Camping opportunities around West Mclean, Virginia center on the region's forested areas near the Potomac River, which creates multiple recreation zones within 45 minutes of the city. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions. Winter camping remains available at several year-round facilities where nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Bull Run Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course that provides recreational options beyond traditional camping activities. A camper noted, "BR park is absolutely beautiful. So much to do and centered around many historical sites. It's a gem" while another mentioned "the park also offer cabin rentals if you don't want to camp."
Water recreation: Visitors to Pohick Bay Campground can enjoy various water activities on the Potomac River. A camper shared: "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" makes this a good option for water enthusiasts. The park also features "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer."
Trail exploration: Several miles of woodland trails run through Cedarville State Forest, offering hiking opportunities on relatively level terrain. A camper noted, "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC." Another mentioned, "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk."
What campers like
Proximity to DC: Campsites serve as convenient bases for Washington DC exploration, with most located within 25-40 minutes of the capital. One camper at Camp Meade RV Park stated, "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post," highlighting the secure environment of military campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around the Potomac provide wildlife viewing opportunities. At Pohick Bay, a camper mentioned, "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" Another visitor to Cedarville noted seeing "a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites that provide decent privacy. At Bull Run Regional Park, campers appreciated that "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone."
What you should know
Limited equestrian facilities: Horse campgrounds near West Mclean, Virginia remain limited, with no dedicated equestrian sites at major campgrounds. While Cedarville State Forest offers "Equestrian trails [that] go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail," they lack specific horse camping infrastructure such as corrals or special sites designed for trailer parking.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly, especially during spring and summer. A Bull Run visitor noted, "There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights. But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week."
Environmental conditions: The region's humidity creates ideal conditions for insects. A Cedarville camper warned: "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers." Another camper similarly mentioned "We tried fans, tiki torches, and many deet free or light deet products before having to buy 100% deet so we could be outside."
Tips for camping with families
Organized activities: Lichtman Camp 1 in Prince William Forest Park provides family-focused programming. At Bull Run Regional Park, one family enjoyed similar options: "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."
Bathroom facilities: Clean, well-maintained facilities matter for family camping. One camper at Bull Run praised the facilities: "They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
Playground access: Consider site location relative to play areas. A Bull Run visitor observed, "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located," while another at Pohick Bay mentioned, "This is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require leveling equipment. At Bull Run, a camper noted, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," while another observed, "Our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that."
Utility connections: Several campgrounds offer electrical hookups but with limitations. At Camp Winery, tent camping is popular but RV options are limited, with one visitor noting it's a "Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too."
Noise considerations: Consider potential noise sources when selecting sites. Bull Run campers noted, "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."
