Overview

Prince William Forest Park is a 15,000-acre forested oasis, located 35 miles south of Washington, DC. 21 miles of bicycle trails and 37 miles of hiking trails crisscross Quantico Creek and its tributaries. Camp Mawavi, also known as Cabin Camp 2, first hosted campers in 1937. For many years, Camp Mawavi, run by the Campfire Girls of America, operated out of this camp. The camp sleeps 148 visitors and consists of approximately 132 acres. This rustic camp mainly contains 4 person cabins, with a few 2 and 6 person cabins. The units are clustered in a circular arrangement and contain 8 cabins, a bath house, and a lodge. Each unit is in a grassy clearing that is surrounded by dense forest. The large ballfield and lake access in the camp are among the best in the park. Camp Mawavi was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Facilities

Camp Mawavi is set up in four units with cabins that sleeps 2 to 12 people. In each cabin there are lights, electrical outlets, bunks and mattresses. Sleeping cabins do not have heat or air conditioning. Campers should bring all gear including bedding, pillows, and towels.

Restrooms: There are five restrooms throughout the camp - one in A Unit, one in B Unit, one in C Unit, one in D Unit, and one behind the dining hall (Building 95). There are also restrooms located in the dining hall and infirmary. Campers are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing floors, shower stalls, sinks, and toilets. Plungers and toilet brushes are provided. Campers should bring hand soap, detergents, and other necessary toiletries. Toilet paper is provided.

Kitchen and Dining Hall: The dining hall seats up to 126 people and contains a commercial kitchen. The park provides no food to campers. The dining hall provides wooden tables and benches. The kitchen is equipped with the following:

• 10 burner gas stove

• 3 ovens

• Microwave

• Large griddle

• Walk-in refrigerator

• Freezer

• Large sinks

• Food warming station with 4 trays

• Storage space

• Plenty of counter space

Groups may do their own cooking or utilize a caterer. Groups may use the fireplaces inside the dining hall. Campers are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the dining hall after use. Campers should bring utensils, pots, pans, baking sheets, cutlery, and other kitchen tools. Sleeping is not permitted in the dining hall, per fire code.

Natural Features

Camp Mawavi is located within a nearly 15,000-acre forest. There is a large field area available for recreational sports. Access to the lake and hiking is a short walk from the camp.

Recreation

There is a large field area available for recreational sports. Access to the lake is a short walk from the camp. Hiking and biking trails are a short walk from the camp.

Nearby Attractions

Camp Mawavi is located 35 miles south of Washington D.C. and a few miles from the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Important Notices

• Check-In: The check-in time is 4:00 p.m. The Permitee must be present for the check-in process. A park representative will inspect the facilities and cover emergency procedures, specific cleaning procedures, and provide last minute information. Early check-in is not allowed without permission.

  Check-Out: The check-out time is 2:00 pm. The camp must be clean and emptied of all Permitee and guest’s equipment, trash, and personal effects prior to the time of check-out. The Permitee must be present for the check-out process. A park representative will inspect the facilities for damage and cleanliness.

  Cleaning: It is the camping group's responsibility to clean the facilities prior to check-out. The park provides brooms, mops, and mop buckets. We recommend you bring the following items: Environmentally friendly floor cleaner, multipurpose cleaner, glass cleaner, rags/paper towels, and lemon juice (to clean griddle).

  Trash/Recycle: Trash cans are located throughout the camp. They should be emptied daily into the larger receptacles behind the dining hall. Recycling receptacles are also located outside of the dining halls.

  Parking: We recommend visitors carpool as much as possible to the camp's designated parking area. One vehicle is permitted to remain at the dining hall throughout your encampment. State approved handicap vehicles are also permitted to remain parked at the dining hall. Campers are allowed to park temporarily at the dining hall to load/unload vehicles but must return to the designated parking area. Vehicles are not authorized to park or operate beside any other buildings within the camp. No more than two vehicles can be parked behind the dining hall.

  Cabins: The camp is designed in four units with cabins that sleep 2 to 12 people. Sleeping cabins are equipped with lights, electrical outlets, bunks and mattresses. Sleeping cabins do not have heat or air conditioning. Campers should bring all gear including bedding, pillows, and towels.

  Restrooms: There are five restrooms throughout the camp - one in A Unit, one in B Unit, one in C Unit, one in D Unit, and one behind the dining hall (Building 95). There are also restrooms located in the dining hall and infirmary. Campers are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing floors, shower stalls, sinks, and toilets. Plungers and toilet brushes are provided. Campers should bring hand soap, detergents, and other necessary toiletries. Toilet paper is provided.

  Kitchen and Dining Hall: The dining hall seats up to 126 people and has a commercial kitchen. The park does not provide food. The dining hall contains wooden tables and benches. Campers are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the dining hall after use. Campers should bring utensils, pots, pans, baking sheets, cutlery, and other kitchen tools. Sleeping is not permitted in the dining hall, per fire code.

  Craft Lodges: Sleeping is not permitted in the craft lodges. Groups may use the fireplaces inside the craft lodges, per fire code.

  Infirmary: The infirmary sleeps 12 people and has a refrigerator and a private restroom with a shower.

  Fires: Groups may use the outside fire pits and fireplaces in the dining hall and craft lodges. In order to avoid the spread of invasive and forest damaging pests, firewood purchased or brought from outside the park must be USDA certified pest free or from within 50 miles of the park. Fires are not permitted outside of the council rings and designated fireplaces.

  Alcohol: The sale of alcohol is prohibited. For group sizes of 50 or more, alcohol is prohibited within the camp without a valid Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Banquet license. No later than 10 days prior to the first day of the encampment, an ABC approved license must be filed with the Cabin Camp office along with a $500,000 liability insurance policy naming the National Park Service as the additionally insured.

  Entrance Fees: Prince William Forest Park requires separate entrance fees.  All cabin campers MUST HAVE valid park entry.  Learn more about the America the Beautiful program on the park website Fees and Passes page.

• Regulations

  • All emergencies, accidents, and incidents should be reported to: 24 HOUR ASSISTANCE LINE - 1-866-677-6677

  • All pets are prohibited in the cabin camp area, cabins and camp buildings (except service animals).

  • Smoking is not permitted in any of the cabins or buildings.

  • Facilities that are not included in the permit should not be entered or used at any time.

  • To prevent animal and pest problems, campers must place trash in provided covered trash receptacles or carry it out upon departure from camp.

  • Fires are not permitted outside of the council rings and designated fireplaces.

  • Camping tents, screen tents or other structures are not permitted in the cabin camp.

  • Removal or moving of picnic tables, beds, or mattresses is prohibited.

  • Vandalism of cabins and other buildings is against federal law and is subject to fines and/or prosecution.

  • Electrical appliances (for example, stoves, AC Units, and heaters) are prohibited.

  • No nails, tape, tacks, staples, screws, or other hardware or adhesives may be applied or attached to the interior or exterior of camp buildings, structures, or to trees.

  • The exchange of money is not permitted within the park.

Available Activities

• Biking - Biking
• Hiking - Hiking
• Water Access - Water Access
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Camping - Camping
• Birding - Birding
• Photography - Photography

Directions

<p><strong>GPS Address: 17175 Mawavi Rd. Triangle, VA 22172.</strong></p><p><strong>From Points North</strong> Use Interstate 95 South. Take Virginia exit 150 onto Joplin Road, Highway 619. Continue on Joplin Road for four and a half miles. Turn right on Mawavi Road. Mawavi Road is graveled. In one-eighth of a mile, the road comes to a T intersection. Turn left to Camp Mawavi (Cabin Camp 2). Drive one mile to the parking lot.</p><p><strong>From Points South</strong> Use Interstate 95 North. Take Virginia exit 150. At the stop sign at the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left. Continue on Joplin Road for five miles. Turn right on Mawavi Road. Mawavi Road is graveled. In one-eighth of a mile, the road comes to a T intersection. Turn left to Camp Mawavi (Cabin Camp 2). Drive one mile to the parking lot.</p><p><strong>From Points West</strong> From the community of Independent Hill, use Joplin Road Highway 619 to approach the camp. Turn left at Mawavi Road. Mawavi Road is graveled. In one-eighth of a mile, the road comes to a T intersection. Turn left to reach the camp. Drive one mile to the parking lot.</p><p> </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 703-221-5843

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip