Car Camping - Prince William Forest Park + Uncle Julio's
Details
Prince William Forest Park is a 15,000-acre national park near Dumfries, VA that includes 37 miles of hiking trails and is home to a wealth of natural and cultural resources. We will enjoy a low-key night of car camping at the Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground and may also enjoy the nearby trails, time and interest permitting.
We will meet on the sidewalk between the parking garage and the bus lane at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at 11:30 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 45 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Length: ? Miles
- Duration: 2 Days
- Elevation Gain: ? Feet
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: The driver of each vehicle will need to present a National Park Pass or pay $20 to enter the park. Each attendee will be asked to cover between $5-$10 for their share of the camping reservation, depending on how many people attend. You can give me cash or send me money via PayPal or Venmo.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash at the park, but not at the post-trip meal location.
- Parking: Franconia-Springfield Metro Station (Free garage parking is available if you aren't driving to the trailhead.)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.58210053428593, -77.37306213512657
- AllTrails Maps: N/A
Trail Details:
After arriving at the campsite no earlier than 12:30 PM on Saturday we will set up our tents and perhaps enjoy some lunch. (All meals are your responsibility, although you are welcome to bring food and beverages to share.) After that we can go on walks, play games, or just sit and talk around the fire. Please feel free to suggest fun group activities. On Sunday we need to be out of our campsite no later than 12:00 PM.
I plan to stop at Uncle Julio's in Woodbridge, VA on the way home -- the address is 14900 Potomac Town Pl Unit 150, Woodbridge, VA 22191.
Gear List
Note: Be prepared for varying temperatures; layering is key.
Essential Items:
- Tent
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures
- Food and the means to cook and eat it.
- A way to store the potable water available at the site
- A day pack if you plan to go for a hike
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Toiletries
- Rain gear
- Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
Optional Items:
- Personal first aid kit
- Map and compass or GPS device
- Power bank or external battery
- Trekking poles
- Camp shoes
- Electrolyte supplements
- Alcohol
- Books, games, or other entertainment
- Gaiters
- Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent
Saturday Itinerary:
11:30 AM: Meet at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.
11:45 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
12:30 PM: Arrive and set up camp.
(Enjoy the rest of the day.)
Sunday Itinerary:
12:00 PM: Leave our campsite.
12:30 PM: Arrive at Uncle Julio's.
2:00 PM: Depart for the carpooling location.
2:30 PM: Arrive at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.
(Setting the end time to 3:30 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.
For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!