Bushey Point Group Camp

For Virginia residents in the bustling Northern Virginia and greater Washington D.C. area, finding a truly natural escape that accommodates a larger group can be a challenge. The **Bushey Point Group Camp**, situated within the historic and scenic **Leesylvania State Park** in Woodbridge, VA, provides that perfect balance. This facility is a dedicated, primitive campground designed specifically for groups—such as scout troops, church youth groups, school outings, or large family gatherings—seeking an authentic, tents-only outdoor experience along the tidal shores of the **Potomac River**.

Managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Bushey Point offers a secluded area within the park's 556 acres of natural and historical splendor. While the park is largely known as a popular day-use destination for its boat launch, fishing pier, and trails, the group camp provides the rare opportunity for Virginians to stay overnight and fully immerse themselves in the park's environment. The campground’s setting at the southern end of the park ensures a sense of separation and quiet from the main recreational areas, promoting a genuine community camping atmosphere.

The surrounding park is rich with history, having been home to Native Americans for thousands of years and the birthplace of Colonel Henry Lee III (Light Horse Harry). This location allows local users to not only enjoy the beautiful tidal freshwater environment of the Potomac but also to connect with Virginia's deep historical roots. The primitive nature of the camping—meaning tents-only and limited amenities—is a deliberate feature, emphasizing the educational and self-sufficient spirit of group outdoor adventure. Reservations are required and highly sought after, making it a valuable, reserved resource for Virginia's group outdoor enthusiasts.

The Bushey Point Group Camp is a specific area located inside **Leesylvania State Park**, found in **Woodbridge, Virginia 22191**. The park is centrally located in Prince William County, making it highly accessible for residents of Northern Virginia and those traveling from the Richmond area.

The official park address is **2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191**. Despite its relative proximity—only about 25 miles from Washington D.C.—the park feels like a true retreat. Access to the group camp area is typically managed through the main park entrance and contact station, which requires visitors to pay the standard Virginia State Park parking fee. The group camp itself is strategically placed on the southern end of the park, near the small boat launch area and the beginning of the accessible Bushey Point Trail, ensuring relative seclusion but still within walking distance of the park's main activities. Its location on a peninsula jutting into the Potomac River guarantees scenic views and easy access to the water activities that draw so many Virginians to this state park.

As a primitive group campsite, the services at Bushey Point are focused on essential needs for groups, while maintaining the rustic, low-impact nature of the area.

• **Group Campground Type:** Tents-only, primitive camping facilities available for groups.
• **Water Access:** A **water spigot** is available within the group camp area for drinking and general use.
• **Cooking and Gathering:** Each site includes **picnic tables, benches, and a large fire pit** for communal cooking and gatherings.
• **Recreational Field:** An **adjacent large, open field** is available, ideal for group recreational activities and games.
• **Sanitation:** Restroom facilities are available in nearby areas of the park, though they are not immediately attached to the primitive group site.
• **Reservations:** Group camping reservations are **required** and must be made directly through the Leesylvania State Park office, especially since availability is limited from March to October.
• **Day-Use Proximity:** Campers have convenient access to the park’s main day-use amenities, including the Visitor Center, boat launch, and fishing pier.

It is important for prospective Virginia groups to understand that this is a primitive experience, meaning full hookups, showers, or individual site electric are not provided, promoting a classic, self-sufficient camping adventure.

The Bushey Point Group Camp is particularly appealing for its unique combination of seclusion and access to top-tier Northern Virginia recreational features:

• **Potomac River Access:** Excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing right on the tidal Potomac River, known as an excellent largemouth bass fishery.
• **Historic Setting:** The park is a Registered National Historic Landmark, allowing campers to explore sites like Freestone Point, the location of a Confederate gun battery, and the ancestral home of the Lee family.
• **Bushey Point Trail:** The camp is located near the easy, handicap-accessible **Bushey Point Trail**, which offers scenic overlooks of Powell’s Creek and the Potomac shore.
• **Small-Boat Launch:** Close proximity to the small, cartop launch area on Powells Creek, perfect for groups using canoes or kayaks.
• **Universally Accessible Pier:** Campers can easily access the park's **300-foot accessible fishing pier** at Freestone Point.
• **Seclusion for Groups:** The camp is intentionally separated from the park’s heavily trafficked areas, providing a more intimate and focused outdoor experience for organizations.

All information, reservations, and inquiries regarding the Bushey Point Group Camp are managed by the staff at Leesylvania State Park.

• **Address:** 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191
• **Phone (Park Office/Reservations):** (703) 730-8205
• **Non-Emergency Park Support:** (800) 933-7275
• **Email:** leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov

For Virginians organizing a large gathering, the Bushey Point Group Camp offers an exceptional and unique value proposition: it is a dedicated **group-only, primitive camping area** in a premier State Park setting. While the Northern Virginia area offers many amenities-rich RV parks and private campgrounds, Bushey Point stands out for its commitment to a rustic, educational, and communal outdoor experience. It is the perfect choice for groups whose focus is on team-building, nature education, and creating shared memories by the campfire, rather than on luxury facilities.

What truly makes this area worth choosing is its location. Groups get a secluded campsite within walking distance of the vast recreational offerings of Leesylvania—from fishing on the accessible pier and launching canoes to hiking trails that trace Civil War history. This balance of isolated camping and park amenities is ideal. Furthermore, securing a reserved group camp space in a publicly-owned park so close to a major metropolitan area is a significant logistical advantage for groups across Virginia. By choosing Bushey Point, you are not just reserving a spot to sleep; you are reserving a structured, historical, and naturally beautiful Virginia setting for your organization's next great outdoor adventure.

Bushey Point Group Camp

Virginia 22191, USA