Campgrounds near Annandale, Virginia range from basic tent sites to premium RV spots and yurt camping options. Most sites sit within 20-30 miles of the capital city at elevations between 200-400 feet above sea level. The climate features four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 87°F and winter lows around 27°F, creating ideal camping conditions from April through October.
What to do
Disc golf course access: At Pohick Bay Campground, campers can play a challenging 18-hole course just steps from their sites. "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.
Hiking trails year-round: Burke Lake Park offers paved trails suitable for all skill levels with minimal elevation change. "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," reports Alexis.
Seasonal outdoor movie nights: Bull Run Regional Park hosts scheduled evening entertainment for campers. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," writes Bridget H. The park also features scheduled weekend activities during peak season.
Water activities on the Potomac: Multiple sites provide river access for fishing and boating. "We stayed here at least 6 trips a year. Nice layout, not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help," mentions Robert P. about his experiences at Pohick Bay.
What campers like
Proximity to Washington DC: Many campers appreciate the short commute to major attractions. "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," writes Josh J. about Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Clean, modern facilities: Bathroom cleanliness consistently receives positive reviews. "I'll go again just for the showers. 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," notes Yvonne B. about Bull Run's facilities.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious. We are tent campers but almost all our neighbors were in an RV or trailer," reports Ben G.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Leesylvania State Park Campground offers birdwatching along the Potomac River. "This campground was so pretty. It is small, but the price and location near DC cannot be beat. It is directly on Potomac River," comments Anne K.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Annandale require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. Bull Run Regional Park enforces a "2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week. In APRIL for gosh sakes!" according to Stuart O., who also noted unexpected fees: "There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights."
Noise considerations: Some campsites experience unexpected noise sources. "Camp ground is nice. Check in was a breeze. 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," warns Drew M. about Bull Run.
Seasonal crowds: Family-oriented campgrounds become busy during school breaks and summer weekends. "This place is packed full of people who like to stay up late and make lots of noise. Park rules aren't very well enforced. Showers were clean and campsites seemed well maintained," reports Kelli T.
Variable site conditions: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," explains Drew M.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities calendar: Cherry Hill Park maintains a consistent schedule of family events. "This campground has so much to offer. We loved it. Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," lists Beth R.
Nature scavenger hunts: Bull Run Regional Park offers educational programming for children. "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 Bridget H.
Kid-friendly campsite selection: Request sites near playgrounds for convenience. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. They gave us a great intro to the park as we were first timers," notes Ben G.
Water park access: Multiple campgrounds feature splash pads or swimming areas. "The park for kids is fun. The bathrooms are very clean," notes one visitor, while Anne K. mentions "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer" at Pohick Bay.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds near Annandale have uneven terrain. "The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side. The landscaping, trees and site placement does help the esthetics," advises Scott C. about Little Bennett Campground.
Premium site amenities: Some locations offer enhanced RV sites with additional features. "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs," shares Jonathan B. about Cherry Hill Park.
Connectivity limitations: Cellular and internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna. There is no WiFi," details Ray & Terri F. about their yurt camping experience at Little Bennett Campground near Annandale, Virginia.
Loop selection strategy: Different camping loops offer varying experiences within the same facility. "D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C & E are tents only," explains Ray & Terri F. about Little Bennett Campground, while noting their site was "quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup."
