Prince William Forest RV Campground serves as a central base for Triangle, Virginia camping trips. Located near Quantico Marine Base, the campground offers access to the surrounding 15,000-acre Prince William Forest Park with its Piedmont forest ecosystem. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures reaching 90°F and mild winters. Terrain varies from gently rolling hills to stream valleys with elevations ranging between 200-500 feet.
What to do
Historical sites: 10 miles from camp. The National Museum of the Marine Corps sits just minutes from Prince William Forest RV Campground, providing educational opportunities for campers. "Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H. The museum offers free admission and ample parking.
Hiking: Accessible trail network. Oak Ridge Campground connects to over 37 miles of hiking trails through Prince William Forest. "We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things. Definitely worth exploring," shares Daniel S. The South Valley Trail follows Quantico Creek and offers scenic forest views.
Water recreation: Seasonal activities. Thousand Trails Harbor View provides water-based recreation opportunities on the Potomac River. "Nearby Colonial Beach is a cute area that has nice waterfront access. We also loved going to Westmoreland park which was practically next door to Harbor View. Great trails and fossil beach was fun," says Ariel F. The fossil beach allows visitors to search for prehistoric shark teeth.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained. Bull Run Regional Park receives praise for its well-kept amenities. "I'll go again just for the showers. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," writes Yvonne B. The bathrooms feature modern fixtures and marble tile in some locations.
Private sites: Natural separation. Campers appreciate the layout at many Triangle area campgrounds. "The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they're very private with woods between each one," reports Caitlin A. about Smallwood State Park. Most sites feature natural buffers of trees and vegetation that create privacy between camping spots.
Pool access: Seasonal swimming. Many campers enjoy the swimming options during summer months. "Small pool. Quiet campground with tables and fire rings at all sites," says Mary P. about Prince William Forest RV Campground. The pool typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
What you should know
Military noise: Base operations nearby. The proximity to Quantico Marine Base means occasional training noise. "We were in Loop C and could hear activity at Quantico. Lots of air noise too, from both airplanes and helicopters," shares Tracy R. Weekends typically have more activity than weekdays.
Tick prevention: Necessary precaution. Wooded sites require tick awareness, particularly in spring and summer. "Ticks were really bad. We killed dozens and ended up taking at least one with us when we left," cautions a reviewer about Oak Ridge Campground. Permethrin-treated clothing and regular tick checks are recommended.
Seasonal closures: Limited winter options. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp remains open year-round, but some Triangle area campgrounds close seasonally. "Oak Ridge operating only from March through October," notes a camper. Reservations are particularly important during peak fall foliage season from late October through early November.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options. "Nice, clean bathroom and pool. Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants," writes Laura G. Most rv campgrounds near Triangle, Virginia feature playground equipment, with some offering additional recreation fields.
Metro access: DC day trips. Cherry Hill Park provides convenient transportation options for families wanting to visit Washington DC attractions. "The park is close to Washington DC and offers a concierge service for tours and things to do. On site are pools, splash pad, rv supplies and repair parts, a snack bar and lots more," explains Scott C. The trip takes approximately 30-45 minutes by bus.
Nature programs: Educational activities. Prince William Forest Park offers junior ranger programs during summer months. "The day use area seems to see the most action (and maintenance) in the park, by far," notes a visitor. The nature center provides hands-on exhibits about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring equipment. Some RV sites require leveling blocks. "Site was the last site available when I made the reservation about 6 weeks prior. Site 9 is next to the bathhouse and across from the dumpsters. Neither was an issue," explains Laure D. Most RV campgrounds in Triangle, Virginia have a mix of level and slightly sloped sites.
Hookup variations: Check specifics. Some campgrounds offer limited hookup options. "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained," says Megan K. about Prince William Forest RV Campground. Water hookups may be shared between sites in some locations.
Satellite reception: Tree coverage impacts. The wooded nature of Triangle area campgrounds affects satellite reception. "Lots are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space," explains a camper. Cellular service through Verizon and Google Fi typically works well throughout the area.
