RV camping near Woodbridge, Virginia places visitors close to Washington DC, within commuting distance of the nation's capital. The region sits along the Potomac River watershed with elevations ranging from near sea level to about 500 feet. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though certain amenities like pools typically operate only from May through September.
What to Do
Hiking trails: Prince William Forest Park offers numerous hiking opportunities just minutes from Oak Ridge Campground. "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road," shares Kenneth H.
Historical explorations: The region contains significant Civil War and Revolutionary War sites. "The surrounding area is really bikeable," notes a visitor to Prince William Forest RV Campground. Nearby attractions include the "National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," which offers free admission.
Water activities: Some campgrounds provide water access for recreation. At Smallwood State Park, "Mattawoman Creek is right there and great for kayaking," according to Lorraine P. The park also features "several docks for strolling and fishing."
What Campers Like
Accessibility to DC: Proximity to Washington DC makes these campgrounds popular for combining outdoor stays with urban exploration. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous," writes Roberta K.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms consistently rank high on camper satisfaction. "Bathrooms were clean and stocked. Sites were nicely kept," reports a visitor to Oak Ridge Campground. Another camper at Cherry Hill Park notes, "Everything was extremely clean and well maintained. We loved the brick patio with patio furniture."
Military-only options: Active and retired military personnel have access to exclusive campgrounds. "This campground is aboard Fort Belvoir, a US Army base in Northern VA. It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river," explains Jack R.
What You Should Know
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds limit RV sizes. Oak Ridge Campground has a 32-foot limit for motorhomes and 26-foot limit for trailers, with a 12-foot height restriction on all vehicles.
Variable cell coverage: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, "I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well," states Megan K.
Reservation requirements: Advanced planning is essential, especially for premium spots and during peak periods. At Bull Run Regional Park, "A loop is for walk-ins, b and c loops are for reservations," advises Daniel S.
Site leveling: Uneven sites are common in several area campgrounds. One camper at Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp notes, "Our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Thousand Trails Harbor View, "There is a playground with lots of picnic tables and a putt putt (small fee) that's is close. There is a basketball court and nice paved roads to ride bikes on," according to Samantha G.
Weekend activities: Some parks schedule regular family events. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," shares Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Safety considerations: Gated campgrounds provide additional security. "Quiet campground with tables and fire rings at all sites. Small, well stocked camp store," reports Mary P., highlighting amenities important for family stays.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning: Request specific sites based on your needs. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, "lots are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space," notes Megan K.
Utility access: Full hookup availability varies by park. Cherry Hill Park offers comprehensive services with "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer," while other campgrounds may have limited or no sewer connections.
Transportation options: For DC-bound RVers, consider campgrounds with transit connections. Cherry Hill Park provides "on-site bus shuttle" service to nearby Metro stations, making city exploration more convenient without moving your rig.
