The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Stafford, VA

564 Reviews

The Stafford, Virginia area features a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas within an hour's drive of the city. Aquia Pines Campground, located directly in Stafford, provides tent and RV sites with full hookups, while Prince William Forest Park in nearby Triangle offers a more natural camping experience with both Oak Ridge Campground and Prince William Forest RV Campground. Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton maintains year-round camping with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cabins. These facilities provide varying levels of amenities, from basic toilets and picnic tables to complete electrical and water hookups, creating options for both wilderness-focused campers and those seeking more developed facilities.

Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during the peak season from April through October when Virginia's mild climate attracts the most visitors. Road access varies significantly between facilities, with some campgrounds like Aquia Pines featuring challenging entrance roads. As one camper noted, "Everything is pretty old; pretty big hill to climb to get in; sites are relatively narrow and kind of awkward; roads in have some tight curves." Summer humidity and mosquitoes can be significant factors, especially in wooded areas near water. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though campers seeking quiet should be aware that proximity to I-95, Route 1, and military installations can create background noise at certain locations.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Pohick Bay where one long-time visitor shared, "We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home." Many campgrounds in the region balance natural settings with proximity to urban amenities, making them popular for weekend getaways from Washington DC. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some campers reporting aircraft noise from nearby military facilities. Bathhouse quality is frequently mentioned in reviews, with most facilities maintaining clean restrooms and hot showers. For families, several campgrounds offer playgrounds, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails, though site spacing can be tight at more developed facilities.

Map showing campgrounds near Stafford, VirginiaExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
A World Away Farm LLC

A World Away Farm LLC

35 min away

Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

1 hr 2 min away

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Stafford Contest

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Stafford, Virginia (82)

    1. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    12 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."

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

    17 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    13 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."

    3. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    21 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."

    4. Rappahannock River Campground

    11 Reviews
    Sumerduck, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 212-0343

    "Great for a weekend away from all the hustle and bustle. Very relaxing"

    "We paid our fee, which was only around $15, and then another $5 for a bunch of firewood. The Firewood was a bit wet and didn't work out, but hey, beggars can't be choosers."

    5. Aquia Pines Campground

    5 Reviews
    Stafford, VA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 659-3447

    "And the host are very kind and very friendly, event near Rt. 95, not very loud noise with big tall trees, happy stay!"

    6. Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA

    13 Reviews
    Woodford, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 898-7252

    "Once here it's tucked away nicely away from everything, sites feel spacious enough and mostly level on their own.

    Pool facility looks clean and good size for all to enjoy."

    "We were planning to arrive late after 12 hours of driving. The admin called us when they were closing to make sure we knew they had our reservation and the paperwork would be in the night drop."

    7. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    26 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."

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

    9 Reviews
    Marbury, MD
    15 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"

    9. Leesylvania State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    14 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..."

    10. Caledon State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    King George, VA
    16 miles
    Website

    "Caledon was an amazing adventure that’s so close to Fredericksburg. It’s a nice 3 mile hike to the campsite which is right by the Potomac river! They have porta Johns and a pavilion close by."

    "Porta pottie right next to wood pile. You’re not supposed to setup anything outside of the “tent pads”. I had a hammock hung and three rangers saw but didn’t say anything."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 82 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Stafford Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Stafford, VA

234 Photos of 82 Stafford Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Stafford, VA

564 Reviews of 82 Stafford Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Shenandoah Crossing, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort

    Not really camping

    This is a very developed campground…mayme over developed for me. Concrete pads, paved roads, street lights. Lots of amenities, like pool, playground, very nice showers, There is a gate house do you need the code to get in.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Christopher Run Campground

    Very big, a little rough- no internet

    This is a big campground that caters to boaters on Lake Anna. We probably made a mistake coming on a holiday weekend. Many “holiday” campers with extra vehicles, boats and people! The sites are good size, but not very level. We did finally get ours squared away. Mostly wooded, with shade. Our site D9, backed up to a small wooded section. Some full hookups. Tent sites, numerous semi-permanent people. Showers and bathrooms are clean, hot water, but it’s timed, so you have to keep pushing their buttons to continue a shower. They have everyone sign a waiver to release them of liabilities. Never had anyone do that before. Playground, beach, mini golf, canoe rental, boat slips, laundry, convenience store. NO INTERNET

  • 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!

  • Josey F.
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Greenville Farm Family Campground

    Wonderful!

    We are repeat customers and come here with our troops. Nice mix of RV and tent campers. Quiet. Trails, creek, pool, fishing ponds (back end), batheooms, etc, great rates. No firewood- need to bring your own.

  • L
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    Nice Little Campground

    Decent little campground! It was quiet aside from occasional air traffic noise, and while there wasn't much spacing between some camp sites everyone was respectful. My spot was a little difficult to find because the online park map was incorrect, and the spot was basically an extended shoulder of the road. Checking in was a breeze, though!

Guide to Stafford

Camping near Stafford, Virginia, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails right from your campsite. At Big Meadows Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Hiking trails leave right from the campground," making it easy to enjoy nature without a long drive.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground is a great spot. A visitor shared, "Hiking, fishing, breathtaking views, tons to do in the area!"
  • Stargazing: Many campgrounds, like Mathews Arm Campground, offer clear night skies. One camper noted, "We spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Pohick Bay Campground stated, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in."
  • Privacy: Many sites provide a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, "We liked this campground so much, smallness and setting, we almost cancelled our next reservation to stay here."
  • Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park are close to Washington, D.C. One guest said, "Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park complained, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place; it's like sleeping on the side of the highway."
  • Site spacing: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A review for Matthews Arm Campground noted, "The sites were all small and very close together."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oak Ridge Campground, do not offer electric hookups or showers. A visitor mentioned, "No water or electricity!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. At Pohick Bay Campground, one reviewer said, "The kids really enjoyed the chance to take in nature."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Greenbelt Park Campground suggested, "The camp store sells s'mores ingredients, limited candy."
  • Check for nearby attractions: Look for fun things to do outside the campground. A visitor at Westmoreland State Park Campground shared, "We were only a short walk to the trail leading to fossil beach."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A review for Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground noted, "We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here."
  • Be aware of generator hours: Some campgrounds have specific times for generator use. A camper at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "Generator hours are 08:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00."
  • Plan for limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty reception. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground noted, "I didn’t see a site that would accommodate rigs over 20’ or so."

Camping near Stafford, Virginia, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping sites in Stafford, VA?

While Stafford itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within easy driving distance. Pohick Bay Campground offers beautiful waterfront sites, trails, and a variety of recreational activities including kayaking. It's been a favorite for families for decades and features well-maintained facilities. Another great option is Prince William Forest RV Campground, which provides a peaceful nature getaway less than an hour from Washington DC with clean bathrooms and a pool. The campground is adjacent to Prince William Forest, giving you convenient access to forest scenery while staying close to shops and restaurants.

Are there family-friendly campgrounds near Stafford with electrical hookups?

Several family-friendly campgrounds with electrical hookups are available near Stafford. Fairfax County Burke Lake Park is excellent for families, featuring a 5-mile paved path around the lake, boat rentals, a fantastic playground, carousel, and kiddy train. The campground offers electrical hookups and is conveniently located near bathrooms. Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA is another great option with full hookups, designed with families in mind. It provides amenities like a swimming pool, playground, and organized activities that keep children entertained while offering the comfort of electrical connections for your camping setup.

What options are available for RV camping in Stafford, VA?

RV campers near Stafford have several good options to choose from. Americamps RV Resort is conveniently located just off Interstate 95 north of Richmond. Despite its proximity to the highway, it's mostly surrounded by woods and offers amenities RV campers appreciate including a seasonal pool and clean bathhouse. The resort is designed specifically for RV camping with proper hookups. Another option is Cedarville State Forest, which accommodates RVs and is priced reasonably. While more basic than dedicated RV resorts, it offers a peaceful, wooded setting with fewer campers, making it a good choice for those seeking a quieter RV camping experience.

Keep Exploring