Camping

Hey all,

We're looking to do some camping with our kids this summer. Anyone have any recommendations to share? As a point of reference, our usual "go to" spot is Big Meadows at SNP -- one of the walk in campsites that are about 50-100 yards into the woods. We're hoping to find a closer, less crowded campground with facilities and some activities for the kids. (Also a little bit more wilderness than places like Lake Fairfax.)

thanks in advance.

 

We love the Maryland State Park system. There are several that are only a 1-3 hour drive away. Our favorite is Rocky Gap, near Cumberland, MD. It has a beach on the lake, boat rental, fishing, hiking trails, and on weekends nature talks & kids' programs.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands

 

There's a great place that's very close in Haymarket, called Mountain View campground. The sites are wooded, but not deep in the woods. There is a white sand beach on a nice lake for swimming, and I've seen people fish there too. Web site: http://www.mtnviewcamp.com/index.html .

 

I'm not absolutely certain, but I believe Algonquian Park off Cascades Parkway offers camping. Maybe not "wildernessy" enough, but it's near the water, etc. I'm pretty sure I saw some little lodges that you can rent there, and they have boating, etc.

 

Pohick Bay in Lorton. About and hours drive. Go to www.nvrpa.org
and hit "Campgounds". Very off the beaten path. Huge, clean Pool, Mini golf, Nature Trails, Boat rentals....

 

Thanks all for the responses.

Dad4 -- have you camped there? I used to live pretty close so didn't even enter my mind... (same with Burke Lake).

 

No never camped there. My brother lives nearby and we took the kids there for the day to mini golf/swim/picnic. I had reservations to camp there 3 years ago over Memorial Day weekend, but it rained and we never went. It is definately off the beaten path. All woods. The pool is awesome.