Reston Summer Bucket List: Camp Out Close to Home

Every weekday in August, Reston Now will be offering suggestions for a Summer Bucket List — things to do, places to check out and activities to try in and around Reston before summer’s end.

Obviously, different ideas will appeal to different residents in different age groups. But we are open for ideas. If you have any “must-dos” of summer (even better: with a photo of you/your family participating in said event), email us at [email protected] and we will consider it.

Reston Summer Bucket List Item 7: Camp Out Very Close to Home

So this is the year you are going to try camping with your kids. You can take a test run without leaving your zip code.

Reston’s Lake Fairfax Park has a campground, along with other park amenities such as ballfields, trails, fishing, a skate park and the recently expanded Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole.

Because Lake Fairfax is so close by, it is a good starting point for sleeping under the stars. The park has 136 campsites, which start at $28 a night (rates vary, including senior discounts and different scales for tents vs. campers. Visit the website for more details).

Each site has a picnic table and fire pit and parking for at least once car. Electric hookup is available at 54 sites. Pets are allowed. There are bath houses with potable water, toilets and hot showers.

So give it a try — and plan for the Appalachian Trail for next summer.

More information and reservations on the park website.