The best camping in Prince William Forest National Park, VA

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89% (14)

Discover the serene beauty of Prince William Forest Park.  

The best camping in Prince William Forest National Park, VA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
89% (14)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Prince William Forest National Park adventure.

Camper favorites near Prince William Forest National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Bears Den Campground

95%
(1171)
45mi from Prince William Forest National Park · 5 sites · Tents · Shenandoah Retreat, 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 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.
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$12
 / night

Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

99%
(1035)
47mi from Prince William Forest National Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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)
Pets
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from 
$47
 / night

The Sanctuary at Oaks

100%
(6)
30mi from Prince William Forest National Park · 7 sites · Tents · Hughesville, MD
The Sanctuary at Oaks offers a peaceful and secluded retreat in Charlotte Hall, Maryland. This property is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the on-site creek, set up camp with your RV or tent, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Conveniently located near essential amenities—including gas stations, grocery stores, and hardware stores—it also provides easy access to Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland International Raceway, and Budds Creek. Water, electricity, trash, and Wi-Fi are available, but please note there are no restrooms, indoor facilities, or an RV dump station. Small campsite fires are permitted, subject to owner approval and local fire guidance. One leashed dog per site is welcome with proof of vaccinations. Guest profiles are review and proof of valid identification for all guests over 18 is required. We offer a minimum one-night stay or a maximum 14-night stay. For your awareness: We share a property line with the county, and during the day, you may hear officers practicing at the range, and a horse farm so you'll hear dogs barking and see horses grazing.
Pets
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from 
$28
 / night

Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

99%
(559)
49mi from Prince William Forest National Park · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. Winter Camping: Please note that we can received significant snowfall in our area. 4WD may be required during the winter months.
Pets
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from 
$35
 / night

Harmony Tree Farm

99%
(179)
35mi from Prince William Forest National Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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, portaJohn, a table, benches, and fire ring with firewood provided. It is a five minute walk to the river.
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$50
 / night

Other options near Prince William Forest National Park

The best camping in Prince William Forest National Park, VA 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.
89%
14 ratings · 1 review