Prince William Forest Park camping sites operate from March to October with Oak Ridge Campground serving as the main developed camping area. The park encompasses 15,000 acres of piedmont forest with elevation ranges from 200 to 400 feet. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s, with nighttime temperatures dropping to the mid-60s—ideal conditions for tent camping throughout the peak season.
What to do
Hiking trails: Oak Ridge Campground connects to multiple trails that wind through the forest. "We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things. Definitely worth exploring. Get your camp on do some hiking, biking, fishin, and also exploring th history of the area well worth it," notes a visitor to Oak Ridge Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Smallwood State Park offers fishing piers and water access just a short drive from Prince William Forest. "The sites are large, almost perfectly level, and wooded. It was also right next to the bath house, which was great for the kids. Marina at the day-use area was very nice, and seemed to be one of the main focuses of the park. Several docks for strolling and fishing," says a visitor to Smallwood State Park.
Disc golf course: Bull Run Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course that provides recreational options beyond standard hiking. "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," recommends a camper at Pohick Bay Regional Park.
What campers like
Proximity to DC: The campgrounds near Prince William Forest provide convenient access to Washington DC while maintaining a natural setting. "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," explains a winter visitor to Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Varied terrain: Oak Ridge Campground offers diverse site options across three distinct loops. "There are three loops, front to back. Loop A are walkin only sites for RVs and tents. Loops B and C reservable. Loop B sites are for large families or groups. Loop C is more remote. Each loop has a bathroom building, Loop B is the only one with showers," details a camper at Oak Ridge Campground.
Seasonal activities: Bull Run provides year-round programming for families. "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. 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," shares a visitor to Bull Run Regional Park.
What you should know
Tick awareness: Insects can be problematic in the Prince William Forest area, particularly during warm months. "Ticks were really bad. We killed dozens and ended up taking at least one with us when we left. Only because of the ticks, we would not stay here again. We had Deep Woods Off, but seemed to do no good," warns a camper from Oak Ridge Campground.
Quantico proximity: Military training at the neighboring Marine Corps Base Quantico can create occasional noise disturbances. "We were in Loop C and could hear activity at Quantico. Lots of air noise too, from both airplanes and helicopters," notes an Oak Ridge camper who stayed for 5 days.
Firewood restrictions: Some campgrounds provide firewood while others do not, so preparation is essential. "Everything was fully operational at our campsite when we visited in early April. Bathrooms were clean and stocked. Sites were nicely kept. Be aware that they do not sell firewood on-site!" advises a spring visitor to Oak Ridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom proximity: Select sites strategically for easiest access to facilities with children. "I took my daughter (4.5 yr old) for her first campout, at her request. We had a great time. Bill, the host on duty was wonderfully hospitable. The facilities were very clean, and when needed, well lit," shares a first-time camper at Oak Ridge.
Programming for kids: Burke Lake Park offers family-friendly amenities beyond standard camping. "Excellent campground and park for families. Swimming, biking, and hiking," notes a visitor to Burke Lake Park, which also features a mini train ride and carousel according to reviewers.
School break planning: Prince William Forest Park accommodates educational group trips in their historic cabins. "This is a great place for a school overnight or scouting. They've been working on renovating them since we started renting them in 2006, so make sure to tour all the different camps to get the one that meets your needs best," advises a group leader from Goodwill Cabin Camp.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Several campgrounds near Prince William Forest present leveling challenges for RVs. "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. Our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that," recommends an RV camper at Bull Run Regional Park.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight access roads that require careful maneuvering. "We have a 42' fifth wheel and even though it was tight we made it through with no issues. We rolled in just after 6pm," notes a large rig owner at Aquia Pines Campground, demonstrating that larger vehicles can navigate the area with proper planning.
Loop selection: For RV campers at Prince William Forest, choosing the right camping loop significantly impacts the experience. "Sites varied greatly in size. Some seemed entirely too close, others spread apart. At times, sites seemed backwards - I kept saying they should reverse the one way direction so back in sites were easier," advises an RVer who stayed at Oak Ridge Campground.
