• dogwood across creek

    Prince William Forest

    Park Virginia

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • 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.

Picnic in the Park

Pine Grove Picnic Area

Pine Grove Picnic Area

National Park Service

Prince William Forest Park offers a wide range of picnic options.

Larger groups might prefer to reserve Telegraph Picnic Pavilion or one of the park's historic cabin camps for their picnic outing. You can make a reservation for Telegraph Picnic Pavilion on Recreation.gov.

Pine Grove Picnic Area is available on a first-come, first serve basis. Located adjacent to the visitor center and less than 1 mile from the park entrance, this picnic area is the perfect place for a quick picnic lunch on your way into DC. This picnic area has a pavilion, picnic tables, bathrooms and grills.

If picnic tables is all you need, you can also picnic at Parking Lot "E" on the park Scenic Drive. This small picnic area consists of a few picnic tables. It is well situated to work as a mid-point for many hikes in the park.

To find out about more about these picnic options, please call the visitor center at 703-221-7181 or e-mail us. Prince William Forest Park is a trash-free park, so please plan to pack-out all of the trash and recycling that you bring into the park.

Did You Know?

Eastern Box Turtle

Capable of living as long as 100 years, the Eastern Box Turtle is Prince William Forest Park's longest living reptile, and if conditions are just right, can spend their entire life in an area no larger than a football field.