Prince William Forest Park

Overview

Prince William Forest Park is a 15,000-acre forested oasis, located 35 miles south of Washington, DC. 21 miles of bicycle trails and 37 miles of hiking trails crisscross Quantico Creek and its tributaries. Camp Pleasant, also known as Cabin Camp 4, can sleep up to 200 visitors and is located on the eastern side of the park. Most of the camp's rustic sleeping cabins sleep 12 people and are arranged in 5 units connected by gravel trails. Trails in the camp also lead to a small dock on a tiny lake and a campfire circle. While the dining hall in this camp is the only one without a fireplace, a wing added to the dining hall in the 1940s provides a large open area for indoor activities. Camp Pleasant is also the only camp that has a large theater building, perfect for events or large gatherings on rainy days.

Recreation

There is a large field area available for recreational sports. Access to the lake is a short walk from the camp. Hiking and biking trails are a short walk from the camp.

Facilities

Camp Pleasant can sleep up to 200 visitors and is located on the eastern side of the park. Most of the camp's sleeping cabins sleep 12 people and are arranged in 5 units connected by gravel trails. Trails in the camp also lead to a small dock on a tiny lake and a council ring (campfire circle). While the dining hall in this camp is the only one without a fireplace, a wing added to the dining hall in the 1940s provides a large open area for indoor activities. The camp also has a large theater building that is perfect for indoor activities.

Each unit has a bath house with showers and there is a central restroom near the dining hall with men's and women's facilities. The women's side has three toilets and three showers. The men's side has two toilets, 1 urinal and three showers. The family restroom has a toilet and a shower. There are also restrooms located in the dining hall, infirmary, and theater building. Campers are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing floors, shower stalls, sinks, and toilets. Plungers and toilet brushes are provided. Campers must bring hand soap, detergents, and other necessary toiletries. Toilet paper is provided.

The dining hall seats up to 126 people and contains a commercial kitchen. The park does not provide food to campers. The dining hall provides wooden tables and benches. The kitchen is equipped with the following:

• 10 burner gas stove

• 3 ovens

• Large griddle

• Microwave

• Walk-in refrigerator

• Freezer

• Large sinks

• Food warming station with 4 trays

• Storage space

• Plenty of counter space

Natural Features

Camp Pleasant is located within a nearly 15,000-acre forest. There is a large field area available for recreational sports. Access to the lake is a short walk from the camp.

Nearby Attractions

Camp Pleasant is located 35 miles south of Washington D.C. and a few miles from the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Overview

Looking for some peace and quiet? Want to get back to nature, listen to the sounds of the nocturnal world, or simplify your life? Then come experience primitive camping at Prince William Forest Park’s Chopawamsic Backcountry Area.

Chopawamsic (chop-uh-WAHM-zik), Algonquian for “small, divided river flats”, consists of about 400 acres (162 ha) of backcountry with a wilderness-like feel in a remote area of Prince William Forest Park. Within this tract of land, there are eight designated hike in campsites. Campsites are accessible from a two-mile (3.2 km) loop trail.

Chopawamsic Backcountry Area limits camping to six people or one family unit per site. Chopawamsic is not designed for group camping, which is available at Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground.

The northern side of Breckenridge Reservoir is accessible by trail from the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area for fishing. 

Recreation

Chopawamsic Backcountry Area is located in Prince William Forest Park, which preserves approximately 15,000 acres (6070 ha) including a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. The area is the largest example of a piedmont forest ecosystem, the piedmont being the geographic plateau between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coast. The park represents one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area and is the National Park Service's third largest unit in Virginia.

Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any adventurous visitor.  

The park is home to many animals including 46 species of mammals, 22 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, more than 129 species of birds, 26 species of fish and an unknown number of invertebrates.

More than 900 plant species exist in Prince William Forest Park, from the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree. From tree bark in winter, wildflowers in spring, canopy cover in summer and autumn colors in fall, Prince William Forest Park offers beautiful scenery year-round.

Facilities

This primitive backcountry camping area is open year-round barring inclement weather. There are 8 hike-in campsite spots located along a 2 mile (3.2 km) loop trail. Each spot contains a flat area for pitching a tent and a wooden post with the site number and is located a short distance off of the loop trail. There is a parking area at the start of the loop trail that has one vault toilet. Everything you carry with you when hiking to the sites must be carried out with you when you leave.

Natural Features

Chopawamsic Backcountry Area is located in Prince William Forest Park, which preserves approximately 15,000 acres (6070 ha) including a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. The area is the largest example of a piedmont forest ecosystem, the piedmont being the geographic plateau between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coast. The park represents one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area and is the National Park Service's third largest unit in Virginia.

Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any adventurous visitor.  

The park is home to many animals including 46 species of mammals, 22 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, more than 129 species of birds, 26 species of fish and an unknown number of invertebrates.

More than 900 plant species exist in Prince William Forest Park, from the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree. From tree bark in winter, wildflowers in spring, canopy cover in summer and autumn colors in fall, Prince William Forest Park offers beautiful scenery year-round.

Nearby Attractions

Prince William Forest Park is centrally located, with easy access to all of the attractions the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., area have to offer. From the park entrance, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the main gate of the United States Marine Corps Base Quantico are just a mile (1.6 km) away.  

The park is located directly between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Overview

Oak Ridge Campground is a 100-site, wooded campground located in Prince William Forest Park, 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Washington, DC. The park's land was set aside during the Great Depression, and in 1935 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the previously over-farmed acreage, converting it to recreational lands for public use. The CCC built trails, dams and cabins, making the park a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation. Large group camping is not permitted at Oak Ridge Campground. Please read the need to know section for additional information.

Recreation

The park offers many Things to Do including hiking, biking, orienteering and fishing. Hikers enjoy exploring the park's 37 miles (60 km) of foot trails.

The South Valley, Oak Ridge and Farms to Forest Trails all begin at the campground entrance.

Bicyclists will find On and Off Road Biking on 21 miles (34 km) of paved roads within the park, including the 12-mile (19 km) Scenic Drive. Minimal traffic and a 25 m.p.h. (40 kph) speed limit make this a popular biking route. A 3-mile (5 km), family-friendly paved bike lane leads to the campground. Mountain biking is also available on 10 miles (16 km) of gravel fire roads.

The park boasts also 30 orienteering courses with picturesque settings. Orienteering is a 19th century Scandinavian sport primarily used as military training. The courses were developed in 1972 and continue to provide hours of entertainment and exploration for park visitors.

Approximately 18 miles (29 km) of streams and two small lakes are open to the public for fishing. The water quality of Quantico Creek supports numerous fish species and other aquatic life. The most common fish species are bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass and channel catfish.

Facilities

The campground is open March through November and accommodates tents, RVs and trailers.

Recreational vehicles may not exceed 32 feet in length (9.75 m) and 12 feet (3.7 m) in height. Trailers and fifth wheels are limited to 26 feet (7.9 m) in length and 12 feet (3.6 m) in height.

Each site has a picnic table, grill, lantern post and parking spur. Each loop has restrooms with sinks and flush toilets. Loop B also has showers. A and C unit comfort stations close down at the first part of November for winterizing. Loop B comfort station is open till the camp closure the first of December.

Natural Features

Oak Ridge Campground is located in Prince William Forest Park, which preserves approximately 15,000 acres (6070 ha) including a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. The area is the largest example of a piedmont forest ecosystem, the piedmont being the geographic plateau between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coast. The park represents one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area and is the National Park Service's third largest unit in Virginia.

Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any adventurous visitor.

The park is home to many animals including 46 species of mammals, 22 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, more than 129 species of birds, 26 species of fish and an unknown number of invertebrates.

More than 900 plant species exist in Prince William Forest Park, from the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree. From tree bark in winter, wildflowers in spring, canopy cover in summer and autumn colors in fall, Prince William Forest Park offers beautiful scenery year-round.

Nearby Attractions

Prince William Forest Park is centrally located, with easy access to all of the attractions the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., area have to offer. From the park entrance, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the main gate of the United States Marine Corps Base Quantico are just a mile (1.6 km) away.  

The park is located directly between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Prince William RV Park is a concessioner-operated campground within Prince William Forest Park, offering year-round RV camping with full-hookup and water-and-electric sites. Facilities include restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, and a seasonal swimming pool. For current rates, site information, and reservations, call (703) 221-2474. Reservations are handled directly by the concessioner. It is Virginia's closest RV camping to Washington, D.C. Open year-round.

Overview

Telegraph Picnic Pavilion is a covered pavilion with twelve picnic tables located in Prince William Forest Park, 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Washington, D.C. A large parking area near the pavilion can accommodate 75 vehicles, and the pavilion has electrical outlets. Four charcoal grills, a restroom, and a water fountain are located near the pavilion. Short trails near the pavilion access an open playfield, picnic area, and the park's visitor center. Telegraph Pavilion is universally accessible since a 2025 renovation.

Prince William Forest Park became a national park during the Great Depression. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the previously over-farmed acreage, converting it to recreational lands for public use. The CCC built trails, dams and cabins, making the park a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation.

Recreation

The park offers many Things to Do including hiking, biking, orienteering and fishing. Hikers enjoy exploring the park's 37 miles (60 km) of foot trails.

The Crossing Trail, which follows part of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail begins at Telegraph Pavilion.

Bicyclists will find On and Off Road Biking on 21 miles (34 km) of paved roads within the park, including the 12-mile (19 km) Scenic Drive. Minimal traffic and a 25 m.p.h. (40 kph) speed limit make this a popular biking route. Mountain biking is also available on 10 miles (16 km) of gravel fire roads.

The park also boasts 30 orienteering courses with picturesque settings. Orienteering is a 19th century Scandinavian sport primarily used as military training. The courses were developed in 1972 and continue to provide hours of entertainment and exploration for park visitors.

Approximately 18 miles (29 km) of streams and two small lakes are open to the public for fishing. The water quality of Quantico Creek supports numerous fish species and other aquatic life. The most common fish species are bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass and channel catfish.

Facilities

The Telegraph Picnic Pavilion is a thirty foot by twenty foot, roof-covered pavilion with twelve picnic tables, four cooking grills and electric outlets. The pavilion can accommodate 30-40 people.

It is adjacent to a comfort station with food-service sinks and flush toilets, and there is wheelchair access to the pavilion from the picnic area's 75 parking spaces.

There are approximately twenty additional picnic tables scattered throughout the adjoining woods of Telegraph Picnic Area, most with grills.

A short path leads to spacious William's Ballfield (available first-come, first-serve), which is suitable for softball, Frisbee or other activities. The ballfield has a backstop and softball field, posts for a volleyball net, and horseshoe pits. Please note, your reservation is for the picnic pavilion only; the restroom, adjacent picnic tables, and ballfield can be used by other visitors.

Natural Features

Prince William Forest Park preserves approximately 15,000 acres (6070 ha) including a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. The area is the largest example of a piedmont forest ecosystem, the piedmont being the geographic plateau between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coast. The park represents one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area and is the National Park Service's third largest unit in Virginia.

Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any adventurous visitor.  

The park is home to many animals including 46 species of mammals, 22 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, more than 129 species of birds, 26 species of fish and an unknown number of invertebrates.

More than 900 plant species exist in Prince William Forest Park, from the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree. From tree bark in winter, wildflowers in spring, canopy cover in summer and autumn colors in fall, Prince William Forest Park offers beautiful scenery year-round.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (703) 221-7181.

Nearby Attractions

Prince William Forest Park is centrally located, with easy access to all of the attractions the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., area have to offer. From the park entrance, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the main gate of the United States Marine Corps Base Quantico are just a mile (1.6 km) away.  

The park is located directly between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Overview

Prince William Forest Park is located 35 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., the park's land was set aside during the Great Depression. In 1935 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the previously over-farmed acreage, converting it to recreational lands for public use. The CCC built trails, dams, and cabins, making the park a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation. Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground has nine (9) reservable wooded group campsites which can accommodate a maximum of 25 to 40 people per site. The campground has on-site restrooms (no showers), access to hiking trails, and a first come first served amphitheater with campfire ring. Parking is limited at Turkey Run Ridge Campground; it is recommended that visitors carpool when camping at this location.

Recreation

The park offers many recreational activities, including hiking, biking, orienteering and fishing. Hikers enjoy exploring the park's 37 miles of foot trails. Bicyclists will find 21 miles of paved roads within the park, including the 12-mile Scenic Drive. Little traffic and a 25 m.p.h. speed limit make this a popular biking spot. A 3-mile, family-friendly paved bike lane leads to the Oak Ridge campground. Mountain biking is also available on 10 miles of gravel fire roads. The park boasts 30 orienteering courses within a forested setting. Orienteering is a 19th century Scandinavian sport primarily used as military training. The courses were developed in 1972 and continue to provide hours of entertainment and exploration for park visitors. Approximately 18 miles of streams and two small lakes are open to the public for fishing. The water quality of Quantico Creek supports numerous fish species and other aquatic life. The most common fish species are bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.

Facilities

Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground, open year-round, is a camping facility for organized groups of seven or more people. It is the perfect place for scout troops and school groups. Six campsites hold up to 25 campers, and three campsites accommodate up to 40 campers. The campsites accommodate tents only. Each site has picnic tables, fire pits and a lantern post. Restrooms feature sinks and flush toilets. There is no shower facility. Water spigot availability is limited to the warmer months, specifically when nighttime temperatures consistently remain above freezing. During colder periods, spigots may not be operational. If camping during the winter or early spring, anticipate needing to fill your water bottles at the restroom sinks. Other water sources may be turned off during the colder months. Parking is limited for each site. Park in designated parking spots only. Carpooling is highly encouraged due to limited parking.

An amphitheater with bench seating and a large fire ring is available on a first come, first served basis. No overnight camping is permitted. Between dusk and dawn, the amphitheater is for use by those with a valid camping reservation only. Access to the amphitheater is limited to walking and the use of assistive mobility devices only.  Vehicles are not allowed to be driven to the amphitheater.

NOTE: Due to the amphitheater's proximity to a critical wastewater pump station, you may unpredictably experience an odor during certain weather conditions.  An alternative gathering site is located at the campfire circle adjacent to the main parking area near the NPS office building. Access to the alternative campfire circle is best by the bulletin board close to the building.

Natural Features

Prince William Forest Park preserves approximately 15,000 acres of Piedmont forest covering a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. The park represents one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area and is the third largest unit of the National Park System in Virginia, the largest example of a Piedmont forest ecosystem in the National Park System, making it a significant natural resource. Various geologic outcroppings, winding creeks, gentle rolling hills and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any venturing visitor. The park is home to 38 species of mammals, 24 species of amphibians, 27 species of reptiles, more than 100 species of birds, 23 species of fish and an unknown number of invertebrates. More than 700 plant species exist in Prince William Forest Park. From the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree, each species has a special role to play in this forest ecosystem. From tree bark in winter, wildflowers in spring, canopy cover in summer, and autumn colors in fall, Prince William Forest Park offers beautiful scenery year-round.

Nearby Attractions

Prince William Forest Park is centrally located, with easy access to all of the attractions the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., area have to offer. From the park entrance, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the main gate of the United States Marine Corps Base Quantico are just a mile away. The park is located directly between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park.