Turkey Run Ridge Group

National Park Service campground, 10 sites

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.