Lake Fairfax Park Campground 0
Lake Fairfax Park Campground 1
Lake Fairfax Park Campground 2
Lake Fairfax Park Campground 3
Lake Fairfax Park Campground 4
Lake Fairfax Park Campground 5
Lake Fairfax Park Campground 6
Lake Fairfax Park Campground 7
Lake Fairfax Park Campground 8
Lake Fairfax Park Campground 9

Lake Fairfax Park Campground Introduce

Lake Fairfax Park Campground offers a unique blend of natural serenity and urban convenience, making it one of the most sought-after outdoor destinations in Northern Virginia. Situated within the expansive 476-acre Lake Fairfax Park, this campground serves as a vital green lung for the Reston area. It provides a peaceful sanctuary for local residents and visitors alike who wish to escape the suburban bustle without embarking on a multi-hour drive. The park’s landscape is characterized by rolling hills, dense wooded sections, and the picturesque 18-acre lake that serves as the centerpiece for the community's recreational activities.

The campground is designed to cater to a wide spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts, from traditional tent campers seeking a rustic experience to RV travelers looking for a well-equipped home base. One of the defining characteristics of Lake Fairfax is its professional maintenance and community-focused atmosphere. As a facility operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, it balances high standards of cleanliness with a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Whether you are planning a weekend of fishing and hiking or using the park as a jumping-off point for exploring the nearby historic sites and attractions of the Washington D.C. metro area, the campground offers a comfortable and safe setting for all types of travelers.

Accessibility and location are among the primary reasons local Virginia campers choose Lake Fairfax. Located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston, VA, the park is easily reached via major northern Virginia arteries such as Route 7 and the Dulles Toll Road. Its placement is particularly ideal for those who want "town and country" convenience; while the campsites feel secluded among the trees, major shopping centers, restaurants, and grocery stores are just minutes away. This proximity is a significant advantage for campers who may have forgotten essential supplies or wish to supplement their campfire meals with local dining options.

For those looking to explore further afield, the campground is remarkably well-connected to public transportation. The Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station on the Silver Line is just a short drive away, allowing guests to leave their vehicles at the park and take a stress-free train ride into the heart of Washington D.C. Within the park itself, accessibility is a priority. The facility features wheelchair-accessible entrances, designated accessible parking lots, and restrooms that meet modern accessibility standards, ensuring that the beauty of the Virginia outdoors is available to everyone in the community.

Lake Fairfax Park Campground provides a comprehensive suite of services and infrastructure to ensure a seamless camping experience. The management team and on-site camp hosts work to maintain a high level of service throughout the year. Key services offered at the campground include:

  • Regular campsite rentals for both tents and RVs, including options for small and large group camping.
  • RV-specific hookups including 20, 30, and 50-amp electrical service and water connections at designated sites.
  • A centralized bathhouse facility featuring clean, hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks for all registered campers.
  • A professional dump station available for RV waste management, complimentary for overnight guests.
  • On-site reservation management with the ability to handle payments via credit cards, debit cards, and electronic transactions.
  • Seasonal park programs including nature education, scouting events, and guided birdwatching tours.
  • Maintenance of shared picnic pavilions and grilling areas throughout the park for day-use and overnight visitors.

The features and highlights of Lake Fairfax Park go far beyond the standard campsite. The property is an all-in-one recreation hub that offers activities for all ages and interests. Notable highlights include:

  • The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole: A massive, western-themed water park featuring a lazy river, water slides, and interactive spray pads (seasonal).
  • Extensive Trail System: Miles of wooded trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and leisurely nature walks.
  • 18-Acre Fishing Lake: Stocked with a variety of fish including catfish, bass, and bluegill, perfect for a quiet afternoon on the water.
  • Boat Rentals: Seasonal availability of pedal boats and kayaks for exploring the lake's perimeter.
  • On-Site Skate Park: A popular concrete skate bowl and pump track located near the campground for active residents.
  • Kid-Friendly Amenities: Multiple playgrounds, athletic fields, and specific trails designed for younger children.
  • Dog-Friendly Policy: Leashed dogs are welcomed throughout the park and campground, allowing the whole family to travel together.
  • Quiet Hours and Security: Enforced quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM to ensure a peaceful night's rest for all residents.

Prospective campers are encouraged to book their sites well in advance, particularly during the peak summer months and holiday weekends. The park office can be reached for inquiries regarding site availability, group reservations, and current facility hours.

Contact Information:

  • Address: 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 20190, USA
  • Phone: (703) 471-5414
  • Alternative Contact: (703) 471-5415

When considering what is worth choosing for your next outdoor excursion, Lake Fairfax Park Campground stands out for its exceptional balance of nature and comfort. For experienced campers, the cleanliness of the private shower and restroom stalls is often a deciding factor, as the facilities are frequently cited as being among the best in the region. For families, the sheer variety of entertainment—from the excitement of the water park to the simplicity of a lakeside picnic—makes it a destination that caters to diverse interests simultaneously. The campsites themselves are generously spaced, providing a degree of privacy and "woods" feel that is rare for a park so close to a major metropolitan center.

The park is particularly worth choosing if you value a safe, well-regulated environment where rules are respected and the grounds are kept in top condition. While the terrain can be unlevel in some sections, requiring experienced RVers to use leveling blocks, the overall infrastructure and the helpfulness of the park hosts make up for minor environmental challenges. Whether you are looking for a quick "staycation" to recharge or a convenient base for a Northern Virginia vacation, Lake Fairfax provides a high-value, professional experience that honors the natural beauty of the state. Would you like me to find out more about the specific opening dates for the Water Mine water park or the fishing permit requirements for Lake Fairfax?

Location

Customer Reviews

4.0
150 reviews
G
Gigi Wes Travels
Dec 28, 2025

Lake Fairfax Campground is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The campground is clean, well maintained, and surrounded by beautiful trees, which makes it feel peaceful while still being close to everyday conveniences. The campsites are nicely spaced, giving you privacy, and the facilities—bathrooms, showers, and picnic areas—are well kept and easy to access.One of the best parts is the variety of activities nearby. The lake, walking trails, and park amenities make it great for families, couples, or anyone who enjoys being active outdoors. It’s also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants, so you get the feeling of camping without being too far from town.Overall, Lake Fairfax Campground offers a great balance of nature, comfort, and convenience. It’s an excellent spot for both first-time campers and experienced ones, and it’s a place I’d happily visit again. 🌲🏕️

G
G A
Sep 27, 2025

Good campground in a fantastic location.Pros: Seems safe enough for being in a populated area. Stores are nearby if you forgot to pack something. The showers and restrooms are very nice and clean. Good trails for hiking and biking, and there is a very nice lake walk. There are multiple game fields and picnic areas. There is a concrete skate bowl that seems to get a lot of use, and there is big water park that was super busy when I was there, so I didn't go in.Cons: Some of the campsites sites are extremely unlevel and would require extensive blocking. All the sites appear to have been gravel at some time, but are mostly dirt now, which is not good if it rains and makes it hard to get level set.Customer Service: Not good. The website is not kept up to date with adequate contact information or business hours. You can't modify or cancel a reservation online - you have to email or call, but good luck finding a phone number and when you finally call, the teenagers who answer are abrupt and/or not able to provide information.Overall: Now that I have found a few sites that are level and work for my set up, I have been to Lake Fairfax Park Campground a few times and will continue to come because of the proximity to area activities and very good park amenities. It would be nice, though, to see some site improvements and customer service training.

S
Stephanie Burns
Nov 02, 2025

Love this park! Great for Girl Scout and Cub Scout Troop events and campout. Large areas to pitch multiple tents with washrooms in walking distance for easy car camping. Nice trails if you need to get in the woods for a bit! My kids have spent a fair amount of time mountain biking and at the skate park too!

M
Michelle Willer
Nov 01, 2025

Easy to book the campground online. The employee who checked us in upon arrival was very friendly and helpful. Site 39 has only one neighbor, and the bathrooms are just across the street. Bath house is clean and well stocked. Campground is quiet and wooded. Some sites are closer than others, so be sure to look at the campground map. The first site South of the bath house is quite unlevel. We watched two groups change sites there.

A
Amy Collier
Aug 07, 2025

We stayed at site 41 in July 2025. Very quiet site far from the skate park. I was shocked at how quiet the campground was even though it was packed! Site 41 is extremely small but very close to the bathhouse and water source. No water at any campsites but our site did have power. The bathhouse is very nice. The showers had excellent pressure. My son said it was the best shower he's ever had. Private, large shower rooms with a toilet as well. If no one is camping in the group site at the back of the campground you can take a path back there to the lake to watch the sunrise and it's beautiful! We did not fish because I read online that most people end up catching turtles unintentionally. But maybe that's just near the dock. The tent sites at the back are beautiful with lots of space but no power. In the summer I definitely recommend going to the water park at the park! Very nice! I loved the lazy river. You may not find an available inner tube but you don't need one. Important tips: pre-purchase water park tickets online because they sell out almost every day just after it opens. Also get there when they open or you will not get a chair.