Cabin Camp 3

Cabin Camp 3 is one of five large cabin camp facilities in Prince William Forest Park, and the only one where visitors can rent a single cabin. There are thirteen cabins available; they are very rustic and provide a unique camping experience in Northern Virginia, with easy access to 37 miles (60 km) of hiking and 21 miles (34 km) of biking trails. The park's land was set aside during the Great Depression, and in 1935 the Civilian Conservation Corps began restoring the previously over-farmed acreage, converting it to recreational lands for public use, and built trails, dams, and cabins. The camp is open mid-April through the first weekend in November. There are three 4-person, seven 6-person, and three 10-person cabins; the 4- and 6-person cabins are in the "A" Unit and the 10-person cabins are in the "B" Unit. Each cabin has metal cots with vinyl mattresses, a closet, lights, and a ceiling fan, with a grill and picnic table outside. Each unit has a bath house with hot showers and a craft lodge; all campers renting cabins share these common spaces. Hikers enjoy exploring the park's 37 miles of foot trails, and campers may hike South Orenda Road to South Valley Trail and the Laurel Trail Loop. Bicyclists will find 21 miles (34 km) of paved roads within the park, including the 12-mile (19 km) Scenic Drive, where minimal traffic and a 25 m.p.h. speed limit make for a popular route; a 3-mile (5 km) family-friendly paved bike lane leads to the campground, and mountain biking is available on 10 miles (16 km) of gravel fire roads. The park also has 30 orienteering courses in picturesque settings, developed in 1972. Approximately 18 miles (29 km) of streams and two small lakes are open for fishing, and the water quality of Quantico Creek supports numerous fish species, most commonly bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Prince William Forest Park preserves approximately 15,000 acres (6070 ha), including a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. It is the largest example of a piedmont forest ecosystem, the piedmont being the plateau between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coast, and one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area. Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes, and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations. The park is home to 46 species of mammals, 22 amphibians, 25 reptiles, more than 129 birds, 26 fish, and more than 900 plant species. From tree bark in winter and wildflowers in spring to canopy cover in summer and autumn colors in fall, the park offers beautiful scenery year-round.