Turkey Run Ridge Group

Prince William Forest Park is located 35 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. 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. The CCC built trails, dams and cabins, making the park a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation. Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground, open year-round, is a camping facility for organized groups of seven or more people — the perfect place for scout troops and school groups. Its nine reservable wooded group campsites accommodate tents only: six hold up to 25 campers and three accommodate up to 40. 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. If camping during the winter or early spring, anticipate needing to fill your water bottles at the restroom sinks, as other water sources may be turned off. Parking is limited for each site, so park in designated spots only; carpooling is highly encouraged. An amphitheater with bench seating and a large fire ring is available on a first come, first served basis. No overnight camping is permitted there, and between dusk and dawn it is for use by those with a valid camping reservation only. Access is limited to walking and the use of assistive mobility devices; vehicles are not allowed to be driven to the amphitheater. Note that 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, best reached by the bulletin board close to the building. 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, including the 12-mile Scenic Drive — little traffic and a 25 m.p.h. speed limit make this a popular biking spot — plus a 3-mile, family-friendly paved bike lane leading to the Oak Ridge campground and 10 miles of gravel fire roads for mountain biking. The park boasts 30 orienteering courses within a forested setting; developed in 1972, they 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, most commonly for bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Prince William Forest Park preserves approximately 15,000 acres of Piedmont forest covering a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. It is one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area, the third largest unit of the National Park System in Virginia, and the largest example of a Piedmont forest ecosystem in the National Park System. 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 more than 700 plant species. From the park entrance, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the main gate of Marine Corps Base Quantico are just a mile away, and the park is located directly between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park.