Washington DC Campgrounds

ghanson · January 19, 2009, 04:30:56 PM

It seems to me that there is a very nice state park, or national park that is way deep in the woods just South of DC. I was there 20 or more years ago when we lived in Lynchburg, but I can't seem to find it. Maybe it won't hold a 40 footer anyway. Anyone know of such a place? Or if not, any campgrounds (not KOA or Campingworld) that won't break the bank around DC? The kid want's to go to Liberty - want's to be a pilot, go figure.....so we'll be bringing him down there in August.

Thanks......ghanson, MC9

Kirby-XL40-FL · January 19, 2009, 05:48:10 PM

If you're talking south, that state park is likely in Virginia. Check out http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDirectoryList.do?contractCode=va for a listing of the virginia state parks that have camping. Hard to tell from the names which ones are closest to DC, probably you'll have to click on each one to see where it is. There is also a nice park about 20 miles west of DC in Reston, Virginia, you can check it out at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lakefairfax/fairfaxcamp/

Good luck

WEC4104 · January 19, 2009, 07:14:58 PM

I'll second the suggestion of the Fairfax camp Kirby mentioned. I stayed there a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised to see a large spread out wooded campground that close to the metropolitan area. There is a neaby gun club so there was some periodic shots heard in the distance (probably skeet), but not too much of a problem and only during daylight. No highway or traffic noise as I recall. It really gave you the feel of being in the woods.

If you go there, checking out the Smithsonian Annex at Dulles is a must.

Barn Owl · January 19, 2009, 10:48:15 PM

I stayed at Bull Run and Fairfax when I went to DC in my bus last spring. Both have 40' spots.

Link:

Touring Washington D.C. in a bus.

Barn Owl · January 19, 2009, 11:24:33 PM

Just west of Lynchburg there is an airport called New London Airport. Go pay it a visit and encourage your son to get his tail dragger endorsement there. They have a 1939 J4 that they use and it is an absolute blast. That is the plane I got my first solo in. The people there will accept you like family and all you need is to have is a love of flying. The J4 rents for about $25 or $35 an hour wet. It has a stick, heel brakes, no radio, and has to be propped to start. You're not a real pilot until you can fly a tail dragger.

Link: New London Airport

This is me standing by the J4 while at the '08 New London Airport Christmas party:

niles500 · January 20, 2009, 12:03:37 AM

ghanson - Are you talking about Prince William by Quantico? It's VERY wooded - HTH

Ednj · January 20, 2009, 05:10:30 AM

I picked up this brochure at the sorry RV show I just went too.
Washington, D.C. camping at Aquia Pines Camp Resort,
www.aquiapines.com
I have never been there .

Ed Brenner · January 20, 2009, 05:31:07 AM

Aquia Pines Campground In my opinion not very good for big rigs. I used to live In Stafford County real close to this campground. It is just off of I95 on Route 1, hard access on a hill bad traffic. Mostly see small rigs and travel trailers, very busy area traffic wise.
Prince William park few miles north would be much better, if they take 40'.
As already said Bull Run is a good place.
Next closest place south of DC would be in the Fredricksburg area off of Route 3 but again a traffic zoo until you get away from the I 95 corridor.
Thats why I left that area, born and raised there but never looked back !!!
Ed