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Lake Fairfax Campground's pet-friendly sites accommodate both tent and RV campers with electric hookups on mostly level gravel lots with fire rings and picnic tables. Bull Run Regional Park also welcomes pets at their tent, RV, cabin, and glamping sites, offering full hookups including water, sewer, and electric connections. Most campgrounds maintain clean bathroom facilities with private shower stalls that are large enough to accommodate families. The skatepark near Lake Fairfax can get somewhat loud in the evenings with lights that remain on after dark, so pet owners may prefer sites further from this area for quieter camping experiences.
The trail system around Lake Fairfax provides excellent walking opportunities for dogs, with wooded paths that offer water access along many routes—particularly valuable during summer heat. Mountain biking trails double as dog walking paths throughout the park's forested areas. Most sites require pets to remain on leash at all times while in the campground and on trails. Several nearby options include Pohick Bay Campground and Burke Lake Park, both accepting pets with similar amenities. Campers should note that while bathroom facilities are generally well-maintained, sites can become crowded during peak seasons, with some visitors reporting other campers occasionally walking through occupied sites. The proximity to Great Falls National Park, just 3 miles from Lake Fairfax, provides additional dog-friendly hiking opportunities for a $10 per car entrance fee.
"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."
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $39 - $100 / night
Check Availability"There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly."
"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."
"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."
from $999 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
"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."
from $37 - $170 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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. "
from $40 - $80 / night
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TravelerWe began our membership here this June. it has a great atmosphere on the banks of the Shenandoah River. There are activities every weekend like concerts and group activities. Staff is very friendly and helpful. The facilities are clean and very convenient. Pet friendly; two dog parks.
LegendThis 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.
TravelerThe 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.
ScoutOverall 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.
RangerGreat campground for families. Large water park that goes to 3 ft. Playgrounds, dog park, canteen, mini golf, jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal cars, gem mining are just some of the amenities. Very pricey during peak season. We did the camp & store at about $50/night.
RangerThis 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.
GuideOn a whim we decided to try this campground. We are tent campers and we’re looking for a place close to Shenandoah to ride our motorcycles. This was 3 miles from the north entrance to the park, perfect. Making a reservation was easy, we arrived and had the loveliest conversation with Pam, she is such a gem!! We got a spot right next to the creek, bought some firewood from Pam for $10, which gave you a small wheelbarrow full. You can get a better deal elsewhere but we were happy to support Pam. The campground wasn’t exceptionally beautiful, the bathrooms and shower are rustic. Paint peeling and very makeshift but who cares. The water was hot and the bathroom facility has gorgeous paintings all over it. The grounds were relatively empty when we stayed and we had no issues w anything. Rained all night, we didn’t care, rain and the creek sounded awesome. Without hesitation I would stay here again, you don’t meet special souls like Pam very often. Give her your business. Oh and watch out for the pet cat, he likes the road down to the campsite. His name is Puppycat.
GuideIf 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
LegendCherry 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.
Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Sterling, Virginia offer quiet wooded sites with nearby hiking trails and water features. The area sits at elevations between 250-400 feet above sea level in the Piedmont region, with temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Most campgrounds maintain rules requiring dogs to be leashed at all times, with designated walking areas and trails that accommodate pets of all sizes.
Creek exploration with pets: Lake Fairfax Campground has mountain bike trails that double as dog walking paths through wooded areas. "Mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat)," notes Amy B., who gives the park 5 stars.
Bird watching: Pohick Bay Campground offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities along its trails. "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" according to Kathie M. The area has particularly good bird watching in early morning hours when waterfowl are most active.
Visit historical sites: The proximity to Harper's Ferry allows for day trips to explore Civil War history. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA mentions, "The best part about this site is the location. We could walk or easily drive to Harper's Ferry NP visitor center, from where we could take a bus into downtown."
Clean, spacious bathrooms: Multiple campgrounds feature well-maintained bathroom facilities. At Little Bennett Campground, one camper notes, "Wonderful bath house" among their favorable comments, while another states the sites are "quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup."
Walking distance amenities: Campers appreciate not having to drive after setting up camp. At Pohick Bay, Ben G. writes, "There is boat rental a short walk down the trail from the campgrounds and the pool and disc golf course are another short trail walk away."
Shaded sites for summer comfort: The tree cover at many sites provides natural cooling. A camper at Oak Ridge Campground notes, "The sites were roomy and not too close. We saw lots of wildlife but had no issues with trash or food."
Traffic noise varies by location: Some campgrounds are affected by nearby roads. A reviewer at Greenbelt Park Campground mentions, "You can barely hear the traffic from the road outside the park," while noting the campground's convenient location.
Site levelness can be an issue: At Bull Run Regional Park, Drew M. notes, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level." Similarly, at Little Bennett, reviewers mentioned some sites require leveling equipment.
Seasonal crowding affects experience: A Lake Fairfax reviewer explains, "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." During summer months, campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Water features for hot days: Burke Lake Park offers activities beyond just camping. "Nice spot with plenty to do with a little one. Train, carousel, fishing," says Glen W., highlighting the family-friendly amenities at this pet-friendly campground.
Look for campgrounds with scheduled activities: Bull Run Regional Park organizes family events. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," writes Bridget H. about their family's experience staying in a cabin.
Consider cabins for first-time camping families: Several campgrounds offer cabin accommodations for those not ready to tent camp. Jason F. from Lake Fairfax shares, "As a first timer, I wanted to show my girlfriend a good time for her birthday weekend. This park had everything you could want while maintaining a good distance from civilization, which was a smooth transition for me."
Verify hookup types before booking: Full-hookup sites aren't available at all campgrounds. Ray & Terri F. note about Little Bennett Campground, "We stayed at site D72 for 4 days. The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only."
Check site dimensions carefully: Many RV sites have specific size limitations. At Harpers Ferry KOA, Matt S. warns, "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."
Consider seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds have limited RV access during wet seasons. Sites can become muddy and difficult to navigate, especially in early spring and late fall when ground conditions are less stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sterling, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sterling, VA is Lake Fairfax Campground with a 4-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sterling, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 96 dog-friendly camping locations near Sterling, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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