A gravel road curving into a high mountain valley at first light, the peaks catching the sun.

National Park Service campground

Camp Mawavi

National Park Service campground in Prince William Forest Park, Virginia.

Managed by
National Park Service Prince William Forest Park
Reservations
First come, first served Claim a site when you arrive. Recreation.gov lists it for Scan and Pay, so the fee can be paid from its app at the campground

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.

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.

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.

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.

The description, directions and fees are the National Park Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • biking
  • birding
  • camping
  • hiking
  • photography
  • picnicking
  • water access
  • wildlife viewing

The federal record has no coordinates for this campground, so it is listed under its county and left off the map rather than placed by guesswork. Use the directions above.

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated September 17, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.