Pohick Bay Regional Campground

[ColemanCampingFamily]

Well, I am not sure if this will end up being a good review, or a bad review...all depends on your perspective and needs while in the Washington, DC area. The best part of this campground is the price. The worst part about this campground is the bugs at night. We stayed in an electric only RV site (not sure if they have water, but I don't think so). Site itself was nice and relatively level (#23). We particularly liked that our picnic table and fire ring was behind some growth so we had some privacy from the campground road. However, from this vantage point we had a clear view of our neighbors. The only nuisance in this campground were the number of bugs that were present at night when you have a light on. At one point I thought my son was going to be carried away!! No amount of Deep Woods Off helped either. Since it was late when we set up (9pm), we didn't bother setting everything up the first night. We were not planning on spending alot of time at the campground since we were spending the whole day in DC. Therefore, I really can't comment on how things were during the day. I can only comment on what goes on after dusk. When we arrived back at the sight after a long day of sightseeing, we turned on the lights and the bugs came back full strength. We did not even bother enjoying the outdoors like we usually do (by a nice roaring campfire) because of the bug situation. Instead we headed inside and enjoyed a movie together.

As for the grounds, the comfort stations were clean (except for dead bugs all over the sink counters) and have nice showers and laundry facilities. The grounds were very clean and well maintained. There is a STRICT no alcohol policy, and according to the "rules" the park staff can and will do random cooler and cup checks. We did not see any of this going on. And quite frankly, we kept our cooler in the camper. If you enjoy drinking a few while sitting by the fire at night, I am not 100% sure this is the place for you, although all staff left around 9:30pm.

Anyway...this is our review of the campground. Not sure if we would stay there again, but for the money, you can't beat it.

----------------
DW - 69  :U
DH - 67  :!
DS - 00  :Z

1985 Coleman Aspen - AKA "Patches"

[dthurk]

We've stayed at Pohick Bay at least twice, and thoroghly enjoyed it both times, but we were there in April...no bugs.  (As an aside, Assateague Island National Seashore is also wonderful in April!  No bugs.)  We have a screen tent that we use to minimize bug problems, put our picnic table and outdoor kitchen in there so we can use the outdoors in relative comfort while in bug country.  Pohick Bay now has some full hookup sites, most are still electric only.  Fill your water tank at the office as you check in.  

Agree on the alchohol policy, but that works well for us.  State Police were called in one night about 3 AM to oust 3 partying people in an tent at an adjacent site.  Took about 15 minutes total time to get rid of them and all their equipment.  The only thing left in the morning was a shoe.  We were SO appreciative.  Campground is very quiet otherwise, in our experience.

[daldricht]

We have done Pohick for 4 years in a row for the Memorial Day weekend. The bugs you are talking about - maybe May 30th is too early for them - have never encountered the number you are talking about.
The alcohol is stated the way it is because then it gives them the option to throw you out when you get out of control.
The amount of poison ivy is what I have been keeping my eye on. The center area sites around the park area - the trees are encrusted in poison ivy.
We were in site 8 this year and the space between us and the next site was enormous - the road traffic in and out is very excessive but I sleep like a rock so could have cared less. But if someone has kids, this site would be slightly risky at best.
The grounds and the bathrooms have been well maintained all the years we have gone there. Water sports, walking trails, kayaking, and just plain relaxing - we enjoy this area.

We are looking for camping areas similar to this one but in the western part of PA - we are moving to Punxsutawney so have been venturing off into the western regions. Some of them are pretty risky looking with 20 year old trailers that the tires have decomposed - but they still rent them? The pit bull dog problem in one place we went to was unreal - barked the entire night.
If anyone has recommendations for PA sites, would love to hear about them.
Thanks
Dave