Camping sites near West Mclean, Virginia range from riverside locations along the Potomac to forested settings within short driving distance of Washington DC attractions. The region experiences all four seasons with hot, humid summers where temperatures often exceed 90°F and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking during peak summer season from May through September.
What to do
Explore riverside trails: Burke Lake Park Campground offers a 5-mile gravel walking/running/biking trail around the lake perimeter. "Swimming, biking, and hiking. Excellent campground and park for families," notes Amy B., who frequents the area. The park includes fishing access, boat rentals, and even a mini train ride for children.
Visit historical sites: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides access to nearby historical attractions. "Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," shares Kenneth H. The campground's location makes it convenient for day trips to significant landmarks in the region.
Water activities: Harpers Ferry Campground sites are situated directly along the river. "Gorgeous spot on the river. As well as the people," mentions Carrie R. Another visitor, Darcy S., adds: "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake Fairfax Campground earns praise for its well-maintained facilities. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," reports Tana S. The campground also features a water park, skateboard park, BMX park, and wooded hiking trails with water access along the routes.
Base for DC exploration: Cherry Hill Park serves as an ideal base for Washington DC visitors. "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," explains Jennifer H., who visited the capital with her family. The park offers premium sites with patios and furniture.
Military access: Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp provides camping for military personnel with views of the Potomac River. "Very clean and great Potomac River views. This campground is abord Fort Belvoir, an US Army base in Northern, VA," reports Jack R. The base outdoor recreation center offers equipment rentals for exploring the river, including kayaks and canoes.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds in the region experience railway disruptions. At Harpers Ferry Campground, Sherri C. notes, "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night." Another visitor adds that the train "was 12 feet up a hill across the road from the site. Only had a couple come through the night our 1 yr old slept perfectly through it."
Site leveling concerns: Bull Run Regional Park visitors should prepare for potential leveling issues. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," advises Drew M. Some campers report varying terrain throughout the campground.
Pricing considerations: Weeknight versus weekend pricing can vary significantly. At Brunswick Family Campground, one reviewer noted: "To add insult to injury, they charged $60 per weeknight." Expect premium pricing during holiday weekends and peak summer months at most area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Brunswick Family Campground offers numerous family-friendly features. "Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home," according to Nicholas S. The campground includes river access, a playground, and proximity to the C&O Canal towpath for walks and bike rides.
Campground amenities: Bull Run Regional Park includes features specifically for families. "This park has too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," shares Bridget H., who stayed in one of the cabins with her grandchildren.
Water recreation: Sites near water features provide natural entertainment for children. "Great time with a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus. We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus," mentions Mikala S., who visited Harpers Ferry Campground with her young family, noting their 1-year-old slept well despite occasional train noise.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Cherry Hill Park offers various RV site options with different amenities. "The sites are very well laid out. Almost all sites are pull-through and are close together. Most have some tree cover," explains one camper. For maximum privacy, request end sites where possible.
Hookup availability: Prince William Forest RV Campground provides multiple hookup options. "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained," reports Megan K. The campground offers both water and electric connections at most sites.
Leveling preparation: RVers should arrive prepared for uneven sites at some area campgrounds. For Lake Fairfax Campground, one visitor advises: "The outer loop campsites are easily more level than the center loop. If leveling perfectly is a concern you may want to call ahead and ask before commiting to the inner loop." Bring extra leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
