Camp HappyLand

A unit sleeping cabins in Camp HappyLand

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Camp HappyLand (Cabin Camp 5) is currently closed while camp improvements are under construction.


Camp HappyLand (Cabin Camp 5) is the only cabin camp that is open year-round. The last camp to be built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Camp HappyLand can accommodate up to 205 campers in the summer in two large camp units. Dormitory style buildings with heating were added to the camp in the 1960s allowing the camp to stay open in the winter at a limited capacity (104 people). Camp HappyLand is also the only cabin camp with a large outdoor pavilion containing a stage and a large stone fireplace.

 

Camp HappyLand map - Click to enlarge

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Facilities

Cabins:

Camp HappyLand is set up in two units with cabins that sleeps 2 to 4 people and the larger dormitory buildings that each sleep 26. In the dormitory buildings, there are lights, electrical outlets, bunks and vinyl mattresses, showers and restrooms. Dormitory buildings have heat, but no air conditioning. In each cabin, there are lights, electrical outlets, cots and vinyl mattresses. Sleeping cabins do not have heat or air conditioning. Campers should bring all gear including bedding, pillows, and towels.

Restrooms:

Each unit has a central bathhouse with showers. The two dormitories in each unit also have a small restroom and shower. There are also restrooms located in the dining hall and infirmary. Campers are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing floors, shower stalls, sinks, and toilets. Plungers and toilet brushes are provided. Campers must bring hand soap, detergents, and other necessary toiletries. Toilet paper is provided.

 

Each cabin camp has a 10 burner stove and large griddle

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Kitchen and Dining Hall:

The dining hall seats up to 120 people and has a commercial kitchen. The park does not provide food. The kitchen is equipped with the following:

• 10 burner gas stove
• 3 ovens
• Large griddle
• Walk-in refrigerator
• Freezer
• Large sinks
• Food warming station with 4 trays
• Storage space
• Plenty of counter space

Groups may do their own cooking or utilize a caterer. Groups should bring utensils, pots, pans, baking sheets, cutlery, and other kitchen tools. The dining hall provides wooden tables and benches. Groups may use the fireplaces inside the dining hall. Groups are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the dining hall after use. Sleeping is not permitted in the dining hall, per fire code.

Craft Lodges:

Sleeping is not permitted in the craft lodges. The fireplaces may be used, per fire code. The craft lodges are a wonderful place for small gatherings and for their traditional use as a space for children's crafts.

Fires:

Groups may use the outside fire pits and fireplaces in the dining hall and craft lodges. In order to avoid the spread of invasive and forest damaging pests, firewood purchased or brought from outside the park must be USDA certified pest free or from within 50 miles of the park.

Infirmary:

The infirmary sleeps 10 people and has a refrigerator and a private restroom with a shower. When the camp first opened in the mid 1930s, the infirmary was used by nurses to administer care to the youth camping there. Today the infirmary is a sleeping cabin that many groups use for the VIPs in their group because of the added amenities that the other cabins do not have.

 

Book Now

To stay at Cabin Camp 5, fill out the Cabin Camp Application for 2026. Submit it and the $25 application fee to:

Prince William Forest Park
ATTN: Cabin Camps
18100 Park Headquarters Rd.
Triangle, VA 22172

Email or call 703-221-5843 for more information about the application.

Season	Price Per Night	Capacity	Check-In Time	Check-Out Time
Mid April to Early November	$900	205	3:00 p.m.	1:00 p.m.
Mid November to Early April	$750	104	3:00 p.m.	1:00 p.m.

Please be aware that all cabin campers are required to pay the park entrance fee or possess a valid America the Beautiful pass.

 

Lake 2 and 5

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Know Before You Go

Cleaning:

It is the group's responsibility to clean the facilities prior to check-out. Cleaning supplies are not provided except for brooms, mops, and mop buckets. We recommend you bring the following items:

• Floor cleaner (environmentally friendly)
• Multi-purpose cleaner (environmentally friendly)
• Glass cleaner (environmentally friendly)
• Rags and/or paper towels
• Lemon juice (for cleaning the griddle)

Trash/Recycle:

All trash will be deposited in trash cans that are located throughout the camp. Trash cans should be emptied daily into the receptacles behind the dining hall. We encourage recycling and these receptacles are also located outside of the dining halls. Recyclable items includes cans, plastic bottles #1 and #2, and clean paper and cardboard products.

Parking:

Camp HappyLand has a designated parking area. One vehicle is permitted to remain at the dining hall throughout your encampment. If a member of your group has a vehicle with a handicap license plate or valid hangtag, they are permitted to remain parked at the dining hall. No other vehicles are authorized to remain parked at the dining hall or any other buildings within the cabin camp. Campers are allowed to park at the dining hall to load and unload vehicles, but once completed, they must be parked in the designated parking area. No more than two vehicles can be parked behind the dining hall at one time. It is recommended that visitors carpool as much as possible due to limited parking.

Recreation:

There is a small field area available for outdoor activities. Access to Lake 5 is a short walk from the camp. Hiking and biking trails are a short distance from the camp.

Check-In:

The check-in time is 3:00 pm. The Permitee must be present for the check-in process duting which a park representative will inspect the facilities and cover emergency procedures, specific cleaning procedures, and provide last minute information. Early check-in is not allowed without permission.

Check-Out:

The check-out time is 1:00 pm. The camp must be clean and emptied of all Permitee and guest’s equipment, trash, and personal effects prior to the time of check-out. The Permitee must be present for the check-out process during which a park representative will inspect the facilities for cleanliness and any damages.

 

Prince William Forest Park Law Enforcement Vehicle

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Rules and Regulations

• All emergencies, accidents, and incidents, shall be reported to: 24 HOUR ASSISTANCE LINE - 1-866-677-6677
• All pets are prohibited in the cabin camp area, cabins, and camp buildings (except service animals).
• Smoking is not permitted in any of the cabins or buildings.
• To prevent animal and pest problems, campers must place trash in provided covered trash receptacles or take trash with them upon departure.
• Fires are not permitted outside of the council rings and designated fireplaces.
• Camping tents, screen tents or other structures are not permitted in the cabin camp.
• Removal or moving of picnic tables, beds, or mattresses is prohibited.
• Vandalism of cabins and other buildings is against federal law and is subject to fines and/or prosecution.
• Electrical appliances (such as stoves, AC Units, and heaters) are prohibited.
• No nails, tape, tacks, staples, screws, or other hardware or adhesives may be applied or attached to the interior or exterior of camp buildings, structures, or to trees.
• Facilities that are not included in the permit should not be entered or used at any time.
• The camp is subject to inspection by the Park Superintendent or his/her representative at any time.
• The exchange of money is not permitted within the park.

See park faqs for more information.

Directions

GPS Address: 17425 Mawavi Rd. Triangle, VA 22172.

From Points North Use Interstate 95 South. Take Virginia exit 150B onto Joplin Road, Rte. 619. Continue west on Joplin Road for four and a half miles. Turn right on Mawavi Road. Mawavi Road is gravelled. In one-eighth of a mile, the road comes to a T intersection. Turn right to Camp HappyLand (Cabin Camp 5). Drive one quarter mile to the parking lot.

From Points South Use Interstate 95 North. Take Virginia exit 150. At the stopsign at the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left. Continue west on Joplin Road, Rte. 619 for five miles. Turn right on Mawavi Road. Mawavi Road is gravelled. In one-eighth of a mile, the road comes to a T intersection. Turn right to Camp HappyLand (Cabin Camp 5). Drive one quarter mile to the parking lot.

From Points West From the community of Independent Hill, use Joplin Road, Rte. 619 to approach the camp. Turn left at Mawavi Road. Mawavi Road is gravelled. In one-eighth of a mile, the road comes to a T intersection. Turn right to reach Camp HappyLand (Cabin Camp 5). Drive one quarter mile to the parking lot.