Camping options near Colonial Beach, Virginia include sites located on the Potomac River's western shore where campers experience moderate humidity in summer months and milder winter temperatures compared to inland areas. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations below 100 feet and feature predominantly clay-based soil that can become saturated quickly after rainfall.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Visit George Washington's birthplace located near Thousand Trails Harbor View. "Right down the road from George Washington's birthplace," notes Jason E., making this an accessible educational day trip from camp.
Fossil hunting: The fossil beach at Westmoreland State Park offers unique opportunities to search for ancient shark teeth. One camper who visited this area shared, "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night."
Military history tour: The National Marine Corps Museum provides an educational experience near Prince William Forest RV Campground. Kenneth H. mentions it's "just around corner" from the campground, making it a convenient outing.
Water activities: Multiple campgrounds offer boating and fishing access. At Bethpage Camp-Resort, kayaking is available on-site, and Robert P. describes how his site "backed to the lake," providing convenient water access.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of facilities at parks near Colonial Beach. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, Rebecca E. notes "The showers are clean/hot and the playground is in very good condition."
Waterfront access: Sites with water views receive high ratings from visitors to the area. Sara A. describes her experience at Westmoreland State Park Campground as "Beautiful and relaxing," highlighting the natural appeal of waterfront locations.
Shaded sites: Many campgrounds provide good tree cover, which is valuable during hot summer months. At Thousand Trails Harbor View, Em M. observed, "All the sites are very shady, which certainly comes in handy in the Virginia heat."
Recreational amenities: Swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities enhance the camping experience for many visitors. Mary P. from Prince William Forest RV Campground appreciated the "Nice pool and bath house. Close to everything."
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Many RV parks in the area position sites closely together. At Harbor View, one camper observed, "The sites are extremely close. Tent campers are an absolute afterthought here, as the sites are in the back and the bathhouse is in the front."
Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Bethpage Camp-Resort runs from April 1 to November 15, while Harbor View operates from "April 7 to October 15," according to their listing information.
Military ID requirements: Military Park Fort AP Hill Champs Camp offers excellent facilities but requires proper credentials. James P. notes, "Access to DoD folks only," so civilian campers should verify their eligibility before planning a stay.
Weather considerations: The climate can affect your camping experience significantly. One camper at Harbor View warned about seasonal conditions: "If you have allergies, avoid spring. EVERYTHING outside was covered in a light haze of pollen."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Families consistently rate parks with swimming options highly. Happy_champers observed at Bethpage Camp-Resort that the "Pool is incredible for all ages" making it particularly suitable for groups with children of different ages.
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to play areas when selecting a site. At Bull Run Regional Park, Yvonne B. noted, "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located," suggesting families should request sites near recreational facilities.
Educational activities: Several parks offer organized programs for children. Bridget H. shared that Bull Run had "a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides" and mentioned their children "enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Scheduling considerations: Weekend visits during summer months see significantly higher occupancy. For a quieter experience, one visitor to Westmoreland State Park recommended, "Sunday and Monday nights if you have flexibility with jobs etc. It was SUPER quiet during my stay."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites require additional equipment for proper setup. At Harbor View, Nick E. mentioned, "Had to put down boards to park our travel trailer because about a third of the pad had just turned into mud."
Site selection strategy: For better privacy, seek specific site types. Megan K. from Prince William Forest noted, "lots are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space."
Utility positioning: The placement of hookups affects ease of setup. At Bethpage Camp-Resort, Robert P. appreciated that "Sewer is in 2 locations for each site," offering flexibility for different RV configurations.
Internet connectivity: Remote workers should check connectivity options. At Harbor View, one remote worker confirmed, "I work full-time remote and the Verizon service was perfect with our hotspot," though wifi service varies significantly between facilities.
