Best Camping in and near Prince William Forest National Park

89% (14 reviews)

Discover the serene beauty of Prince William Forest Park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Prince William Forest National Park

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(1001)

Bears Den Campground

5 sites · Tents66 acres · Bluemont, VA

Set up your tent in our remote but easily accessible campground, 100 yards off the Appalachian Trail. Roast marshmallows by the fire pit and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Individual site capacities are varied! Please take note of this when selecting your site upon checkout. Site #1 is on a hilly slope and accommodates 4 campersSite #2 accommodates 8-10 campersSite #3 accommodates 4 campersSite #4 accommodates 6-8 campersSite #5 accommodates 6-8 campers About the property Located on a 66-acre plot just five miles from the Shenandoah River, our property offers amazing access to hiking and the outdoors while also keeping civilization within striking distance. Bear Chase Brewery is just a half mile walk across the street, and we are 15 miles from Purcellville. The land and lodge used to be the summer home of a trained opera singer, whose singing could be heard throughout the mountain. Your Host lives onsite in the stone house that also acts as a hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Built in the 1930's all from locally sourced hand-hammered stone, the house is open every night from 5pm - 9pm. Note that we offer several campsites relatively close to each other, so you should expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. About the listing Pitch your tent in a forested area just a short walk up from where you’ll park your car. Enjoy unbeatable proximity to hiking and panoramic views while still having basic amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. You’ll have access to a composting pit toilet, and can access potable water from the tap in the lodge. That’s also where you can access hot showers. As noted above, we host Appalachian Trail thru hikers on the property, so you may see them hanging around or sleeping in the bunkhouse near the shared facilities. so please be respectful of hours when you come in for a shower. No showers after 10 pm For meals, we have picnic tables, and you are encouraged to cook over the fire pits that accompany each site. Please practice Leave No Trace practices during your stay, as the property has raccoons and other critters who will be drawn to any food scraps that are left behind. Pets are allowed! Please keep them on leash during your stay. Trash can be disposed of in dumpster up the hill Additional details to note Expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. No kitchen equipment is provided, so campers must bring their own supplies if they'd like to cook. We do not offer WiFi, but there is good cell reception for all common carriers.

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Cross Creek Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Southern Gateway, VA

Originally part of Blake Farm, built in the 1930's. Blake Farm was subdivided into 5 acres farmettes in the 1990's. The original farmhouse is next door, now known as Agape Farms. The forest has reclaimed much of the original Blake Farm land. Visit over 4 acres of available land, from the pastures, to the wooded creek, or the very back edge of the farm abutting deep woods. Spend relaxing time petting the Nigerian Dwarf goats, Rhode Island Red chickens, and the super-friendly livestock guard dogs (Thomasina, Bucky, and Sarge). We are also located adjacent to Agape Farms, with its horses, ducks, and chickens. All this in horse country just minutes from I-95 and an hour from Washington, DC or Richmond, VA.

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Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

4 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Brightwood, VA

Welcome to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend!Campsite has a firepit, picnic table, river frontage with beach, and fishing hole. Campers can enjoy hiking and the many breweries and wine vineyards in the Shenandoah. Great access point for kayaking. Firewood available (reasonable rates)close to:-Scenic Skyline DriveThorton Gap entrance (33 miles)Swift Run Gap entrance (29 miles)-Shenandoah National Park (50 miles)-Many great VineyardsPrince Michele (3 miles away)Early Mountain (10 miles away)DuCard (16 miles)Barboursville (24 miles)Horton’s ( 25 miles)Old Rag Mountain which was voted #10 in the Top 25 hikes in the world,(20 miles)Historic homes of Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson (Monticello - 41 miles) or James Madison (Montpelier- 21 miles)

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Narrow Gate Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Washington, VA

We are a working farm, scenic setting with a 200 year old farm house, quiet and peaceful, nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains. Close to historic sites, such as Monticello, Montpelier, and the Manassas Civil War Battlefield. Luray Caverns and Sky Line Drive can be found 30 to 40 miles west. We are one hour southwest of D.C. and one hour northeast of Charlottesville. During your stay you can sample from one of the many wineries/breweries in the area. If your traveling with your horse, we have indoor stalls and turnout available.

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Harmony Tree Farm

1 site · RV, Tent23 acres · Rixeyville, VA

As you leave the congestion of daily life, unwind as views of buildings disappear, replaced with pastures and trees. Follow the winding road to Hazel River Rd, then turn on Mordiwoll Lane to Harmony Tree Farm, a 23-acre wooded property. After setting up camp, take a walk down to the Hazel River to fish or relax on the sandy bank. Or start exploring places nearby Harmony Tree Farm. Culpeper and Fauquier counties are rich in history, breweries, distilleries, farmers markets, and excellent restaurants. In addition, the Shenandoah Mountains, Luray Caverns, and Skyline drive are not far away.Learn more about this land:The tent camping site has adjacent parking, a table, benches, and fire ring with firewood provided. It is a five minute walk to the river.

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Harmon Homestead

5 sites · Lodging, RVs13 acres · Culpeper, VA

Experience the charm of Harmon Homestead – come camp on our farm! Immerse yourself in star-gazing while enjoying the company of our chickens, pigs, goats, and even our quirky Emu. With full hookups available and an on-site camper for rent, it's the perfect spot for a cozy glamping getaway. Don't forget to gather around the campfire for a truly relaxing and memorable experience!! In addition to a private campsite there are several shared areas guests will have access to on our farm, including a playground, acres or green space, private gravel roads for sunset walks, and a creek for collecting rocks and throwing stones. If guests are interested, we can introduce them to some of our animals, but please do not enter pastures without the owners.

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(65)

LEONI ISLAND WATERFRONT SITE +MORE

3 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Rock Point, MD

FARM ZEN is a family owned land that welcomes all with love and good energy. We hold space for you at our Leoni Island Private Water Front site and our secluded Forest Tree Star Site There are over 100 acres you can explore at your leisure. It will truly feel like you are walking through the forest. Our Tree Star Site is very easy to access with string lights on the trees to enhance your camping experience. The main road leads directly to the Leoni Island waterfront site Learn more about this land: OUR TreeStar & LEONI ISLAND WATER FRONT sites are located only an hour away from DC! Tucked away just off the main trail, TreeStar is an amazing peaceful oasis in the woods. Surrounded by trees, Treestar provides multiple areas were a group of friends or the lone explorer can set up for the night. TreeStar is a great location for Tent Campers and Vehicle Campers. Set up your tent on an open plot or pull your truck or camper directly to the site. Once night settles in don’t forget to look up and gaze at the stars that appear just through the rising treetops. If it’s a cloudy night or you're looking for additional ambiance, you have the option to turn on the battery powered string lights that have been set up throughout the campsite. As an added touch, this time of year you’ll also find seasonal decorations hung through out the trees. This set up gives you the option to glow up the area as a finishing touch with the stars and campfires. campers have the opportunity to roam the campgrounds to the right of the main trail. While exploring you could hike down and visit the original barns to the property, catch a glimpse of the deer living on the property, and hit the main trail that leads down to... Leoni Island!!! our waterfront campsite which has become a Maryland favorite with its amazing view, moving waters. perfect sunsets, some things you just cant put into words. We recommend booking these sites together to experience the best of both worlds. Enjoy and take lots of photos to share, you'll love it. Check out our Instagram for additional photos and videos of @farmzen_

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1850's Greenock Farm, plus 4WD site

4 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Lothian, MD

Learn more about this land: 45 acre Historic farm, several sites to choose from depending on adventure wanderlust (including a 4WD drive site). Please read full description of the property. Located on private gravel lane, approximately 1/2 mile off county road. Either corn or soybeans with a woods backdrop. Secluded and private, yet 25 minutes to downtown Annapolis, 10 minutes to the Bay, great for cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking all 10/15 minutes from farm. DC 45 minutes, Baltimore 1 hour. Jug Bay wetlands, wineries, fun little waterfront towns and Bay front restaurants all within easy reach. Check out individual sites for description, each has its own personality. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. First listing actually has several options. For large campers/coach/fifth wheelers the area by the tractor shed will be the best. Around the corner there's two other choices both with firepits which will accommodate units up to 40 feet depending on your backing/maneuvering skills. Field of Dreams and Sycamore Ridge will accommodate campers under 25 feet with some backing/maneuvering skills. For those with 4WD and an off-road camper/trailer/tent choose Off the Grid, two entrances for easy access, travel along a logging road to an open site with fire pit. Suitable during dry conditions and not responsible for damage to vehicle or camper. Great spot for those who truly want to be in the woods off the beaten path, site takes about 5 minutes to reach due to low speed access. All sites as mentioned have no toilet/outhouse...for #2 please pack out or dig a hole, no presents needed for me or fellow campers.

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Camping at Wilderness Run

2 sites · RVs, Tents175 acres · Locust Grove, VA

Learn more about this land:Rustic campsite near cool running creek. Located on the same farm as Wilderness Run Vineyards and 1781 Brewing Co. RV/ Truck Camping in field within walking distance to live music in the evenings.

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Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Etlan, VA

Welcome to our small Farm, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Madison County, Virginia. Located just minutes from Shenandoah National Park, we offer intimate nature-inspired cottages and camping on our 120-acre working farm. Enjoy an evening under the stars with fireflies and a campfire after a long day hike, fly fishing on one of our beautiful trout steams or touring the local vineyards and breweries. We currently offer one cottage, glamping and a few campsites for our guests. Our campsites are all private, located acres apart with tables, chairs, firepits, some elevated sleeping areas, some hammock spots and a few with a roof. Three of our spots require walking away from your vehicle, short distances. We have four drive-in sites that will accommodate two or three vehicles. We do not allow RVs or trailers on our main farm due to our narrow mountain driveway. Wisteria Camp has a private driveway, it can accommodate small RV/Trailers. Camper vans are welcome at the main farm! Our farm store includes our Animal Welfare Approved products such as Eggs, Chicken, Beef, Pork, Lamb and Dairy, as well as produce, jams, coffee and other items from our local community. We offer camping essentials, local art, bike rentals, farm experiences and tours. The property has miles of trails along mountain spring-fed streams, a small pond and access to three private acres on the Robinson River, a stocked Trout stream, just 2 miles down the road. Our property is centrally located to White Oak Canyon (20 minutes) and Old Rag Mountain (10 minutes) trailheads in the Shenandoah National Park as well as many vineyards and breweries. A few offerings on the farm. Tasting in the 1850s Chestnut log cabin, tubing trips, breakfast and picnic lunches, Animal experiences and Yoga. Please inquire about renting the property for private small events.

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Historic Hobby Farm

5 sites · Lodging, Tents125 acres · Unionville, VA

Hello! We are family farm mainly focused on Nigerian Dwarf and Mini-Nubian goats, Kunekune pigs, and silkie chickens! We also have a couple cows, peacocks, alpaca, ducks, quail, pigeons, sheep, mini equine, and rabbits. We can offer as much or as little farm experience as you’d like! Lend us a hand or book baby goat cuddling and sit in the pasture in a sea of friendly goats!! Baby goat cuddling and farm tours can be added on for an extra fee, check our extras! We usually get up early and do our farm chores, and depending on the time of year we could be bottle feeding baby goats or calves, delivering baby goats, or working on outdoor farm projects. Our home was built in 1864 and our barn is original! Our property is not far from Montpelier, the home of our 4th president, and about an hour from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. We love wine tasting in Charlottesville, and taking day trips to Shenandoah National Park. We are 45 minutes from Fredericksburg, 28 minutes from Culpeper, and 20 minutes from Lake Anna. Send us a message and learn more about all we have to offer!

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(3)

Little Goat Farm at the Lake

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Nokesville, VA

Sleep with friendly goats & alpacas. Fishing & hiking along the lake or trails. Friendly retired farmers offering free space for your mobile home in exchange for assisting farmer in the morning 5 days a week. Our farm grows grapes, sunflowers, herbs of lavender, mint, sage, rosemary, and a huge varied plethora of flowers. We have been established for decades. The fishing is great as Va Fish and Game stock the lake each spring with bass, perch, catfish and even walleye. Many trails abound yet you can walk to a country general store from the farm. Mobile home living here is like no other as you don’t have nosy neighbors within an arms length away. You have the opposite with tranquility, and fresh air. Your senses become keener and nights allow you to sleep in the quiet country. We hosted a fellow for a year with this setup but he’s now moving to help his son out of state. No dogs unless owner agrees prior to arrivals

The best camping near Prince William Forest National Park guide

Overview

About

If you can’t decide what to do first at Prince William Forest, don’t fret. At 15,000 acres, the park has a lot of options, from kicking up your feet in a cabin, to getting gritty on off-road bike trails. Or you could sign up for one of the many orienteering courses offered and point yourself in the right direction. And if you’re looking for a place that’s packed with history, Prince William’s got you covered. This park was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, and preservation and conservation remain a priority. In fact, in the 1950s, five beavers were released here to revitalize a dwindling population. They were so excited to end up in such a beautiful forest that their population thrived. So, follow the beaver’s lead on this one and visit Prince William Forest! It’s a dam fine park. Oh, and don't forget to pack your binoculars for some of the finest birding in northern Virginia.

Notable campgrounds

Oak Ridge Campground: A favorite for its easy access to hiking trails and serene woodland setting.
Chopawamsic Backcountry Campground: Ideal for those seeking a rustic and remote camping experience.
Cabin Camps: Historic retreats offering a unique stay amid the park's rich history and natural beauty.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak seasons, as campgrounds fill up quickly due to the park's popularity.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on the park's website for cancellations to snag a last-minute reservation.
Explore nearby camping options if the park's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Prince William Forest Park is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is stunning. Summer offers lush greenery but can be hot and crowded. Winters are quiet but can be cold, with some facilities closed or limited.

Know before you go

Check the latest safety guidelines and park alerts before your visit for a smooth experience.
Some areas may be closed due to weather or maintenance, so verify open sections in advance.
The park is accessible from 8:30am to 5pm, but check for any seasonal changes in operating hours.
Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and a map, as amenities may be limited in certain areas.
For a hassle-free visit, familiarize yourself with the park's rules, especially if you're bringing pets.