Are you itching to break away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature? Look no further than RV camping in Fairfax County, Virginia. With top-rated campgrounds offering a range of activities to enjoy, you're bound to have a fun-filled and relaxing experience. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newcomer to the world of RV-ing, here are the best places to set up your rig. Home is where you park it!
Pohick Bay Regional Park
Nestled along the tranquil Pohick Bay, Pohick Bay Regional Park is a scenic and picturesque destination in Lorton. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this beautiful park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, making it a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Park Amenities:
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Pirate's Cove Water Park: If you're looking for a way to beat the summer heat, Pirate's Cove Water Park is the perfect place to cool off. Kid-friendly waterslides, water-spraying palm trees, a 300-gallon dumping bucket, a large pool for splashing around and swimming, and a spacious tot pool with a clam shell slide will entertain the entire family! (Check out other kid-friendly water activities in the area here.)
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Mini Golf: Ahoy, matey! Get ready to embark on the high seas at the Treasure Island Mini Golf course. Located between the gatehouse and boat launch at Pohick Bay, this course is both fun and semi-challenging. Will you score big and win the game, or will you be forced to walk the plank of shame? (Check out other area mini-golf courses here.)
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Boating and Fishing: Pohick Bay is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The park has boat rentals available for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and motorboats. You can also bring your own boat and launch it from the park's boat ramp. Fishing is also a popular activity at the park, with bass and catfish being the most commonly caught fish.
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Hiking: The park has several hiking trails that provide breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding woodlands. The trails range from easy to moderate, making them ideal for families with children and beginner hikers. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and birds along the way!
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Picnic and Playground: Enjoy multiple picnic areas throughout the park, equipped with grills and picnic tables. There is also a playground for children to enjoy while adults relax and take in the scenery.
RV Sites:
Pohick Bay Regional Park has a 150-site campground, including 100 shaded RV sites that offer a range of amenities to make your stay more comfortable. Here's what you can expect from the RV sites at Pohick Bay:
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Full Hookups: There are multiple RV sites at Pohick Bay Regional Park offering full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric (50/30 Amp Service), providing a seamless experience for RV campers. For those who may not need full hookups, you can also book sites that are electric-only or solely electric and water. Dump stations are available for registered campers (available for non-campers with a $25 fee).
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Spacious Sites: The RV sites are spacious and offer enough room for your RV and any outdoor equipment you may have brought along, such as tables and chairs. Majority are back-in - the park has limited pull-through options.
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Bath Houses: The campground has modern restrooms and showers that are clean and well-maintained, providing visitors with a comfortable and convenient experience.
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Laundry Facilities: For those who plan on staying a while, the campground has laundry facilities available, so you can pack light and still have clean clothes.
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Campfire Rings, Grill and Picnic Tables: Each RV site at Pohick Bay Regional Park comes with a grill, campfire ring and picnic table, allowing you to enjoy a cozy campfire and outdoor meals during your stay. Firewood, ice, charcoal, and groceries are available at the camp store.
Nearby Activities:
Step back in time and discover the rich history of a local founding father and Fairfax County resident at George Mason's Gunston Hall. This beautifully preserved mansion offers a glimpse into life in the 18th century, with stunning interiors and gardens to explore. The park features a one-mile trail, allowing you to walk directly to the historic site as an alternative to driving.
Distance: 3 Minutes
For a more modern-day adventure, head over to Fair Winds Brewing Company and sample some of the best craft beers in the region. The taproom and outdoor seating area provide the perfect setting to enjoy a cold beer and some good company.
Distance: 16 Minutes
Experience the vibrant arts and culture scene at the Workhouse Arts Center. This former prison has been transformed into a dynamic arts and cultural center, featuring galleries, studios, and performance spaces where visitors can enjoy a wide range of visual and performing arts. On site is the Lucy Burns Museum, which tells the history of the suffragists who were imprisoned for picketing the White House for the right to vote - a major turning point in the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Bunnyman Brewing Cafe has recently opened its doors in the former Lorton Reformatory, and they are not just offering delicious beer but also a full food menu. Come and discover the urban legend of the Bunnyman while unwinding with a beer in your hand.
Distance: 15 Minutes
Bull Run Regional Campground
Tucked away in the heart of Centreville, Virginia, the expansive Bull Run Regional Park offers an endless array of adventures. With miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, picturesque picnic areas, and serene fishing and boating opportunities along the Bull Run River, this quiet escape is the perfect place to set up your RV.
Park Amenities:
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Atlantis Waterpark: Cool down with a 1,100-gallon dumping bucket, water slides, waterfalls, and squirters. Visitors will find themselves amidst mermaids, dolphins greek architecture, and images of the deep at the Atlantis Waterpark. (Check out other kid-friendly water activities in the area here.)
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Hiking and Biking: The park has several hiking and biking trails that provide stunning views, one of the most popular being the Bull Run Occoquan Trail. The trails are suitable for all skill levels and range from easy to moderate.
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Disc Golf: Bull Run Regional Park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course that winds through the park's beautiful wooded areas. Learn a fun and challenging activity for players of all skill levels!
RV Sites:
- Full Hookups: The variety of campsites available at Bull Run Campground are RV sites with electric-only service, and RV sites with full hookups including sewer, water and electric (50/30 Amp Service).
- Spacious Sites: The RV sites at Bull Run Regional Park are generously sized, providing ample space for your RV and any accompanying outdoor gear. The park has a mix of both pull-through and back-in sites to accommodate your preference.
- Campfire Rings, Grill and Picnic Tables: Each RV site at Bull Run Regional Park comes with a grill, campfire ring, and picnic table. The camp store sells camping supplies, snacks, ice, and firewood and is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Bath Houses: Enjoy two clean and well-maintained bath houses hot showers, sinks, and toilets.
- Laundry Facilities: The park also offers laundry facilities on-site, allowing you to conveniently keep your clothes clean and fresh during your stay.
Nearby Activities:
If you're a history buff or an aviation enthusiast, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is the perfect destination for you. This one-of-a-kind museum features an impressive collection of aircraft and spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery. With interactive exhibits and IMAX films, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Distance: 15 Minutes
If you're in the mood for a more laid-back experience, The Winery at Bull Run is the perfect destination. This picturesque winery offers stunning views and a variety of award-winning wines to enjoy. Take a tour of the vineyards, indulge in a wine tasting, or simply relax with a glass of wine on the scenic patio. Don't miss live music during the summertime every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
Distance: 5 Minutes
If you're a chocolate lover, you won't want to miss a visit to River-Sea Chocolate Factory. This family-owned chocolate maker is committed to the bean-to-bar process, meaning they source their cacao beans directly from farmers and oversee the entire production process in-house. You can take a tour of the factory and see firsthand how their delicious chocolates are made, from roasting and grinding the beans to molding and packaging the finished product. And of course, no visit is complete without tasting some of their unique and delicious chocolate creations, which are made with high-quality ingredients.
Distance: 14 Minutes
Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat in nature or an action-packed adventure, the RV campgrounds in Fairfax County are the perfect place to park your rig for a weekend full of fun. Be sure to tag us in your camping photos using #FXVA and @visitfairfax!
Header photo courtesy Stephanie Sheaffer. Read more about her experience at Bull Run Regional Park here.