Telegraph Picnic Pavilion

Overview

Telegraph Picnic Pavilion is a covered pavilion with twelve picnic tables located in Prince William Forest Park, 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Washington, D.C. A large parking area near the pavilion can accommodate 75 vehicles, and the pavilion has electrical outlets. Four charcoal grills, a restroom, and a water fountain are located near the pavilion. Short trails near the pavilion access an open playfield, picnic area, and the park's visitor center. Telegraph Pavilion is universally accessible since a 2025 renovation.

Prince William Forest Park became a national park during the Great Depression. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the previously over-farmed acreage, converting it to recreational lands for public use. The CCC built trails, dams and cabins, making the park a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation.

Recreation

The park offers many Things to Do including hiking, biking, orienteering and fishing. Hikers enjoy exploring the park's 37 miles (60 km) of foot trails.

The South Valley, Oak Ridge and Farms to Forest Trails all begin at the campground entrance.

Bicyclists will find On and Off Road Biking on 21 miles (34 km) of paved roads within the park, including the 12-mile (19 km) Scenic Drive. Minimal traffic and a 25 m.p.h. (40 kph) speed limit make this a popular biking route. A 3-mile (5 km), family-friendly paved bike lane leads to the campground. Mountain biking is also available on 10 miles (16 km) of gravel fire roads.

The park boasts also 30 orienteering courses with picturesque settings. Orienteering is a 19th century Scandinavian sport primarily used as military training. The courses were developed in 1972 and continue to provide hours of entertainment and exploration for park visitors.

Approximately 18 miles (29 km) of streams and two small lakes are open to the public for fishing. The water quality of Quantico Creek supports numerous fish species and other aquatic life. The most common fish species are bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass and channel catfish.

Facilities

The Telegraph Picnic Pavilion is a thirty foot by twenty foot, roof-covered pavilion with twelve picnic tables, four cooking grills and electric outlets. The pavilion can accommodate 30-40 people.

It is adjacent to a comfort station with food-service sinks and flush toilets, and there is wheelchair access to the pavilion from the picnic area's 75 parking spaces.

There are approximately twenty additional picnic tables scattered throughout the adjoining woods of Telegraph Picnic Area, most with grills.

A short path leads to spacious William's Ballfield (available first-come, first-serve), which is suitable for softball, Frisbee or other activities. The ballfield has a backstop and softball field, posts for a volleyball net, and horseshoe pits. Please note, your reservation is for the picnic pavilion only; the restroom, adjacent picnic tables, and ballfield can be used by other visitors.

Natural Features

Prince William Forest Park preserves approximately 15,000 acres (6070 ha) including a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. The area is the largest example of a piedmont forest ecosystem, the piedmont being the geographic plateau between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coast. The park represents one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area and is the National Park Service's third largest unit in Virginia.

Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any adventurous visitor.  

The park is home to many animals including 46 species of mammals, 22 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, more than 129 species of birds, 26 species of fish and an unknown number of invertebrates.

More than 900 plant species exist in Prince William Forest Park, from the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree. From tree bark in winter, wildflowers in spring, canopy cover in summer and autumn colors in fall, Prince William Forest Park offers beautiful scenery year-round.

Contact Info

Nearby Attractions

Prince William Forest Park is centrally located, with easy access to all of the attractions the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., area have to offer. From the park entrance, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the main gate of the United States Marine Corps Base Quantico are just a mile (1.6 km) away.  

The park is located directly between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park.