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Firewood
Outside firewood is prohibited in Prince William Forest Park, unless it is certified USDA 'bug free' firewood. Any dead and downed wood can be collected in the park for in-park use. Help us protect the forest from invasive species!
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Oak Ridge Campground B and C Loops Full 5/26
The B and C Loops of Oak Ridge Campground are full for Saturday night, May 26th. A loop is a first come, first served loop of the campground so you can arrive early to get a site. Call the visitor center from 9 to 5 for a current A Loop site count.
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Sold Out of the Military Pass
We have sold out of our cache of the new InterAgency Military Pass. We have ordered 500 more and will post here and on our facebook/twitter pages when our shipment arrives.
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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.
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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.
Oak Ridge Trail
National Park Service Site of 2006 Wildfire Oak Ridge Trail (1.6 miles; 2.6 km) Oak Ridge Trail is a short, level trail that starts at Oak Ridge Campground and ends on Old Black Top Road. The trail is marked with yellow blazes and has opportunities to see beaver activity. At the beginning of the hike you will notice burn marks on most the trees in the forest. This is the result of a 318-acre wildland fire that began near the B-loop of Oak Ridge Campground. The fire began on March 27, 2006 and was finally extinguished on April 4, 2006 due to the efforts of over 70 wildland firefighters. To view the full story refer to park newsletter, The Oasis, Vol. 1 Issue 8. 
National Park Service Small creek along Oak Ridge Trail Just down from the campground, South Valley Trail will branch off to the right. After about 15 minutes, you will cross over Scenic Drive. Continue on for another 20 minutes and you will come to a small creek meandering through the forest. 
National Park Service Beaver Dam 
National Park Service Ground Cedar along trail edges Notice the ground cedar that covers the forest floor. Ground cedar (Lycopodium complanatum) is small, perennial plant with horizontal stems that creep along the forest floor. They grow up to a meter long with flattened, cedar-like stems. |
Did You Know?
Prince William Forest Park was used by the Office of Strategic Services (forerunner to the CIA) as a training camp for spies during World War II. Today, you can rent a cabin where spies once learned their trade.