Burke Lake Campgrounds

For families and outdoor enthusiasts living in Northern Virginia, Burke Lake Campgrounds offers a convenient and accessible escape into nature without the need for a long-distance road trip. Nestled within the expansive 888-acre Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, this campground serves as a primary recreational hub for the local community. It provides a rare opportunity to enjoy traditional outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and camping while remaining just a short drive from the suburban centers of Fairfax and Washington, D.C. The park surrounds a stunning 218-acre lake, which acts as the centerpiece for the diverse range of amenities and seasonal events that define the Burke Lake experience.

The atmosphere at Burke Lake Campgrounds is one of a busy, active community park. It is particularly popular among local families with young children, thanks to the adjacent attractions that complement the camping experience. While the campground offers a wooded, rustic setting, it is important for visitors to understand that its proximity to urban areas means it can become quite vibrant and crowded, especially during peak summer weekends. For those seeking a social camping environment where kids can make friends and explore a variety of park attractions, this facility is a staple of the Virginia park system.

Location and Accessibility are among the strongest selling points for this campground. Located at 10405 Burke Lake Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, it is easily reached via major local routes such as Route 123 (Ox Road) and the Fairfax County Parkway. This makes it an ideal spot for "staycations" or for introducing children to camping for the first time in a familiar environment. The facility is managed by the Fairfax County Park Authority, which ensures that accessibility standards are a priority throughout the grounds.

• Strategically located near major Northern Virginia commuting routes for easy Friday evening arrivals.
• Wheelchair accessible entrance designed to accommodate all visitors.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot with designated spaces near the main activity hubs.
• Wheelchair accessible restrooms located within the campground area for guest convenience.
• On-site parking available specifically for campers to keep vehicles close to their designated sites.

Services Offered at Burke Lake Campgrounds are designed to support both traditional tent campers and those traveling in smaller recreational vehicles. The facility focuses on providing "primitive" style camping with the benefit of centralized modern amenities. While the sites do not feature individual electric hookups, the communal facilities are designed to cover the basic needs of a comfortable outdoor stay. The campground operates seasonally, typically welcoming guests from April through late October, providing a structured environment for local recreation.

• Dedicated tent sites located in wooded areas to provide a sense of immersion in the forest.
• RV-friendly sites that can accommodate vehicles up to 25 feet in length.
• RV water hookups and sewer hookups available at centralized stations to assist with vehicle maintenance.
• On-site payment system for camping fees, ensuring a streamlined check-in process for residents and visitors.
• A camp store (during peak season) that typically offers basics like firewood, ice, and charcoal.

The Features and Highlights of the park go far beyond the campsites themselves. Because the campground is part of a larger regional park, guests have immediate access to an impressive array of recreational facilities. This makes Burke Lake a "destination" park where the camping is just one part of a full weekend of activity. From the famous miniature train to the expansive trail system, there is a consistent focus on providing value for families and active individuals.

• A 4.7-mile gravel trail that circles the lake, perfect for hiking, jogging, or biking with the family.
• Public shower and restroom facilities that feature modern fixtures and are maintained by park staff.
• Individual picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite for private outdoor cooking and gatherings.
• Access to the lake for fishing, with species like largemouth bass and catfish frequently caught from the pier or boats.
• Family-focused attractions including a miniature train ride, a classic carousel, and multiple playgrounds.
• On-site sports facilities such as an 18-hole par-3 golf course, disc golf, and volleyball courts.
• Pet-friendly policies that allow dogs to join the family on their camping adventure.

For those interested in booking a site or learning more about the current seasonal schedule, the park management can be reached through their main office. Given the popularity of the site among Fairfax County residents, it is often recommended to check for site availability well in advance, especially for holiday weekends.

Contact Information:
Address: 10405 Burke Lake Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, USA
Phone: (703) 323-6600

What is worth choosing at Burke Lake Campgrounds is the sheer variety of entertainment available within walking distance of your tent. If you have young children, the ability to walk from your campsite to an ice cream parlor, a train station, and a carousel is an experience that few other campgrounds can match. For parents, this convenience is invaluable as it eliminates the need to load everyone into the car for every activity. The park’s infrastructure is built to keep children engaged and active from dawn until dusk.

Furthermore, it is worth choosing for those who enjoy water-based recreation. While swimming is not permitted in the lake, the boat rentals and the 218-acre expanse of water provide a beautiful backdrop for a weekend of fishing or rowing. The 5-mile loop around the lake is also one of the best maintained trails in the region, making it a top choice for local runners and cyclists who want to enjoy a "woods" feel without leaving the county. For those who can appreciate a lively, community-oriented atmosphere and the convenience of being close to home, Burke Lake Campgrounds remains a quintessential Northern Virginia experience.

Finally, for those who prefer "dry camping" but still want access to clean showers and modern toilets, the bathhouse facilities here are a significant benefit. While the sites are primitive, having a reliable and relatively modern facility nearby makes the experience much more accessible for those who aren't ready for true wilderness camping. It’s a place where you can enjoy the tradition of a campfire and s’mores under the trees, knowing that the comforts of the suburbs are just outside the park gates.