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Best Campgrounds near Sterling, VA

925 Reviews

Camping near Sterling, Virginia includes a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas within a 30-mile radius of the Northern Virginia suburbs. Lake Fairfax Campground in nearby Reston provides tent and RV sites with hookups from March through September, while Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville offers year-round camping with cabins and glamping options. These public campgrounds serve as convenient basecamps for exploring the Washington DC metropolitan area while still providing access to wooded settings and recreational facilities.

Most campgrounds in the Sterling area require reservations, particularly during the peak summer season when facilities fill quickly with both locals and tourists visiting the nation's capital. The climate features hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for camping. Thunderstorms are common in summer months, and campfire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some campgrounds like Burke Lake Park have limited or no hookups despite being close to urban areas.

Family-friendly amenities distinguish many Sterling-area campgrounds. Burke Lake Park features a 5-mile trail around its namesake lake with fishing and boat rentals, though swimming is prohibited. As one camper noted, "The park has a carousel and kiddy train, frisbee golf, a regular golf course - all a short drive from DC." Pohick Bay Campground in Lorton provides water access with kayaking opportunities and hiking trails. Many campgrounds in the region balance natural settings with proximity to urban conveniences, making them popular for weekend getaways. Campers should be prepared for relatively close quarters at most sites, as another visitor observed, "The sites were oddly shaped - our grill was on the edge of the site, closer to the neighbor's picnic table. Our neighbors were all nice and respectful, but the quarters were very close."

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Best Camping Sites Near Sterling, Virginia (121)

    1. Lake Fairfax Campground

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

    $30 - $70 / night

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

    "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."

    2. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $43 - $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."

    3. Little Bennett Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 528-3430

    "We prefer hiking as a family and staying away from crowds and this camp site wasn’t crowded or felt busy. It’s a quick drive from NOVA but just far enough where you feel away from it all."

    "We live in Montgomery County and this is a nice camping get away close to home."

    4. Cherry Hill Park

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

    $282 - $999 / night

    "Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."

    "That being said, I’m sure there were a few campers who didn’t like being right next to the walkway to the bathrooms and showers. The park is broken down in to various sections and slightly tiered."

    5. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    17 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."

    6. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    26 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."

    7. Button Farm

    1 Review
    Poolesville, MD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (240) 579-5112

    $30 / night

    "You are able to drive right up to the camp area and we kept our car right next to our tent. There are nearby chickens, geese and pigs. "

    8. Camping by the Creek in Woods

    2 Reviews
    Great Falls, MD
    7 miles
    +1 (240) 595-5000

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Awesome site tucked away in mature woods. Quiet. Easy paved access. Near C&O Canal, biking, hiking across street in Block House Park. Lovely attentive host."

    9. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

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

    $20 / night

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

    "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter.

    Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

    10. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    28 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Sterling, VA

380 Photos of 121 Sterling Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sterling, VA

925 Reviews of 121 Sterling Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

  • John B.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    Overcrowded with upkeep

    I hate leaving bad reviews, but I think people should be aware of this campsite. First thing we noticed when we arrived at the campsite was that it was very tight. We had a pull through campsite, but on the camp side it was all dirt and grass that look like it hadn’t been mowed in over two weeks. With the heat and humidity we have been having for the last couple weeks, I knew this was gonna be a buggy site. Then the rains came and everything turned into mud. We had a rug laid down, but the mud and water worked its way through that. We couldn’t enter the RV without tracking mode through it. On days it was raining we spent a lot of time in the camper. That’s when we discovered another issue. On almost all occasions there was no Internet. We had a strong Wi-Fi signal, but no Internet. Upon talking to some of our neighbors who frequented this campsite, they said they had never seen it this bad. The other thing too, was that there was hardly any trash receptacles. Ending this on a good note, we loved how close it was to historical Harpers Ferry, and how convenient it was to be able to walk to the visitor center and catch a ferry. It really is a beautiful area. I would hope that the management of this KOA would address these issues, because I’m sure I’m not gonna be the only one to leave a negative review about this campground.

  • 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Candy Hill Campground

    Horrible rude and mean staff. Wish I could leave a minus 10.

    Terrible experience. Very, very noisy. So loud couldn't sleep. Just wanted to rest for a night. Was awakened by extremely rude staff when I just wanted to rest. All those bad reviews are true. Never had such a bad experience. As I was filling the fresh water for travel it overflowed and revealed the huge amount of septic black water which really smelled. Looked pretty but that revealed their true nature, turd with a ribbon on it. The staff was so rude and really had a mean demeanor, just as other reviews have stated. I will never stay there and though I usually only give good reviews, I felt compelled to warn others. This place has park nazis in golf carts that harass people. I saw it happen to others who cut their stay short. No wonder the park was almost empty.

Guide to Sterling

Camping near Sterling, Virginia, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking options at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "Hiking, fishing, breathtaking views, tons to do in the area!"
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes around Sterling are perfect for fishing. One visitor at Mathews Arm Campground mentioned, "This park has some good hiking and river access."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Owens Creek Campground noted, "This is a great quiet little camping ground... The entire campsite is shaded under a maple and poplar canopy."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground said, "The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly and park rangers are present and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites. One reviewer at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "Spacious, beautiful, clean, quiet, easy, and lots to do and see."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park are great for families. A camper shared, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground complained, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7."
  • Site Proximity: Sites can be close together, which might not suit everyone. A visitor at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Mathews Arm Campground mentioned, "There is no electricity or hookups at Matthew’s Arm, and no cell service."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Bull Run Regional Park said, "The playground and trails were nice, kids really enjoyed the chance to take in nature."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise, especially at night. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park advised, "There is a generally good sense of community, which is lucky because of how close together the sites are."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp store is very well stocked with camping stuff, food, and beer."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "The section of sites were on a curve/semi-circle, which caused the site beside ours to be even smaller."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose sites with full hookups. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground suggested, "Try to get a spot with full hookups to avoid the bathrooms."
  • Plan for Road Noise: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads. A visitor at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "Sites are gravel pretty level and not too close."

Camping around Sterling, Virginia, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping options are available near Sterling?

Tent campers near Sterling have several quality options. Greenbelt Park Campground offers a basic but convenient NPS camping experience with accessible sites, though you'll still hear occasional urban sounds. For a more rustic experience, Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite along the C&O Canal provides convenient parking (approximately 8 spaces) with a manageable walk to the campsites, offering a nice balance between accessibility and backcountry feel. Both locations are tent-friendly with basic amenities and provide different experiences depending on whether you prefer a more established campground or a simpler site closer to nature.

Where are the best campgrounds near Sterling, VA?

Sterling has several excellent campgrounds within driving distance. Prince William Forest RV Campground offers a clean facility with bathrooms and a pool, located less than an hour from DC, making it perfect for nature getaways while staying close to urban amenities. For water enthusiasts, Brunswick Family Campground provides mesmerizing river views and welcoming staff. Both campgrounds offer convenient locations with varying amenities. Prince William Forest is closer to shops and restaurants, while Brunswick provides a more immersive natural setting along the river, despite being near railroad tracks.

Are there affordable camping grounds near Sterling for weekend getaways?

Yes, Sterling has several affordable weekend camping options nearby. Fairfax County Burke Lake Park offers budget-friendly camping with bonus amenities including a 5-mile paved path around the lake, fishing opportunities, boat rentals, playgrounds, and even a carousel and kiddy train—perfect for families seeking affordable recreation. Cedarville State Forest provides economical sites in their family camping loop with basic amenities including fire rings and mostly clean facilities. Both locations offer good value with self-registration options available, making them ideal for spontaneous weekend trips without breaking the bank.

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