Burke Lake Park - Campgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to make reservations?
We only take reservations for organized groups (for example scout or church groups) of 10 people or more, or for those that request group day use.

Q. What is Group Camping?
Group Camping is when large organized groups (10-200 people) are given a specific area to camp in depending on their size and needs.

Q. What is Group Day Use?
Group Day Use helps facilitate those that do not require an overnight camping experience. Generally it is for scout groups that only need an area to complete a badge requirement. You do have to make a reservation.

Q. How do I make a reservation for group camping or day use?
Call or stop by the Burke Lake Park Information Center. Ask staff to make a reservation for group camping or group day use. At the time of reservation, we require half of the fee as a deposit.

Q. Do you have "Hook Ups"?
Burke Lake Park Campground does not have any water/electric hook ups. A dump station is included with your daily camping fee. If you require hook ups, please contact Lake Fairfax Park.

Q. Are your sites shaded?
All of Burke Lake Park Campground sites are shaded.

Q. How long can I stay?
Burke Lake Park allows campers to stay for two consecutive weeks (14 days).

Q. What amenities does each site have?
Each camping site (Family, Group, and Group Day Use) has a picnic table, a grill, a fire ring, and space for at least one vehicle.

Q. May I bring my own firewood?
We sell reasonably priced firewood that you may purchase for your campfires. Please be aware that several wood boring bugs are becoming a threat to the D.C. area and require us to comply with the advisory from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Fairfax County Forest Pest Branch. These agencies advise against transporting cut firewood from outside the Washington D.C. area. The Fairfax County Park Authority asks that you only bring firewood that has been cut from the local D.C. area. We also ask that you burn all of the firewood you have brought in with you, or give any wood you have left over to a camper who is still in the campground to burn.

Please follow this link to learn more about the wood boring bugs and how you can help prevent an infestation, or call 703-324-5304, TTY 711.

Q. How many people can stay in one site?
Burke Lake Park limits each family camping site to no more than 7 people, and no more than 2 tents. For group camping and group day use a number of sites are assigned to the group depending on the number of campers. If you have more than one vehicle you may need to park it at the camp store parking lot.

Q. What if I need to cancel a reservation for group camping or group day use camping?
Burke Lake Park will not refund a group camping or group day use deposit if the cancellation is within two weeks of the reserved date.

Q. What do I need to bring to camp?
Each person requires something different to camp. Generally what is required is a tent, sleeping bag, flash light, some food, and clothes appropriate for the weather conditions. Sleeping in a car or with out a tent (in a sleeping bag out in the open) is not allowed.

Q. Where can I buy or rent supplies?
Burke Lake park sells light camping supplies (charcoal, ice, tent stakes, table covers, playing cards, small propane bottles, and tarps), but does not sell or rent tents or sleeping bags. There are several retail stores in the area that sell camping equipment.

Q. What amenities does Burke Lake Campground have?
Burke Lake Park has hot/cold showers, flushing toilets, potable water spigots in the area, dump station for RV's, light camping supplies, a computer information kiosk at the camp store, and a playground.

Q. Do you provide information such as directions and the weather?
Yes, we have a computer information kiosk at the campstore, were you can find all sorts of information.

Q. Do you ever fill up?
For family camping, we rarely fill up during the spring and summer. During the fall we do fill up on nice weekends.

Q. Can I pick my own site?
Depending on how full the campground is, family campers are generally welcome to pick their own site, as long as they are in the family camping area.

Q. How close is Burke Lake Park to a Metro Station?
Burke Lake Park is about 15 minutes and 8 miles from the closest metro station. Please ask the camping attendant for a map, or use the information kiosk at the camp store.

Q. Can I bring my dog?
Burke Lake Park does allow pets to be brought, as long as they are never left unattended and are on a leash in accordance with Fairfax County Leash Laws.

Q. How far is Burke Lake Park from Washington D.C.?
Burke Lake Park is about 30-60 minutes from our Nations Capital depending on time of day, and the amount of traffic. Please ask the campground attendant or use the information kiosk for a map.

Q. Where can I park my car?
Each site provides space for at least one car. If you have additional vehicles, we do have a parking lot where you may leave it.

Q. Can I drive my car though the campground to see what it is like?
We ask that you park your vehicle at the camp store and inform a camp store attendant that you would like to see the campground, to respect the campers that are already camping.