D69 gravel parking pad. Toilet/shower facility very clean."
Site accessibility: Large RVs face navigation challenges at certain campgrounds. "The roads were very narrow and winding. We did fine with the pup, but can't imagine trying to navigate a large motorhome through there."
