Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Springfield, VA

Burke Lake Park Campground offers pet-friendly tent and RV sites nestled in a wooded area near the lake. Dogs are permitted throughout the campground and on the 5-mile gravel trail that circles Burke Lake. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, another pet-friendly option with full hookups, requires military credentials for access but provides scenic Potomac River views. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with restrooms and showers. Most sites at Burke Lake feature picnic tables and fire rings, though they lack electrical hookups. The campground can be noisy at times with walking groups starting early on the trail at 6AM and occasional weekend parties.

Pohick Bay Campground and Bull Run Regional Park accommodate pets with various camping options including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. These campgrounds require pets to be leashed at all times when outside of vehicles. The camping area at Burke Lake is set apart from the main recreational facilities, providing a quieter experience despite being surrounded by suburban neighborhoods. Pet owners should be prepared for weather variations, as most campgrounds in the Springfield area operate year-round. The trails at Burke Lake are not technically rigorous and have minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for dog walking. Site spacing varies, with some campgrounds having closely positioned sites that offer limited privacy between neighbors.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Springfield, Virginia (76)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

    38 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $33 - $150 / 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."

    "This is a pet friendly campground. There's a lot to do out at the whole park, and its worth exploring (we just didn't have time). I'm sure its so pretty out near the water."

    2. Bull Run Regional Park

    43 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $34 - $90 / night

    "Portable water and dumping station located at the camp store. We stayed at site 146 on the first caul-de-sac off the first loop just another site away from the bath house (which was pretty clean)."

    "Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had. Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."

    3. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."

    "This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."

    4. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 221-7181

    $26 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    5. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing"

    "If you are looking for camping in Fairfax County Virginia, this is it, because there are only a couple to choose from."

    6. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $999 / night

    "Great location with access to all forms of transportation.  Store fully stocked to include groceries.   Two pools. Hot tub.   Play areas to include a game room and miniature golf.  "

    "As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same."

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

    18 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    15 miles
    +1 (703) 221-2474

    "Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located."

    "Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city."

    8. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "The park is located away from the camping grounds. It has two play grounds, several picnic tables and a bathroom."

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

    4 Reviews
    Fort Belvoir, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 805-3081

    $55 / night

    "Super clean Very well maintained Pet friendly... kinda No veteran discounts smh Good for a day or two"

    "Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."

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

    9 Reviews
    Marbury, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $27 - $65 / night

    "The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours. I have a reactive dog and he did well here! We’ll be back!"

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 76 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Springfield, VA

679 Reviews of 76 Springfield Campgrounds


  • R
    Apr. 24, 2023

    Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA

    Family friendly

    Nice size spots. Lake on site. Playground for kids. Fun bike rentals. Lots of dog walks and a dog park. Camp store has a little bit of everything.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2021

    Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    Very convenient to National Park

    This place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September. The original site the gave us had a large rut and washed out spot, so we could not get level. I checked in the office and the reassigned another space that was much better. Full hook ups, nice clean shower and bathrooms, playground, pool, large dog park.

  • singinajf@aol.com
    May. 26, 2021

    Ramblin' Pines

    Quiet Spot

    The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The bathrooms are incredibly clean. We love all the games there are to play and the dog park is our favorite spot. Overall, it's peaceful and quiet in a nice, wooded setting.

  • J
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Brunswick Family Campground

    Great but only a few things I noticed

    Overall great camp ground only thing I noticed is at some of the RV sites the hook ups are in crazy spots some are In the neighboring sites area so you have to drag extensions around them. Also the pool and dog park isn’t on site you have to leave to go to it.

  • Linda B.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Cherry Hill Park

    Actually a 10!!!

    This is a campers dream site.  Everything you can think of is offered here.  You have to check their website to see all.  This is the closest site to Washington DC.  Great location with access to all forms of transportation.  Store fully stocked to include groceries.   Two pools. Hot tub.   Play areas to include a game room and miniature golf.  Pets are pampered here.  Even dog walking service available.

  • Megan K.
    Aug. 17, 2021

    Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    Great spot with hookups by PW park

    If you, like me, hate making reservations over the phone, it was worth it! Quick, simple, painless process. 

    Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk 

    Lots: lots are really staggered/ set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space. It wasn't crowded either way, especially given on a weekend 

    Small pool 

    Wifi: don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter 

    Cell service: I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well. 

    Area: the surrounding area is really bikeable 

    Hookups: I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained. 

    Staff: super friendly; great check in experience They have a dog park but didn't get a chance to check it out. 

    Overall: great experience, would recommend

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2021

    Cherry Hill Park

    Impressive Campground

    Cherry Hill Park was easy to find and get to basically right off I-95. This was our first time RVing into the WA DC area and we were concerned about traffic getting to the campground(CG). As we arrived, traffic was heavy on I-95 but manageable. Cherry Hill’s and our RV GPS directions were spot on getting us to the park. We were very impressed with this CG from the moment we entered. We picked up our package outside the office(no contact check-in) and went to premium site 93 with FHUs. Back-in was easy. The wifi was very good but the CG was only about a 1/4 full. Cherry Hill has many different ways to stay; cottages, cabins, yurts, glamping pods, premium and regular tent sites in addition to the RV sites. As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same. There are a few sites in the CG on the end that will give you a little more yard space like 97(need to be a competent backer), 402, and 1723. We got 2 bars each on Verizon and AT&T. The CG’s cable provided a large selection of channels and worked well. We were impressed with the main laundry facility due to the amount of large washers and dryers, very fair pricing and very clean. The two off leash dog parks(in the same area) were nice plus there’s a well maintained walking trail that goes around this very large CG’s perimeter. We really liked how there are trash receptacles and dog poopy bag dispensers nicely placed all over the CG. Though we didn’t use it, they even have a dog walker service so you can spend a lot of time exploring the DC area without worrying about your pups. About the only draw back was the road noise from the interstate and highway pretty much 24/7, but considering the area that is to be expected. Sites 13-38 and 1500 sites near the premium tent area are the farthest away from the road noise. We would definitely stay here again.

  • Caitlin A.
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023

    Private sites with water views nearby

    These campground is a great find. The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they’re very private with woods between each one. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours. I have a reactive dog and he did well here! We’ll be back!

  • Matt S.
    May. 5, 2025

    Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    Location. Location. Location.

    We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. 

    We paid$114/night(average per night, including fees and taxes) for Site# 94. A bit pricey considering a lack of elbow room, but it’s a great location and everything is well-kept. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door. Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car(or shuttle from the Visitor Center). Frederick and Antietam are each barely 30-minutes by car. Gettysburg, Baltimore, and DC are about an hour’s drive. 

    • Clean and level gravel site with well-maintained utility hook-ups. 

    • Great campground store filled with food, drinks, camp supplies, souvenirs, and essentials you may need while away from home. 

    • Friendly staff in the office& store. 

    • The whole park is quiet and well-maintained. 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45’ motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air. The nice staff kindly moved us to a FHU site without the patio and furniture. And refunded the difference in price for the lesser site. Thanks for providing the move but ‘premium’ sites should be somewhat level, am I right? 

    • Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together. 

    • A $3 per night“Pet Fee” for our small, mostly-indoor dog felt a bit like nickel-and-diming. I realize it only amounted to an extra$12, but he didn’t need any extra gravel. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a nice campground with lots of great places nearby including Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Frederick, Washington DC, Baltimore, and more.

Guide to Springfield

Camping options near Springfield, Virginia range across several regional and state parks within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 250-300 feet above sea level with moderate temperatures that average 48°F in winter and 77°F in summer. Springfield's camping season typically runs March through October, though select campgrounds remain open year-round with varying levels of service during winter months.

What to Do

Hiking trails for all skill levels: At Prince William Forest Park, trails cater to beginners and experienced hikers alike with minimal elevation changes. "The campground sits in a beautiful Prince William national Forrest. At the sites there are picnic tables, fire pits, and grills which makes for easy cooking and relaxing," notes Daniel S.

Water activities on multiple bodies of water: Pohick Bay Campground offers diverse boating options from kayaks to motorboats. "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff," mentions Kathie M., highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities while on the water.

Historical sites and museums: The region contains numerous Civil War battlefields and historic structures within short driving distance. "There is lots and lots of history around the area. We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things," shares Daniel S. about his experience at Oak Ridge Campground.

Playgrounds and recreation areas: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "Train, carousel, fishing. Nice spot with plenty to do with a little one," according to Glen W. about his stay at Burke Lake Park Campground.

What Campers Like

Clean facilities: Lake Fairfax Campground maintains high standards for its bathhouses. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," notes Tana S., though she mentions the campground can get crowded on weekends.

Level camping pads: Site conditions vary across campgrounds, but many offer relatively flat areas for tents and RVs. At Bull Run Regional Park, "Our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that," advises Roberta K.

Weekend programming: Several parks organize activities for guests. "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. about Bull Run Regional Park.

Accessibility to Washington DC: Campers appreciate the proximity 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," reports Josh J. about Pohick Bay.

What You Should Know

Pet rules by campground: Pet-friendly camping near Springfield requires knowledge of specific regulations. At Oak Ridge Campground, "The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours. I have a reactive dog and he did well here!" shares Caitlin A., who camped at Smallwood State Park.

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," reports Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park.

Site spacing and privacy: Campgrounds vary widely in how sites are arranged. "The sites are very well spaced out and there are only 15 in the only camp loop. Sites are private with most having thick foliage and trees between them," explains Laure D. about Smallwood State Park.

Seasonal facilities: Not all amenities operate year-round. "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!" notes Kaitlyn H.

Tips for Camping with Families

Water park access: Bull Run Regional Park features water recreation particularly appealing to children. "There are too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," comments Bridget H.

Programming for kids: Many campgrounds offer structured activities. "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," reports Ben G. about his family's experience at Pohick Bay.

Bathroom proximity for families: When camping with young children, consider location. "The site was also right next to the bath house, which was great for the kids. There were several paved walking paths leading to the bath house, so no one cut through our site to get to it," shares Jen V.

Playground locations: Check campground maps for playground proximity. "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located," notes Yvonne B. about Bull Run Regional Park, despite giving the campground a 5-star review for other amenities.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Cherry Hill Park provides full service sites. "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer, Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride, Gated, On-site camp store, On-site bus shuttle," lists Beth R., noting the only drawbacks were "Gravel pad, Expensive, Spotty Wi-Fi."

Site leveling needs: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable. You really need a toad since supplies are not very close to the camping area," advises Mike H. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.

Dump station conditions: Facilities for waste disposal vary in quality. "The dump station was the strangest I've ever seen. Very run down but it worked," reports Laure D. about her experience at Smallwood State Park.

Site spacing for larger rigs: When bringing a larger rig, site selection matters. "Sites vary 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," observes Tracy R.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Springfield, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Springfield, VA is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 38 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Springfield, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 76 dog-friendly camping locations near Springfield, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.