Prince William Forest Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic, go for a walk in the woods (there are many different trails), sit by some body of water (streams, a little bog) and watch the animals (frogs, turtles, birds), or go for a bike ride (on paved road). The $10 (?) entry fee is valid for a week, and you can definitely go here more than once and enjoy a different activity, or just a different part of the park, as it's pretty big. In addition to the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees, we also saw a deer--though I guess that's not hard to do in northern VA.

I was really impressed by how much you can do outdoors here in a relatively small area. We visited on a weekend and were greeted with lots of bicycle riders parking at the entrance / visitor center area. There's a quick path there to hike which isn't so strenuous, but is a little crowded. If you head towards the back of the park there are far less people and thus more time in nature for longer, slightly harder hikes. Lots of dedicated camping sites as well with (what looked from a distance) as great accessory facilities, making this a good test ground for new campers or just an escape for city folks. Great place for many return visits!

We spent some days there as a base to visit Washington DC, a perfect way to avoid crowded hotels, coming back to this green peaceful forest at the end of the day. The pitches were huge and tidy. Besides us, there were only a couple of small groups of campers, so we feared most of the toilet blocks could be closed. Instead, we had a great surprise: the restrooms were luxurious, like the one of a hotel, sparkling clean and new, with toilet paper and soap and big shower rooms with free hot water. We didn't really expect so much in the middle of the forest. Note: this place has no reception, shops, restaurant or games room, it's not a holiday village, but if you're looking for a quiet place to enjoy nature and take some one-day trips around DC it's simply perfect.

Prince William Forest Park is located just off I-95 in Virginia. It's easily accessible, but has a quiet, remote feel. The word "forest" in the park's name is apt. The entire park is wooded. Although there is a "scenic drive" which does a loop of the park, there are no vistas. Everything is in the trees. The park has many hiking trails, as well as several unpaved roads which are open to bicycling. It also has a few cabins and campgrounds. I only spent about an hour in the park, but it would be a good place to get away for a weekend of camping. I drove the park loop road, stopping at a few sites. I took a few short walks through the woods, to the picturesque, serene Quantico Creek. I also stopped at Carter's Pond, which was perhaps the noisiest site in the park. This was not because of traffic or people, but rather the plethora of frogs that live in the pond! Overall, Prince William Forest Park is quiet, peaceful, and secluded. I didn't see many other people there at all. It's a good place to get away and take a walk in the woods.

It’s a beautiful park with tons of trails and a great scenic drive. Totally worth it either for a long or short stay. Check out the VC first to get the low down on what is best for the time you have.

We arrived by motor home and stayed in the RV Park. After driving five hours it was a pleasure to take a walk through a very small portion of this wonderful park.I understand from the ranger station that there are over 10 miles of trails to hike and you can design your own loop. You can also drive through the park or ride a bike. It is hard to believe that this Oasis is right in the middle of the traffic jam they call I-95. While in the area we visited the National Marine Museum and it was stunning. Happy to spend three days in this neck of the woods.

First time visiting this park. Didn't have a lot of expectations as from all I've heard it's not particularly scenic. We drove the scenic loop which doesn't have any view points or overlooks, just trees lining the road, pretty enough when backlit by sunlight. Tried a couple of trails - the Oak Ridge trail is narrow and doesn't seem to have been maintained for some time so quite messy, overgrown and muddy in parts. When I checked online it seemed to be a loop but looking at the map at the trailhead (from the Oak Ridge Campground) couldn't quite figure out how it would work, especially when trail markings were not very clear either. It was also extremely buggy - so maybe better visiting in colder weather. On the way out we stopped at the High Meadows trailhead and walked a bit on that trail which was a lot better than Oak Ridge in that it's much wider - two can walk side by side - better maintained and less buggy. The one on the side of the parking area more interesting with some mild elevation variation. The one thing that made our day, however, was the sighting of an albino squirrel right by the Oak Ridge trailhead. That was really cool. Definitely not something you'd see everyday anywhere! Rating is 3.5 for trails and 5 for rare wildlife.

Prince William Forest Park is probably enjoyed more by the locals than those seeking out National Park destinations. It is heavily forested, with streams and hiking trails. It also has a very nice biking trail and campground. Even a drive through the loop will lower you stress.

We visited in the winter, but still found plenty to appreciate. There's a scenic drive and lots of great hiking options. They also have a number of parking areas so you don't have to walk far to see things. There was a small lake (I would have called it a pond) and lots of wooded areas to walk through. It was a day trip so we didn't camp, but there seemed to be lots of cabin and campsite areas. It didn't have any breathtaking views or other unique things like some national parks I've been to, but certainly worth a day trip to escape the city or suburban sprawl. I imagine it would be extra beautiful in spring. Restrooms near the visitors center were were clean and well maintained for a park. It was a trash free park, so be prepared to bring your trash out with you.

I've had lots of fun hiking at this park. Especially on the Laurel Loop trail, which swings by a tiny waterfall where the creek widens. Great place for photography and they plan nice historical events. I attended the Junior Ranger program here when I was 11, and they do a really good job.