Travel Camp

For military members, DoD civilians, and other authorized personnel residing in or visiting Virginia, finding a convenient, well-equipped, and secure campground can be a significant advantage. Northern Virginia, with its bustling urban centers and proximity to the nation's capital, offers unique challenges and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Nestled within the expansive Fort Belvoir military installation, the Travel Camp provides an exclusive and highly sought-after camping experience. Managed by Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), this campground caters specifically to the armed forces community, offering a blend of natural beauty and essential amenities. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the Travel Camp at Fort Belvoir, helping authorized local users in Virginia understand its offerings and plan their next stay.

The Travel Camp is strategically located at 10200 Johnston Rd, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, USA, within the secure confines of Fort Belvoir in Virginia. Fort Belvoir is a United States Army installation in Fairfax County, Virginia, situated along the Potomac River. Its location is highly advantageous, placing campers close to both natural environments and major urban areas.

Accessibility to the Travel Camp requires military or Department of Defense (DoD) affiliation, as it is located on an active military base. Visitors without a DoD ID card typically need to use specific gates, such as Tulley Gate (open 0500-2100, 7 days a week), and may need to register as visitors. Pence Gate can be used for entry after 9 p.m. This controlled access ensures a high level of security and a peaceful environment for authorized users. For Virginians, particularly those in Northern Virginia, the drive to Fort Belvoir is straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading directly to the installation. Once on base, the campground is located along the shore of the Potomac River, offering scenic views and a tranquil setting despite its proximity to the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area. This blend of secure, natural surroundings with convenient access to a major military installation and nearby urban attractions makes Travel Camp an exceptionally desirable location for authorized patrons.

The Travel Camp at Fort Belvoir, managed by MWR, offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities designed for comfortable RV and tent camping.

• Campsites: The campground features 52 full hookup campsites (Water, 20/30/50 Amp Electric, Sewer, Cable TV). These sites are "big rig friendly" and many accommodate slide-out RVs. Sites are generally spacious, with options for "Back-In Woodline," "Pull-thru Center," and "Back-in Waterfront." Each site typically includes a picnic table and fire circle/grill.

• Tent Camping: Beyond RV sites, Fort Belvoir also offers 10 primitive tent camping sites overlooking Gunston Cove of the Potomac River. While these are primitive (no water or electricity at the site), campers can use the main Travel Camp's 24-hour restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. All-terrain carts are available to assist in transporting equipment to these sites, which have no vehicle access.

• Restroom and Shower Facilities: The campground boasts "clean" and "new" bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets, contributing significantly to camper comfort.

• Laundry Facilities: A "nice laundry facility" with coin-operated washers and dryers is available in the bathhouse, a crucial amenity for longer stays.

• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is provided for RVs.

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in the campground, allowing guests to stay connected.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed with standard leash and clean-up rules, and specific dog waste stations are located throughout the camp. However, pets must not be left tied outside unattended.

• Propane Filling Station: While not on-site, a propane filling station is available at Fort Belvoir.

• Trash Disposal: Waste enclosures are located throughout the camp, and a dumpster is provided by the shower facility for convenience, though reviews note that these can sometimes overflow.

These comprehensive services make the Travel Camp a comfortable and practical choice for authorized personnel.

The Travel Camp at Fort Belvoir offers a range of features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and appeal among authorized users:

• Prime Waterfront Location: Situated along the Potomac River and Gunston Cove, the campground offers scenic views, especially from its "Back-in Waterfront" sites. This provides opportunities for relaxation by the water and enjoying natural beauty.

• Fishing Piers: There are "two ADA accessible fishing piers" allowing easy access for fishing or crabbing. The Outdoor Recreation center on base also provides bait, snacks, and drinks.

• Spacious Sites: RV sites are described as "spacious" and "far enough apart," offering a sense of privacy and comfort that is highly valued by campers.

• Clean Facilities: The bathrooms and showers are consistently praised for being "clean," "super clean," and "well maintained."

• Year-Round Operation: Unlike many campgrounds in Northern Virginia, Travel Camp is open year-round, providing a consistent option for camping regardless of the season.

• Base Amenities Access: Campers have access to various on-base facilities including gyms, pools, salons, equipment rentals (such as kayaks and canoes), and potentially other MWR programs. This adds significant value to the camping experience.

• Proximity to Washington D.C.: The campground serves as an excellent "base camp for our DC visit," being only a "30-minute drive to DC" and conveniently located near the Metro Transit system. This allows for easy day trips to explore the nation's capital and its many attractions.

• Secure Environment: As it's located on an active military installation, visitors benefit from enhanced security, contributing to a sense of peace and safety.

• Wildlife Viewing: Reviews mention sightings of "eagles nesting nearby," adding to the natural allure of the area.

These features combine to create a comprehensive and appealing camping destination for the military community.

As an MWR facility, the Travel Camp at Fort Belvoir operates under specific pricing and reservation policies primarily designed for its authorized patrons.

• Daily Rates: All Travel Camp Sites are $55 per night. There are no weekly or monthly rates; stays are priced daily.

• Reservation Policy: Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. Full payment is required at the time of reservation.

• Cancellation Policy: Cancellations or changes must be made one week (7 days) prior to the day of check-in to receive a full refund. No refunds are given for inclement weather or early departures.

• Stay Limits: A maximum reservation of 60 consecutive days is authorized during peak season (April 1 – October 31) and 90 consecutive days during non-peak season (November 1 - March 31). Each household is authorized one such reservation at a time, with renewals possible on the day of expiration if space is available. Tent camping has a 14-night maximum stay.

• Holiday Rates: Special $40 a night rates are offered on ALL sites on select holiday dates, providing a potential discount.

• Popularity: The campground is "booked solid from April to October," emphasizing the need for early reservations, especially for desired dates.

While there aren't "promotions" in the commercial sense, the value comes from the subsidized rates and the exclusive access to a well-maintained campground with excellent amenities within a secure military installation.

For reservations, inquiries about eligibility, or general information regarding the Travel Camp at Fort Belvoir, authorized personnel can use the following contact details:

• Address: 10200 Johnston Rd, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, USA (Check-in is at Building 778, the main Outdoor Recreation Facility at 10155 Swift Road).

• Phone for Recreational Lodging and Travel Camp: (703) 805-3081

It is highly recommended to call well in advance, especially for peak season dates, due to the campground's popularity and the strict reservation policies. Checking the official Fort Belvoir MWR website is also advised for the most current rules, rates, and any updates.

The Travel Camp at Fort Belvoir is an outstanding choice for authorized military and DoD-affiliated individuals and families in Virginia. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors. Firstly, its prime location offers the unique advantage of being a tranquil, secure, and amenity-rich campground within convenient driving distance of Northern Virginia's urban centers and a short trip to Washington D.C. This allows for a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and cultural exploration. Secondly, the campground provides robust facilities, including spacious, full hookup RV sites, clean bathhouses, laundry facilities, and accessible fishing piers, ensuring a comfortable stay. The year-round availability is a significant benefit, especially in a region where other year-round camping options are scarce. Lastly, the access to various on-base MWR amenities further enhances the value, offering activities and services beyond just camping. While the daily rate might be higher than some state parks and the booking process requires upfront payment and adherence to strict rules, the benefits of a secure environment, well-maintained facilities, and exclusive access often outweigh these considerations. For military and DoD families in Virginia seeking a reliable, well-equipped, and conveniently located campground for their getaways, the Travel Camp at Fort Belvoir stands as a premier option, offering a true sense of community and a gateway to both natural beauty and historical exploration.

Travel Camp

10200 Johnston Rd, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, USA