George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA
Washington’s estate on the Potomac, with the mansion, gardens, farm, his tomb and a large museum. Buy timed tickets ahead in spring; the George Washington Memorial Parkway links it with Alexandria and Arlington.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the plantation estate and former home of George and Martha Washington on the Potomac in Fairfax County, Virginia, about 15 miles (25 km) south of Washington, D.C. The hilly property covers roughly 500 acres (200 hectares) and is run by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, which bought it in 1858 after the house had fallen into disrepair. Washington died here in 1799 and was buried on the grounds, as he had wished.
A visit includes the guided mansion tour with a porch over the Potomac, four gardens, a small farm with heritage livestock breeds and the family tomb in a wooded area. The Reynolds museum presents Washington’s life in 23 galleries and theaters and also looks at the role of the enslaved people of Mount Vernon. The house’s facade looks like stone but is actually wood.
For road-trippers: allow at least three hours. The mansion tour requires its own reservation, and tickets can be bought online in advance. Without a car, take the Metro (Yellow Line) to Huntington and then the Fairfax Connector bus 101, or cycle the Mount Vernon Trail from Alexandria (about 9 miles). Check opening hours and reservations before you go.
- Nearest town
- Mount Vernon, VA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.7293, -77.1075
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Burke Lake Park CampgroundCampsite11 mi from George Washington’s Mount VernonTentsCaravansDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Smallwood State Park Family CampgroundCampsite13 mi from George Washington’s Mount VernonTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Prince William Forest RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover16 mi from George Washington’s Mount VernonCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Oak Ridge CampgroundCampsite19 mi from George Washington’s Mount Vernon · 67 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersDogs allowed
- Lake Fairfax Family CampgroundCampsite20 mi from George Washington’s Mount Vernon · 55 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposal
- Cherry Hill ParkCampsite22 mi from George Washington’s Mount VernonTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is George Washington’s Mount Vernon?
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is in Mount Vernon, VA, at GPS 38.7293, -77.1075. It is about 13 mi from Washington.
Can you camp near George Washington’s Mount Vernon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Patriots Path: A Revolutionary War Encampment, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass George Washington’s Mount Vernon?
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Along the Potomac: Mount Vernon, Great Falls and Harpers Ferry.
What is there to see near George Washington’s Mount Vernon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Arlington National Cemetery (11 mi), Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (20 mi), Great Falls Park (20 mi) and U.S. Naval Academy (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)