This Camper’s Life: Prince William Forest Park and Visiting a National Treasure
Recently we went camping in Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia. As we were looking for a campground to go to in the Fall, Oak Ridge Campground happened to be open. Most campgrounds close at the end of October. Oak Ridge closes at the end of November. It is located on the western side of the forest and has some RV sites. There is another campground in the forest, Turkey Run Ridge, which is for group tent camping only. The forest park is part of the National Park Service. There is a fee to get into the park unless you have a pass. You can check the website for more information, https://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/fees.htm.
The park is very wooded and some of the sites are too small for a large RV. The website has information on the length of RVs and what sites would be appropriate for their size. There are no hookups. There are potable water spigots available around the campground where you can fill your freshwater tanks, but no dump station. They have clean bathhouses with flush toilets and showers. There are hiking trails and a paved biking trail. It was cool and windy when we were there, so we did not take the bikes out this time.
This campground, we discovered, is close to Quantico and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The highlight of our weekend was visiting the museum. I was amazed at its size and the artifacts that they have in there.
As you walk in the door you see a full-sized airplane hanging from the ceiling and tanks sitting in the lobby from the war. The displays showed the life of the Marines during wartime over the years up until modern times.
The museum is free and has plenty of parking. I highly recommend you visit this piece of American history honoring the Marine Corps. They have a neat gift shop with all kinds of great souvenirs. If you are ever in the area, you should stop by.
You can’t miss the large glass peaked roof as you are driving on Interstate 95 near Quantico, Virginia!
After we visited the museum, we decided to drive through the massive national cemetery near the museum where our veteran heroes are buried from as far back as the Civil War. As we drove through, it made me appreciate our veterans from all services and all wars that have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
On Veterans Day honor we honor our veterans who are living and those who have passed. Thank you for your service!
By Marie Giammarco
Marie Giammarco is a mid generation Boomer who came of age in suburban New York, 50 miles north of the city. A child whose mom and grandparents were Italian immigrants, her close knit family defined her growing up years. The product of an environment that revolved around food, health, and physical activity, she saw many elderly people age before their time because they lacked these things. She has a passion to help Boomers and Seniors to be active and live a longer, more healthy life.
Once again Marie opens our eyes to new camping opportunities. My husband and I visited Loft Mountain Campground upon her recommendation and had a great time. We are looking forward to exploring Oak Ridge Campground in 2021. Thanks Marie!
Thank you Marie for reminding me of what our vets have going through for our freedom.