• dogwood across creek

    Prince William Forest

    Park Virginia

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  • Firewood

    Outside firewood is prohibited in Prince William Forest Park, unless it is certified USDA 'bug free' firewood. Dead and downed wood may be collected from designated areas for use while in the park. Help us protect the forest from invasive species!

  • Warm Wet Spring = More Ticks

    Please check yourself and your pets for ticks continually during and after your visit. Ticks are less prevelent if you stay on trail or in mowed areas. Wearing light colored clothing helps you spot them before the attach.

  • Temp. Closure C-Loop Bathroom

    Due to sequestration cuts, the C-Loop bathroom at Oak Ridge Campground will remain closed. Please use the B-Loop restroom, a short walking distance away. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Lizards

lizard
National Park Service
 
skink

Skink
If you spot a fast streak of blue rushing under a rock at your approach, chances are you just spotted a skink. A skink is a type of lizard that can tolerate a temperate climate and enjoys living in building foundations, under logs, and in rock walls. They are extremely fast and you must be quick to see them out in the open. The young skinks have bright blue tails that will detach to help them escape from predators. They have very smooth skin and are sleek in appearance.

 
fence lizard on log

Sean McCann

Eastern Fence Lizard
These lizards can be even harder to spot than skinks! They have amazing camouflage and lightning quick speed. Fence lizards are most often seen on trees or possibly scurrying under a bush. They have a more typical 'lizard' appearance, with rough scaly skin.

Did You Know?

American beaver

By the 1900s, Beavers were entirely extirpated from Virginia and were difficult to find across the entire lower 48 states due to over-consumption by humans.  In 1950, Boy Scouts reintroduced 5 beavers into Prince William Forest Park.  Today are more than 80 beavers in the 15,000 acre park.