Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground

For Virginia residents seeking an immersive outdoor experience designed specifically for groups, Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground, located within the expansive and historic Prince William Forest Park, offers an ideal solution. This unique campground caters exclusively to organized groups of seven or more people, making it perfect for scout troops, church groups, extended family gatherings, or just a large group of friends looking to escape into nature together. Unlike individual campsites, Turkey Run Ridge is set up to accommodate larger numbers, fostering a communal camping environment amidst the serene backdrop of one of Virginia's significant natural resources.

Prince William Forest Park, a protected area spanning approximately 15,000 acres of Piedmont forest, provides a rich biodiversity and an extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, and exploration. Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground is a tents-only facility, ensuring a classic camping experience without the presence of RVs. It's a place where groups can truly disconnect from the urban sprawl and reconnect with each other and the natural world. With its year-round availability, groups can plan their adventures any season, from spring hikes to crisp autumn campfires, or even winter explorations.

Each site at Turkey Run Ridge is designed to facilitate comfortable group stays, featuring multiple picnic tables, dedicated campfire pits with grills, and ample parking. While the focus is on a rustic group experience, essential facilities like flush toilets are provided for convenience. The emphasis on group camping creates a unique atmosphere where shared experiences are at the forefront, from preparing meals together over an open fire to embarking on collective adventures through the park's diverse landscapes. For Virginia locals, it presents an unparalleled opportunity to host memorable outdoor gatherings within a preserved natural setting.

Location and Accessibility

Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground is nestled within Prince William Forest Park, located in Triangle, Virginia 22172, USA. This prime location places it approximately 35 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., and strategically between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park. Its accessibility makes it an attractive destination for groups coming from various parts of Virginia and the wider Mid-Atlantic region.

The park entrance is situated off State Route 619 (Joplin Road), which is easily reached from Interstate 95. For those traveling south on I-95, take Exit 150B (VA-619 W/Joplin Rd) towards Triangle/Quantico. If traveling north on I-95, take Exit 150 (VA-619 E/Joplin Rd) towards Triangle/Quantico. Follow Joplin Road directly into the park. Once inside Prince William Forest Park, clear signage will guide you to Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground.

While carpooling is highly encouraged due to limited parking at the individual campsites, there is dedicated parking available for each group site. The roads within the park leading to the campground are typically paved, and the internal roads to the campsites are well-maintained gravel or dirt. This ensures relatively easy access for vehicles, even for larger vans or multiple cars transporting group members and their gear. The campground's location within a large national park also means it offers a true sense of being immersed in nature, despite its convenient proximity to major metropolitan areas and historical landmarks.

Services Offered

• Tent-Only Camping: Turkey Run Ridge is exclusively for tent camping, providing a traditional and rustic group outdoor experience. RVs are not permitted in this campground.
• Group Capacities: The campground features nine individual group sites, with six sites accommodating up to 25 people each (Sites A, B, D, G, H, I) and three larger sites accommodating up to 40 people each (Sites C, E, F).
• Picnic Tables: Each group campsite is equipped with several sturdy picnic tables, providing ample space for group meals and activities.
• Campfire Pits with Grills: Every site includes a designated campfire pit with a grate for grilling, perfect for cooking and enjoying evening campfires.
• Lantern Posts: Convenient lantern posts are available at each site for hanging lanterns, offering additional light during evening hours.
• Flush Toilets: Restroom facilities are provided within the campground, featuring sinks and flush toilets. It is important to note that showers are not available at this campground.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available at the campground for drinking and cooking needs.
• Trash/Recycling Collection: The park provides trash and recycling collection services year-round, encouraging visitors to help maintain the cleanliness of the forest.
• Amphitheater: There is an amphitheater with bench seating and a fire pit, which can be reserved for day use only (no overnight camping allowed at the amphitheater itself) through Recreation.gov, ideal for group presentations or gatherings.

Features / Highlights

• Dedicated Group Camping: Specifically designed for groups of seven or more, fostering a unique communal and collaborative outdoor experience.
• Prince William Forest Park Setting: Campers are immersed in 15,000 acres of protected Piedmont forest, offering rich biodiversity, diverse ecosystems, and serene natural beauty.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts 37 miles of hiking trails and 21 miles of paved roads for biking, including a 12-mile Scenic Drive with minimal traffic and a 25 mph speed limit, ideal for exploration and exercise.
• Orienteering Courses: For a unique group activity, the park offers 30 orienteering courses, providing an engaging way to navigate and discover the forest.
• Fishing Opportunities: Approximately 18 miles of streams and two small lakes within the park are open for fishing, with species like bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open year-round, allowing groups to plan trips in any season, each offering its own unique charm and activities.
• Proximity to Historic Sites: Excellent access to major historical landmarks such as the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, and Manassas National Battlefield Park, perfect for educational side trips.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including 38 species of mammals, 24 species of amphibians, 27 species of reptiles, and over 100 species of birds, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife observation.
• Historic Significance of the Park: The park itself has a rich history, established during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), adding a layer of historical context to your visit.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a National Park Service campground, Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground operates with a standard fee structure rather than traditional "promotions" or "special offers." The fees are per site, per night, and vary based on the capacity of the site. For example, sites accommodating up to 25 people typically have a fee of around $65.00 per night, while sites for up to 40 people might be around $80.00 per night.

• Reservation System: All reservations for Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground are required and can be made up to one year in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Early booking is highly recommended, especially for peak seasons or popular dates, as availability can be limited for group sites.
• Entrance Fees: It is important to note that the camping fee does not include the park entrance fee, which is required per vehicle upon entry into Prince William Forest Park, unless you already possess a valid park pass (such as the America the Beautiful Annual Pass).
• Senior/Access Pass: While Interagency Senior/Access Passes provide discounts at many federal recreation sites, they do NOT discount camping fees at Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground. This is a specific policy for this group campground.
• Policies: Alcohol is prohibited at Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground, and pets are generally not allowed. These regulations are strictly enforced to maintain the group-friendly and natural environment of the campground. Fires must be contained within the stone pit, and bonfires or enlarging the stone enclosure are not permitted. A group leader must have a bucket of water available during a campfire for safety.

It is always best to visit the Prince William Forest Park website or Recreation.gov directly for the most current pricing, policies, and to make reservations.

Contact Information

Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground is located within Prince William Forest Park.Address: Virginia 22172, USA (within Prince William Forest Park)

For campground inquiries or general information regarding Prince William Forest Park, you can reach the park staff:Phone for campground inquiries: (703) 221-7181

General Park Visitor Center Phone: (703) 221-7181For reservations, please use Recreation.gov or call their reservation line: 1-877-444-6777.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Virginia locals, particularly those in Northern Virginia and the broader D.C. metropolitan area, Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground offers an exceptional and highly suitable option for group outdoor adventures. Its dedicated group-oriented design means you won't be competing with individual campers for space, providing a more cohesive and tailored experience for your gathering of friends, family, or organized group.

The campground’s location within the vast and naturally diverse Prince William Forest Park is a significant draw. It allows Virginians to easily access a genuine wilderness experience without traveling extensively. The extensive network of hiking, biking, and even orienteering opportunities means your group will have no shortage of activities to fill their days, fostering camaraderie and shared memories in the great outdoors. The availability of clean flush toilets and potable water, while forgoing showers, reinforces the rustic yet comfortable nature of the site.

Furthermore, its proximity to significant historical sites like Manassas and Fredericksburg national battlefields, along with the National Museum of the Marine Corps, offers added value, enabling groups to combine their outdoor adventure with educational and cultural excursions. The year-round availability means that local groups can plan their trips to suit their schedules, whether it's a spring break outing, a summer reunion, or a crisp fall retreat. Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground truly stands out as a premier destination for Virginia locals looking to create unforgettable group camping experiences in a beautiful and historically rich natural setting.

Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground

Virginia 22172, USA