Burke Lake Camping Costs: Fees, Tips, and Everything You Need to Know

Price is the first question most people ask before pitching a tent or parking an RV someplace new, and Burke Lake Park is no exception. Maybe you’ve just spent half the day figuring out which lakeside spot to pick, and you want to know: what’s this adventure going to do to your wallet? Well, camping at Burke Lake isn’t just about sleeping under the stars—it’s also about fitting fun into your budget. You might be surprised by what you get for your dollar, and how a couple of smart choices can stretch it a lot further than you’d think.

How Much Does It Actually Cost to Camp at Burke Lake?

Burke Lake Park, sitting in Fairfax Station, Virginia, is one of those campgrounds that attracts people for all sorts of reasons. Families love the predictable facilities and the safety of a managed site. Solo hikers crash there before conquering the 4.5-mile loop around the lake. You even see a fair few folks with tricked-out RVs claiming a spot for the weekend. Now, about those Burke Lake camping fees: they depend on what you’re after and where you’re from.

For tent campers, a standard non-electric site comes in at $36 per night for Fairfax County residents and $42 for out-of-county folks. Planning to bring your RV? Electric hook-up sites cost $46 a night for locals, and if you’re from outside the county, you’ll pay $52. Weekends fill up fast from late spring through autumn, so if you’re hoping to snag a spot for Saturday, don’t wait. And here’s the key detail—the prices listed are current as of the 2025 summer season. If you’re reading later, check the park’s official site; rates can change year to year based on funding and demand.

Want a quick glance? Here’s a breakdown in a handy table:

Now, you might wonder if there are hidden charges. Not really, but if you want extra parking passes or bring more than two cars per site, expect a supplemental fee (think $7–15 per extra car). Firewood isn’t free, but it’s reasonably priced at $7 per bundle as of July 2025. As for showers and restrooms, they’re included in your nightly fee—no coin-operated nonsense here.

If you’re eyeing group camping for bigger gatherings, maybe a scout trip or family reunion, prices go up. As of this season, group sites cost $175 per night for up to 16 people; extra campers push that up by $10 per head, but there’s a max cap so nobody gets ambushed by surprise charges.

Staying more than a few nights? There aren’t price breaks for long-term stays, but you can stay up to two weeks in one stretch. For many weekend warriors, that’s more than enough. But if you’re dreaming of a months-long campout, you’ll want to look elsewhere—Burke Lake is designed for recreational stays, not living off-grid.

Bottom line: for a family of four pitching a tent, you’re looking at less than $50 a night, all-in. Stack that against most hotels in nearby Fairfax, and it’s clear why people pick Burke Lake, even if they aren’t hardcore outdoors types. The scenery doesn’t hurt, either.

Reservation Tips and How to Save on Burke Lake Camping

It’s easy to assume showing up with a tent and a smile is good enough, but Burke Lake Park is busy. Half the region drives out here when the weather hits that Goldilocks sweet spot—not too hot, not too cold. So, should you reserve in advance? Absolutely. The reservation window opens six months ahead, and on Friday nights in May and June, you can almost hear the rustle of credit cards as slots fill up on the booking site.

If you’re a Fairfax County resident, you get first dibs and the better rate. Proof of residency is simple—a current driver’s license or a utility bill will do the trick when you check in. Traveling from farther afield? It’s still worth booking early. Walk-in sites exist, but they’re often snapped up before noon during peak weekends. For weekday travelers, Mondays and Tuesdays are your best bet for last-minute availability.

• Tip: Avoid major US holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day. Unless you booked months in advance, you’re not likely to score a spot—and crowds can detract from the peaceful lake vibe.
• If you’re flexible, aim for midweek or shoulder season (late April or early October). Not only is the park quieter, but you can sometimes land cancellation deals by calling the rangers’ office directly—those don’t always show up online.
• Obsessed with saving? Join Fairfax County Park Authority’s loyalty program if you’re a frequent camper. Every fifth night booked in a season gets you a 10% discount. It adds up for regulars and is easy to sign up for on the official site.
• Camping with kids? Sites 11–16 are close to the playground and have partial shade all day, which keeps the tent cooler. Those book up quickly, so plan accordingly.

One overlooked tip: ask for the furthest sites from the main parking lot if you want a quieter experience. They’re a bit of a haul, especially if you’re lugging gear, but you’re guaranteed fewer cars passing by and more wildlife wandering through in the evening.

If your dates are set and you want to camp on a budget, consider staying Sunday night. Most campers pack up by midday, meaning you get extra privacy—and the park feels like it’s yours alone. Plus, traffic is lighter if you’re headed back into D.C. or Maryland after.

What’s Included With Your Site Fee?

All right, so your site fee is paid. Now, what does that cash actually get you? The basics are pretty solid: every site—tent or electric—gets a flat, well-maintained pad, a fire ring with an adjustable grate, a picnic table solid enough to handle your cooler and midnight card games, and space for up to six people per standard booking (group campsites excepted, of course).

Electric sites come with 30-amp service, enough for most mid-sized RVs. There’s a dump station for gray and black water, though if you’re brand new to the RV game, know that the lines tend to back up late Sunday mornings. Water spigots are shared between several sites, but rarely far from wherever you’re set up.

Two comfort stations (yep, that’s the fancy camping term for showers and bathrooms) provide hot showers, flush toilets, and, as of this writing, new touch-free taps. The cleaning crew swings through twice a day, so things stay remarkably fresh—don’t expect five-star hotel vibes, but you won’t have to hose mud off your feet with a leaky faucet, either.

Cell service is decent for Verizon and AT&T users; T-Mobile can be spotty near the lake shore. Wi-Fi? Don’t bank on it. There’s no official Park Authority Wi-Fi, though you might catch a stray public signal near the ranger station if you’re lucky. Plan on unplugging, or bring a hotspot if you’ve got work to sneak in between kayak runs.

Every camper gets access to the main hiking trail, fishing piers, boat launch, and mini-golf course. Rentals for rowboats, canoes, and bikes are extra, running $12–$22 per hour depending on what you want. Sodas and snacks are sold at the park store, open Friday afternoons through Sunday evenings. Firewood, as mentioned, is sold onsite; outside wood is heavily discouraged to prevent invasive pests. Don’t risk a fine—buy at the park or from nearby approved vendors.

Want to know what really makes Burke Lake special compared to other northern Virginia sites? It’s the little perks. The mini-train (kids and adults both hop aboard), a small carousel, and pop-up ranger programs on weekends. All free with your nightly camping fee. If you’re traveling with kids, the organized games and night hikes can be the highlight of the trip.

Packing and Planning for Burke Lake: What Most People Wish They’d Known

Campsite costs don’t stop the moment you swipe your card. This is the stage where most first-timers blow their budgets—running out to buy what they forgot or replacing gear on the fly. Here’s what to actually pack, and a few things that’ll save your nerves (and cash) during your stay.

• Weather in July swings between steamy days and cool, misty nights. A good trick is to pack a warm blanket even in summer—mornings by the lake can drop near 15°C (59°F), and you’ll want more than a basic sleeping bag after midnight.
• Mosquitoes love Burke Lake as much as you do. Bring a quality repellent and consider picking up a Thermacell. The park does fog for bugs a few times each season, but there’s no guarantee you’ll avoid the little vampires in peak summer.
• Firewood can be scarce if you arrive late, especially on Saturday nights. Buy in advance if you can, or be ready to cook on a gas stove as a backup.
• Bikes or scooters can save tired legs if you’re in one of the outer loop sites. The camp road is smooth, but it’s a bit of a walk to the playground, store, or marina for little ones.
• Fishing here is huge—Burke Lake’s stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. If fishing is your thing, buy a Virginia fishing license ahead of time online. Rangers do spot checks.
• Food lockers are not provided. While black bears are rare, raccoons are not—and they’re bold. Bring your own bear-proof container or keep food locked in your car.
• Quiet hours run 10pm–7am. Rangers enforce this pretty strictly, so if you’re planning a boisterous birthday bash, pick a group site well away from the rest.
• Book the train ride for your kids at check-in; it fills up, especially on sunny Saturdays. Same with mini golf during peak times.
• Camping supplies forgotten? The nearest major shops are a 15-minute drive, so double-check your checklist before leaving home. It saves you a late-night dash for forgotten marshmallows or tent stakes.
• Finally, if rain’s in the forecast, bring a lightweight tarp. The tall oaks around the sites drip long after a quick July shower, and a simple cover gives you a dry seat and cooking space no matter the weather.

Next, a note for pet owners: dogs are welcome, but must stay leashed at all times (there’s a $75 fine if rangers catch you off-guard). Bring proof of vaccinations in case another camper’s kid gets nipped; while incidents are rare, the park has a zero-tolerance approach for safety.

There are no ATMs in the campground area, so bring cash for firewood, snacks, or the odd last-minute rental. Most things can be paid by card, but some vendors—especially at the weekend pop-up stalls—prefer cash, and you don’t want to miss out on a fresh ice cream by the lake.

A final tip? Don’t rush your last morning. Check-out is 11 a.m., but linger by the water if you can. The early light through the trees is exactly why Burke Lake regulars keep coming back year after year. If you want more space or quiet, autumn is magical—and prices stay the same, even as the crowds thin out.