Low/No Cost Camping Spots in Northern VA?

[Short White Guy]

I've been absent from the forums for a while due to some health and employment issues, but I'm back and wanting to get back into the "swing" of things. I recently got a new job that has me staying in Leesburg, VA for a few months and I would love to go camping in the area, but I have no idea where would be a good place to do so, preferably a site that costs as little as possible since I am also not independently mobile out here (no car) and would have to pay for my transportation. If anyone who lives in the area can chime in and provide any suggestions, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

[novasquid]

hey, welcome, i'm in northern va too. HEH posted a trip report he did to dolly sods, i've only driven through the area a few times and have never camped there, but it's now on my to-do list: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-West-Virginia

you can also check out http://www.uscampgrounds.info/ for a list of campgrounds. but without a car in this area, not sure how you'll be able to get to any of the campgrounds?

[Short White Guy]

I'll probably rent a car for a night or two, but that can be expensive, which is why I want to make sure that wherever I go has the lowest fees possible, preferably no fees at all.

[runningwithscissors22]

I'll probably rent a car for a night or two, but that can be expensive, which is why I want to make sure that wherever I go has the lowest fees possible, preferably no fees at all.

Can't help you on the camping areas/fees, but I can tell you that the best deal I have found on rental cars is Enterprise. I rented from them 3 times last year. They have a weekend deal, you pick up the car on Friday and return it Monday afternoon. $30 for the entire weekend. No hidden fees, etc. The only thing is that your mileage has to come in under 100 miles per day which you should easily be able to do.

[BuckeyeFan]

Give this site a look
http://freecampsites.net/#!Virginia&query=region

[Crash]

Get a bicycle and do bike camping. You have the C&O canal in MD. Its free with many campsites 10+ miles apart. Get extra long tree huggers.

[dkurfiss]

Wildlife Management Area's in VA. You pay a per night fee but it's like 4.00 or so. If you have a fishing or hunting license in VA you pay nothing. Here is a link to their web site. http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wmas/ I have personally stayed overnight a couple of times at the Weston one. Good place to stay but be sure you carry water as I did not find any when I was there.

[Atlas918]

Drive up to Maryland, hit gathland or greenbrier or any of the state parks along the AT. When I loved in NoVA those were my favorites.

[Ghostman74]

Prince William Forest is pretty good. The location is close to the Metro Rail station which Will get you to all the sites in DC.

[Yojimbo]

Leesburg is close to the AT so there are plenty of places You can try. Camping on the AT is free. I'll second Gathland in MD. Also nearby is Bears Den and the Blue Ridge Center for Enviromental Studies. Both are adjacent to the trail in VA.