Camping near Reston, Virginia offers accessibility to wooded sites within a 40-mile radius. The Piedmont region's rolling terrain creates varied camping experiences with elevations ranging from 300-500 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping typically ranges from 50-75°F.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Bull Run Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course near the campground. "The park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds," notes Tom C. who recommends this location for first-time campers.
Scenic water activities: Pohick Bay Campground provides multiple water access points for boating and kayaking on the Potomac River. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," according to Anne K., who also mentions the seasonal water park as a highlight.
Nature trails exploration: Several campgrounds feature maintained trail systems suitable for hiking and wildlife observation. "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," shares a reviewer at Cedarville State Forest, noting consistent cell service with "two bars pretty consistently" for those needing connectivity.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between campsites at Bull Run Regional Park. "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," explains Roberta K. who visited during fall when "the colors were gorgeous."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies across campgrounds but receives frequent mention in reviews. "The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," writes Yvonne B. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Proximity to DC attractions: Cedarville State Forest provides camping options within driving distance to Washington DC. "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC," notes a reviewer who appreciates the convenience of nearby shopping options for forgotten supplies.
What you should know
Horse facilities limitations: No dedicated horse campgrounds near Reston, Virginia appear in campground data. Equestrian enthusiasts seeking horse-friendly camping will need to travel farther than the immediate Reston area. None of the reviewed campgrounds mention horse corrals or designated equestrian trails.
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds like Cedarville State Forest operate seasonally from April to October, while others remain open year-round. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous," shares one camper about timing their visit.
Noise factors: Several campgrounds report various noise sources. "Check ground is nice. The only drawback is that it is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," explains Drew M. who still rated the campground positively.
Wildlife awareness: Ticks appear common at Cedarville State Forest. "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it!" warns one reviewer, while another mentions, "I've never left this park without at least one tick." Bug protection seems essential particularly in warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Camp Winery provides family-friendly activities in a scenic setting. "Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too," notes Sammii D., highlighting the area's accessibility to regional attractions.
Playground locations: Some campgrounds feature strategically placed playgrounds near family-friendly sites. At Bull Run, one reviewer noted: "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located," suggesting families request sites near this amenity.
Nature programs: Bull Run offers educational opportunities for children. "There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," shares a cabin camper who also enjoyed organized evening activities: "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides."
Tips for RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for potential leveling issues. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," shares a reviewer about Bull Run Regional Park.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer partial or full hookup sites, but availability varies. "We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs," notes a camper at Cedarville, suggesting specific site selection matters for larger vehicles.
Dump station quality: RVers report varying experiences with dump stations. One visitor to Cedarville mentioned: "They have a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower."
