Burke Lake group camping area A

Nestled within the beloved Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia, Burke Lake Group Camping Area A offers a premier destination specifically designed for larger gatherings seeking an immersive outdoor experience. While Burke Lake Park is well-known for its family-friendly campground and extensive recreational offerings, Group Camping Area A provides a dedicated, spacious, and convenient solution for scout troops, youth organizations, family reunions, and other large groups looking to connect with nature and each other.

Burke Lake Park itself is a sprawling natural oasis in Northern Virginia, centered around a picturesque 218-acre lake. It boasts a reputation as one of Virginia's most popular fishing spots and offers a wealth of activities from boating and hiking to miniature golf and a charming carousel and train ride. Group Camping Area A allows groups to enjoy these amenities while having a secluded and designated space to set up their camp. It's a perfect blend of rustic camping with easy access to modern conveniences and a multitude of recreational opportunities. This article will guide you through the specifics of Burke Lake Group Camping Area A, highlighting its location, available services, key features, and why it's an excellent choice for local groups in Virginia seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Burke Lake Group Camping Area A is located within the expansive Burke Lake Park, at 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, USA. While the provided Google Plus Code "QM9X+XG, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, USA" pinpoints the general vicinity, the primary address for the park is 7315 Ox Road. Fairfax Station is a community in Fairfax County, Virginia, placing this highly popular park and its group camping area conveniently within Northern Virginia.

The park's location offers exceptional accessibility for groups traveling from across the state and the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Main roads lead directly to the park entrance, and within the park, clear signage guides visitors to the campground areas, including the designated group sites. Although the group camping area provides a sense of seclusion within the wooded park, it remains easily accessible for vehicle arrival and departure. This balance of natural immersion and convenient access makes Burke Lake Group Camping Area A an attractive option for organizers looking to minimize travel time for participants while maximizing outdoor engagement. The surrounding area of Fairfax Station also offers easy access to amenities like grocery stores for last-minute supplies, ensuring a smooth and stress-free group camping experience.

Burke Lake Group Camping Area A is designed to cater specifically to the needs of larger groups, providing essential services to facilitate a comfortable and functional stay:

• Spacious Group Campsites: The "Flexible Group Campsite" (which Group Camping Area A falls under) is designed to accommodate up to 18 people initially, with the option to combine multiple sites for even larger groups (up to 100 people in "Wilderness Camping" zones, which may include areas like A). These sites are spacious, offering ample room for multiple tents. While these are typically non-electric, they are set within shaded areas of the forest.

• Individual Site Amenities: Each group campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a grill/fire ring combo. These are fundamental for group meals and evening campfires, fostering a classic camping atmosphere.

• Bathhouse Access: Campers at Group Camping Area A have access to the main campground's bathhouses. These facilities are consistently praised for being clean, well-maintained, and offering flushing toilets, sinks, and showers with plenty of hot water. Some bathhouses may also include private shower sanctuaries for added comfort.

• Potable Water: Potable water spigots are available within the campground area, providing easy access to drinking water for groups.

• Central Dump Station: For groups utilizing RVs (though the park has an RV length limit of 25 feet for non-hookup sites), a sanitary dump station is available for registered campers' convenience. Non-campers can use it for a fee.

• Camp Store: The on-site camp store is a valuable resource, providing essentials like ice, firewood (only wood bought at FCPA campgrounds is permitted to be used or stored on FCPA property to prevent pest spread), charcoal, snacks, drinks, and some basic camping goods. This helps groups quickly acquire forgotten items without leaving the park.

• Reservations: Group camping sites, including Area A, must be reserved in advance through the Fairfax County Park Authority online system or by calling the information center. This ensures the space is secured for your group's specific dates.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Leashed dogs are welcome in the campground, allowing all members of the group, including furry friends, to enjoy the outdoor experience. Owners are expected to adhere to leash laws and clean up after their pets.

The services at Burke Lake Group Camping Area A are thoughtfully provided to support a smooth and enjoyable group camping experience, blending natural appeal with necessary conveniences.

The appeal of Burke Lake Group Camping Area A is significantly enhanced by the vast array of features and activities available within the larger Burke Lake Park, making it a dynamic destination for groups:

• 218-Acre Lake Activities: The centerpiece of the park is Burke Lake, renowned as one of Virginia's top fishing holes for largemouth bass. Groups can enjoy fishing from the shore or rent rowboats, kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats from the marina to explore the lake (fishing licenses required for those 16 and older). No outside motorized boats are permitted.

• Miniature Train and Carousel: Perfect for families and youth groups, the park features a delightful 1/3 scale miniature train that chugs through the scenic park and an old-fashioned carousel, providing nostalgic fun and photo opportunities.

• 4.7-Mile Lake Trail: A paved, multi-use trail encircles Burke Lake, ideal for walking, running, or biking. It features numerous pieces of fitness equipment along its path, offering a unique opportunity for active group outings and fitness challenges.

• Disc Golf Course: The park boasts an 18-hole disc golf course, providing a fun and challenging activity for groups of all skill levels. Discs can often be purchased at the camp store.

• Mini Golf Course: A family-friendly mini-golf course offers another lighthearted competitive activity for groups, located conveniently near the main park attractions.

• Ice Cream Parlor: A seasonal ice cream parlor provides a sweet treat for campers and visitors, perfect for cooling off after a day of activities.

• Playgrounds and Athletic Fields: Numerous playgrounds are scattered throughout the park, and athletic fields are available for group games like soccer or softball, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

• Guided Programs and Events: Burke Lake Park frequently hosts various programs and special events, including guided nature hikes, fishing clinics, campfire cooking demonstrations, and even "Family Campout" events led by naturalists. These can be excellent additions to a group's itinerary (check the FCPA programs schedule).

• Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching: The extensive wooded areas and lake habitat provide opportunities for groups to observe local wildlife, including a variety of bird species, making it an educational and serene experience.

These extensive features ensure that groups camping at Burke Lake Group Camping Area A will find no shortage of engaging activities to complement their outdoor retreat.

As part of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) system, Burke Lake Campground, including its group camping areas, may offer various promotions or packages, though these are more commonly seen for individual family campsites or specific park activities rather than direct discounts on group site fees. However, the park often provides value through bundled offers and structured programs.

Potential "special offers" that might be relevant for groups could include:

• Group Camping Rates: While not a "promotion," the pricing for flexible group campsites is structured to be economical for larger numbers of people. For instance, a "Flexible Group Campsite" has a base reservation fee that covers up to 18 campers, with additional per-person fees for larger numbers, which can be cost-effective compared to booking many individual sites.

• "Camp and Play Bundles": The FCPA often offers "Camp and Play Bundles" that can be added to any campground reservation. While the primary target is often family campers, some elements, like discounts on amusement rides (carousel, mini-golf), boat rentals, or even supplies (firewood, s'mores kits), could be beneficial for group organizers to enhance their stay. Examples might include the "Park Ambassador" bundle which provides free amusements and boat rentals.

• Seasonal Activities and Programs: The park regularly schedules free or low-cost educational and recreational programs, such as campfire demonstrations, nature walks, or fishing basics. While not a direct discount on camping, participating in these adds significant value to a group's experience.

• Off-Season Value: While Burke Lake Campground is typically open from the third weekend in April through the last weekend in October for tent and group camping, RV sites with electric hookups may be available year-round. Off-season or weekday rates are often lower, providing a cost-saving opportunity for groups with flexible schedules.

For the most accurate and current information on pricing, any specific group rates, or available bundles/promotions, group organizers should directly contact the Burke Lake Park office or visit the official Fairfax County Park Authority website, specifically the Burke Lake Campground section. This ensures you have the most up-to-date details for planning your group's outing.

For reservations, detailed information about Burke Lake Group Camping Area A, or general inquiries about Burke Lake Park, please use the following contact details:

Park Address: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, USA

Campground/Park Office Phone: (703) 323-6600

You can also find comprehensive information, make reservations, and explore park programs through the official Fairfax County Park Authority website (fairfaxcounty.gov/parks). Calling the park office is highly recommended for group camping inquiries, as staff can provide specific details on availability, booking procedures for large groups, and current park conditions.

For Virginia locals, particularly those in Northern Virginia, Burke Lake Group Camping Area A at Burke Lake Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous choice for group outdoor experiences. Its unique combination of prime location, dedicated group facilities, and a wealth of park amenities makes it an ideal destination for various organizations and gatherings.

Firstly, its convenient location in Fairfax Station makes it easily accessible from across Northern Virginia and the broader D.C. metropolitan area. This drastically reduces travel time for group participants, allowing more time to be spent on activities and less on commuting. For local scout troops, youth groups, or large families, this proximity means easier logistics and a less stressful journey to their outdoor retreat.

Secondly, the specialized group camping area within Burke Lake Park is a significant advantage. Designed to accommodate larger numbers with dedicated space, picnic tables, and fire rings, it simplifies the planning process for organizers. Combined with access to clean bathhouses with hot showers and potable water, it strikes a perfect balance between primitive outdoor living and necessary comfort, ensuring all group members, from children to adults, have an enjoyable stay.

Finally, the myriad of recreational activities available within Burke Lake Park transforms a simple camping trip into a multifaceted adventure. From the tranquility of fishing and boating on the lake to the excitement of the miniature train, carousel, disc golf, and miles of trails, there's literally something for every age and interest. This extensive array of features ensures that groups will have ample opportunities for bonding, recreation, and learning, creating memorable experiences without ever having to leave the park. For Virginians seeking a comprehensive, convenient, and truly enjoyable group camping destination, Burke Lake Group Camping Area A offers an unparalleled local solution.

Burke Lake group camping area A

QM9X+XG, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, USA