Cabin Camp 3
Prince William Forest Park
Cabin Camp 3 is located in Prince William Forest Park and is one of five large cabin camp facilities located in the park. Camp 3 is the only camp where visitors can rent a single cabin. There are thirteen cabins available for rent. The cabins are very rustic and provide a unique camping experience in Northern Virginia. The cabins offer easy access to 37 miles of hiking and 21 miles of biking trails in the park.
The park's land was set aside during the Great Depression, and in 1935 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the previously over-farmed acreage, converting it to recreational lands for public use. The CCC built trails, dams and cabins, making the park a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation.
The campground is open mid-April through the first weekend in November and there are three 4-person, seven 6-person, and three 10-person cabins. The 4-person and 6-person cabins are located in the "A" Unit and the 10-person cabins are located in the "B" Unit. There is a bath house with hot showers, a craft lodge, and a fire ring in both the A unit and the B unit. All campers renting cabins must share these common spaces.
Notifications and Alerts
A short section of Scenic Drive between park entrance road and Cabin Camp 3 is temporarily CLOSED on Tuesday-Thursday, April 15-17 from approximately 7:00 a.m. through approximately 4:00 p.m. daily. If you want to access the the trailheads on Scenic Drive or the campgrounds, a detour is available. Detour signs will direct visitors to the available bypass along Joplin Road to Park Headquarters Road. Detour Map
Need to Know
Maximum of 2 vehicles per reservation. Parking is limited in the main parking lot area. Vehicles are parked in a central parking lot. Campers must walk to the cabins, average is 550 feet (A Unit) and 900 feet (B Unit). Wheeled carts may be available to help with personal items.
All vehicles entering the park must pay the park vehicle entrance fee. This fee is not included in the reservation of a cabin. The entrance fee is not required if someone in the vehicle possesses a valid National Park Service or Prince William Forest Park annual or lifetime pass.
Firewood may or may not be available in the campground; If you bring your own firewood, it must be USDA certified ''bug-free'' firewood.
Cabin Camp permits may not be obtained by persons under 18 year of age.
Maximum of 14 nights camping during a calendar year. Visitors can apply for a waiver for additional nights camping.
No food concessions in the park
No pets are allowed in the historic cabins (except service animals).
Smoking is not permitted in any of the cabins or buildings.
Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Fires are not permitted outside of the provided grills and 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 subject to stiff fines and/or prosecution.
Electrical appliances (stoves, AC units, heaters, etc.) are prohibited.
This is only a guide and is not all inclusive. Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations and Superintendent's Compendium apply to the park. For further information, see the park website at https://nps.gov/prwi/learn/management/park-superintendent-compendium-revised.htm and for specific questions contact the Cabin Camp Office at 703-221-5843.
Natural Features
Prince William Forest Park preserves approximately 15,000 acres of Piedmont forest covering a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. The park represents one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area and is the third largest unit of the National Park System in Virginia. The area is the largest example of a Piedmont forest ecosystem in the National Park Service, making it a significant natural resource.
Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any adventurous visitor.
The park is home to 46 species of mammals, 22 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, more than 129 species of birds, 26 species of fish and an unknown number of invertebrates.
More than 900 plant species exist in Prince William Forest Park. From the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree, each species has a special role to play in this forest ecosystem. From tree bark in winter, wildflowers in spring, canopy cover in summer and autumn colors in fall, Prince William Forest Park offers beautiful scenery year-round.
Nearby Attractions
Prince William Forest Park is centrally located, with easy access to all of the attractions the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., area have to offer. From the park entrance, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the main gate of the United States Marine Corps Base Quantico are just a mile away.
The park is located directly between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Recreation
The park offers many recreational activities, including hiking, biking, orienteering and fishing. Hikers enjoy exploring the park's 37 miles of foot trails. Campers may hike South Orenda Road to South Valley Trail and Laurel Trail Loop.
Bicyclists will find 21 miles of paved roads within the park, including the 12-mile Scenic Drive. Little traffic and a 25 m.p.h. speed limit make this a popular biking spot. Mountain biking is also available on 10 miles of gravel fire roads.
The park boasts 30 orienteering courses with picturesque settings. Orienteering is a 19th century Scandinavian sport primarily used as military training. The courses were developed in 1972 and continue to provide hours of entertainment and exploration for park visitors.
Approximately 18 miles of streams and two small lakes are open to the public for fishing. The water quality of Quantico Creek supports numerous fish species and other aquatic life. The most common fish species are bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
Contact Information
ATTN: CABIN CAMPS 18100 PARK HEADQUARTERS RD TRIANGLE VA 22172
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 703-221-5843
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Washington, D.C., and points north, take I-95 south to exit 150-B toward VA Route 619/Joplin Road. The park entrance is the second right. Cabin Camp 3 is 2 miles from the park entrance along Scenic Drive.
From Fredericksburg, Virginia, and points south, take I-95 north to exit 150 toward VA Route 619/Joplin Road. Turn left at the bottom of the exit ramp and continue on VA Route 619 West approximately 1/4 mile to the park entrance.
Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are approximately 45 minutes drive-time from Prince William Forest Park. Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Richmond International Airport are 90 minutes away.
There is no bus service near the park. Local commuter buses may be available near the park via the PRTC system. Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express services are available in nearby Quantico, Virginia, approximately 5 miles from the park entrance. There is no public transportation directly to the park.
Available Campsites
- Site 9A, Loop A unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 2, Loop A unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 1, Loop A unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 8, Loop A unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 3, Loop B unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 3, Loop A unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 9, Loop A unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 6, Loop A unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 1, Loop B unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 5, Loop A unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 2, Loop B unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 7, Loop A unit, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 4, Loop A unit, Type Cabin Electric
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