Lake Fairfax Campground

I asked myself what was the closest location I could find to Great Falls when making a day of this area. 3 miles was about as close as I could get, and while in this area a lot can happen in 3 miles it was well worth the traffic I faced, the driving in and out of the "city" and the overall discovery of this location as it was.

Let me just start by saying I expected to find this and just go to Great Falls, but had I have known that it had so many different things around I would have probably extended my stay a bit. There was a waterpark and outdoor sports area where you could enjoy so many activities. And then there was the lake itself!! Bike trails, hiking trails and equestrian trails surround this area and I honestly could have spent so much more time just enjoying this space because of all the interesting things there were to do right in front of me.

But with all good things there is also a price point that has to match and I will say that this one is a bit steep at $28 on week days or $31 on weekends for a regular tent camper with no electricity. For those needing hook ups that extends even more so to $37 or $45 for RVs depending on length on weekday to $41 or $50 for weekends.

That really was the deal breaker for me the price. While I was there on a weekday, the following day was a weekend and that hike though not but a few dollars was hard to swallow in an already kind of expensive primitive site.

TIPS:

*   If you are a senior make sure to mention this, you get a large discount on sites when staying here.
*   Check out the marina where you can rent paddle boats and other items for water fun.
*   Take the 3 mile drive to Great Falls, it is amazing and if not there on a weekend you will have many of the trails to yourself. During weekends it is a popular spot for families with only a $10 per car price tag.

Great Falls Proximity With Much Much More

Stayed for two nights with another family.  They brought their travel trailer and our pop-up.  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.  Electric hookup only. Bathhouse was very clean and the staff friendly.  Water fill &amp; Dump Station on the beach side of the bathhouse.  This is a State Park so it's filled with activities.  Great place to mountain bike as we noticed several groups camping and biking during our stay.  We enjoyed the water park immensely.  Ten of us in total with kids ranging from 18 months old to 13 years old.  Everyone enjoyed the water park and the time we spent there.  additional fee for access to the water park.

Weekend Trip

Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained. It’s very convenient and plenty of activities for the kids. 

However, this place gets crowded. I shouldn’t be surprised since it’s in the middle of the city but driving through the masses picnicking on the weekends takes you out of it. Also, because it is such a high traffic area, our campsite had small pieces of trash scattered around. Not a lot, but enough to be annoying. It’s not the park administrators fault, I think it’s impossible to keep a campsite like this perfectly clean when there are so many people with all of their “stuff” coming in on weekends. 

Campsites are close together. If you like being around people and don’t mind seeing 3-4 other sites around you, then this place is a really nice and easy campsite. But if you want some seclusion, I would recommend other places. 

Great Facilities but Crowded

We stayed here while visiting our daughter in Reston. Checked out the Mtn biking trails, skateboard park, Great Falls National Park is only a few miles away. Also went golfing at Top Golf. Super clean restrooms. If u you don’t like light pollution don’t stay near the skateboard park side of the campground the lights are crazy there! Bottom line: Great location with tons to do!

So much to do!

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. The staff and campers were great and we even got to see the cub scouts doing a relay course. The trails were nice and clean and despite the weather, the overall grounds were beautiful. Definitely bringing the kids back to his one.

First time excellence 

Overall great sites, not many trees so some are exposed. There is a cool skate park right near the campground which is great if you like to use it, but can get a little loud in the evening. They also had on spot lights once dark. Great hiking, close to Great Falls. Kids also loved the water park! Clean restrooms and multiple large private shower stalls.


Great family spot 

If you’re in Northen VA close to DC this is a great quick getaway camp site. Great sites that are clean and flat for tents. Power in a lot of them. Water is available at the bathhouse. Pretty clean bathrooms and somewhat clean showers. Everyone is very respectful of quiet hours. Only reason it’s not a 5 stars is a larger RV site is $50/night on the weekends but I guess that goes in line with all things in Northern VA. 

Overall great site to get outdoors and not have to travel a long time. Plenty of trails, water park when in season. If you’re looking for something close with some amenities this is it. 

Great spot close to DC

What a cute park! The skatepark did not bother us at all nor did the skaters there! My 2 year old loved running and riding her trike there. 
￼the skaters were kind to her being there as well. The lake is a short hike away from the campground. ( . 30 miles) and you could actually see the lake from our site. and the waterpark is the same distance. So with a baby and a 2 YO this was a good set up for me! The only thing I would have loved would be a playground right at the campsite area! You can’t swim in the lake so I suggest going when the waterpark is open. The bugs and nats were pretty bad too. Don’t forget bug spray! You can buy firewood at the main office. The sites are pretty big with grassy areas for kids to play in! 

Relaxing staycation 

A great local getaway with lots to do trails, fishing, kayaking, sports fields, I’ve been many times but haven’t yet gotten to the water park. The bathroom situation is better than most campgrounds I’ve seen (you get a shower, toilet, sink and bench in a private bathroom with enough room for a family of 5) the people there are super friendly! The dude with the Australian accent seems a bit off the rails but friendly nonetheless!! 

Nice family park

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. You can buy firewood but is pretty expensive. Plenty of woods around to collect your own. The lake is great for fishing.

Great retreat 

Great bathrooms all singles w showers.  Lots of fun things to do.  Pretty peaceful despite being crowded and not overly scenic campsites.  A bit on top of each other.  Site 43 had good location, electric and trees.  But was a very pokey gravel pad, a bit uncomfortable if you don’t have good mattress.  Interior sites, less scenic but some have more grass.  But also more slope.  43 was pretty flat. 

Crowded but nice

Chicken was easy and the Rangers were helpful. We stopped here to go tour Washington DC. We tried both sides 46 and 44 and both were not level.

Nice spot, friendly park rangers, clean bathrooms

i wouldn’t take my camper here personally but it’s great for tent camping especially with a group. lake is beautiful!