Camping Journal

Location: Pohick Bay Regional Park Date8/21/2003
Miles Towed: 120 Weather: H mid 90's  L mid 60's

Comments: 

What can I say.  This is a gem hidden so close to Washington DC you could almost throw a stone there
 
I had read some positive comments about the park and decided to try it out.  You can tell the campground has been around a while.  It is certainly not designed for the huge Class A crowd, but a few sites work fine for them.  The park is owned by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority which was formed in the 1950's.  While this park may not be that old, it's not far from it.  The bathhouses are concrete block construction with ceramic tile in the shower areas.  While I cant compare the bathhouses to Fort Wilderness for a public park they were not bad.  But, you have to get past the close quarters.  Both the bathroom stalls and the showers were small, what else can I say.  The water was warm and there was plenty of it, so I really can't complain.
 
Now, on to the park and campground.  As with any campground, some sites are better than others.  But, what this one has hand down is tree cover!  If there are any sites without a full cover of trees, I didn't see it.  Additionally, there is lots of bushes and other "understory" to shade you from your neighbors.  In the main campground (there is a "dry" campground open part of the year) electric is available at every site, with water available at a few points around the loop.
 
During the summer a pool is available as well as other water sports like canoes and kayaks. Hiking trails connect different parts of the park and a short drive away is both Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge as well as Mason Neck State Park.
 
Let me tell you, the question is not if I will go back to this campground, but when.
 
 
Handicapped Availability:
 
None observed