Burke Lake Park

The beauty of camping at northern Virginia campgrounds like Burke Lake is not so much the ability to "rough it" but more the opportunity to sleep outdoors with all of the recreational, cultural, and educational activities that this vast suburb of Washington, D.C., has to offer. However, don't think that you need to jump back into your vehicle after setting up your campsite to find something to do. The lake itself offers a myriad of possibilities. Whether you bring your own canoe or rent a boat on site, you're sure to enjoy exploring Burke lake's interesting coves as well as the waterfowl refuge on Vesper Island, which lies within its boundaries. Gasoline motors and sailboats are not allowed on the lake, however. Many northern Virginian fishermen come to the lake to cast a line for largemouth bass, walleye, muskie, catfish, crappie, perch, and bluegill. Picnic areas with shelters for rent, an 18-hole par-three golf course, driving range, Frisbee golf course, a miniature railroad, five-mile walking trail, 18-station fitness trail, sand volleyball courts, playing fields, and even an ice cream parlor round out the kinds of activities that you'll find at this island of green amid the sprawling developments of northern Virginia.