The first major land battle of the American Civil War took place where the city of Manassas would eventually form. Held in July of 1861, this conflict was called the First Battle of Bull Run by Union forces and the Battle of First Manassas by Confederate forces. A similar Civil War battle took place not far from Manassas in 1862. At this point in history, the area only contained a railroad crossing that ran to prominent places like Shenandoah Valley and Richmond. While both of these conflicts ended in Confederate favor, the junction was mostly in Union hands throughout the war. After the Civil War finished in 1865, the railroad crossing began to grow into a town. Two decades after incorporation, it became the seat of Prince William County.
Annaburg, which the city made a public park in 2018, was originally businessman Robert Portner's summer retreat. Built in 1892, Portner allowed locals to walk the grounds and treat the area like a park long before the city had green spaces. The town would even host annual events like fireworks displays and the Dairy Festival. Today, the 3.65-acre park is open from dawn until dusk and is available for picnics, relaxing strolls and special events.
For other exciting recreational opportunities, you can visit the Sumner Lake Community Clubhouse & Pool or the Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Center. Old Town Manassas, otherwise known as the city's historic district, has 206 contributing buildings and one object. Many of the residential structures were built in the 19th and 20th centuries in various architectural styles like Queen Anne, Italianate and American Foursquare.
Greenville Farm Family Campground in Haymarket includes a 200-acre working farm with an additional 43 acres designated for camping. The campsites are large, paved and come with full hookups. After you're done touring the farm and seeing how it works, you can swim, hike or grill up some barbeque food on the pavilion.
Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton is one of the best family campgrounds in the area. They boast an 18-hole championship golf course, playgrounds and a water park. Not far from the highway, you'll have no problem finding your way to your shaded RV campsite equipped with full hookups.
For a more rustic camping experience, stay at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station. This campground is near a gorgeous lake and has a general store and walking trails. The facilities are perfect for hosting a large graduation party or get-together with up to 200 people.
The 638-acre Smallwood State Park was named after General William Smallwood, an officer who fought in the Revolutionary War. A building that was once a plantation house has since been restored and opened to visitor tours. There are also boat launches, hiking trails, a camping area and a convenient marina. You're encouraged to take a pontoon or canoe out on Mattawoman Creek and explore the water trail. The 15 RV-friendly campsites come with electric hookups, lantern posts and picnic tables.
Gambrill State Park includes 1,207 acres of the quiet and picturesque Catoctin Mountain. Anglers can relax along the shores of the well-stocked pond while hunters are encouraged to go to the Frederick City Watershed. The 16 miles of trails that connect this state park to other parks are accessible via biking, hiking and horseback riding. Of the six total routes, five are considered challenging. Those traveling with kids can stick to the White Oak Trail, which is relatively flat and easy.
Lake Anna State Park is home to one of Virginia's most well-liked lakes. You'll love the concessions stand, swim beach, bathhouse, kid-friendly fishing pond and boat launch. Stopping by the visitor center will introduce you to the area's fascinating gold mining history and facts about its natural features. Most of the 11 hiking trails at the park are easy and perfect for children of every age. You can also lounge and sunbathe comfortably on the beach knowing there's an active lifeguard on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a work-in-progress that will eventually span 710 miles and connect Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia. It's divided into eight separate sections and is made up of mostly asphalt, natural surfaces and gravel. You can start your adventure at the C&O Canal Towpath to learn more about the Civil War or at the Great Allegheny Passage if you're interested in biking. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is a popular stop in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. The trail can be hiked, biked and even paddled because it takes advantage of existing trail systems.
Clarissa "Clara" Harlowe Barton was an American self-taught nurse whose humanitarian advocacy led her to start the American Red Cross. The Clara Barton Parkway commemorates her human rights efforts and determination in the face of adversity. The parkway sits near the peaceful Potomac River, which can easily be seen as you camp or drive past. There are also plenty of parking spots where you can camp and hiking trails that lead you into the lush woodlands surrounding the site. The 2.4-mile Seven Locks allows you to appreciate the animals and greenery while heading to Cabin John Local Park.
When exploring the Arlington House and Robert E. Lee Memorial, you'll be able to tour Lee's former home while learning what his life looked like as a Confederate general. The Arlington House offers you extraordinary insight into American history and the courage and loyalty it took to be a soldier in the military. You don't want to miss out on walking the Mount Vernon Trail that connects Rock Creek, Four Mile Run, Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the Potomac Heritage. This path permits visitors all year long and starts at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and gives you breathtaking views of the Washington skyline and Potomac River as you hike to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Stretching over Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests have more than 200 species of birds, 40 tree species and 2,000 plant species. Since 1995, these new forests have been operated as one, resulting in a combined 1.8 million acres. For excellent trout fishing, you should head to the Cascades Day Use Area or Interior Whistle Stop Day Use Area. Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's highest point, is a great place for stargazing. Since this forest is open all year long, you can also swim, ride horses, mountain bike, hike and picnic.
Monongahela National Forest is home to a vastly diverse landscape namely due to its varying elevations and weather patterns. For example, while the eastern side is generally dry, the western side receives about 60 inches of rain annually. Visitors can snag a spot at Spruce Knob Campground and take advantage of the vault toilets and potable water. This campground gives you access to a path that runs up to the 4,863-foot Spruce Knob, which is the highest peak in West Virginia. Wildlife enthusiasts will be able to take their time looking for the 225 bird species and countless other mammals like bears, rabbits, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer.
Situated in the Appalachian foothills, Allegheny National Forest is the only forest of its kind in Pennsylvania. Totaling 517,000 acres, the elevations here range from 1,000 feet to about 2,300 feet above sea level. Northwestern Pennsylvania is best for warm-water fishing for walleye, crappie, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and white bass. Since this forest was so extensively logged during the 19th century, it's now a second-growth forest with species like cherry, sugar maple and black birch. Of the over 300 species of animals that call this forest home, the most commonly spotted are beavers, raccoons, muskrats, red foxes, minks and snowshoe hares. You're welcome to hike, camp, cross-country ski, snowshoe, stargaze and geocache during your visit to the forest.
Only 70 miles away from Manassas, Shenandoah National Park encompasses about 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This park has waterfalls, forests and peaks well over 4,000 feet high. For an easy yet exhilarating auto tour, you can traverse the 105-mile Skyline Drive across the mountains’ crests. Climbers and hikers will need to dress warmly as the weather is often much colder and unpredictable at higher elevations. Other recreational activities you can enjoy include rock climbing, fishing, camping, stargazing and horseback riding. The developed campgrounds open starting in early spring and close at the end of fall before the snow starts building up.
Travel about 300 miles west to find New River Gorge National Park. Covering 70,000 acres of West Virginia wilderness, this park is known for its astonishing canyon, thundering New River and beautiful rolling green hills. Crowds of people come every summer to whitewater raft, hike, birdwatch, fish and picnic. You'll find gentle trails and other accessible options around the four visitor centers. While there are several nearby state park campgrounds, New River Gorge doesn't contain any on-site established campsites. You can instead rest in one of the primitive camping areas that may have limited amenities but no water or electrical hookups.
If you plan to head up north from Manassas, check out Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Approximately 369 miles away and situated near Lake Erie and the city of Cleveland, this national park touts 100 waterfalls, 125 miles of nature trails and a fun railroad ride. One of the most significant cascades is the 65-foot Brandywine Falls, which is Northeast Ohio's tallest waterfall. The local terrain is made up of burbling rivers, soft wetlands, ravines and hills. You can enjoy kayaking, golfing, fishing, canoeing, biking and wildlife viewing during your visit to the park.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Manassas, VA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Manassas?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Manassas from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Manassas?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
