What to do and see in Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia: The Best State Parks

November 4, 2021 Trinity Boughner

Discover the best top things to do in Northern Virginia, United States including Prince William Forest Park, Mason Neck State Park, Turkey Run Park, Occoquan Regional Park, Lake Fairfax Park, Gateway Park, Conway Robinson State Forest.
Restaurants in Northern Virginia

1. Prince William Forest Park

18100 Park Headquarters Rd, Triangle, VA 22172-1644 +1 703-221-4706 http://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 129 reviews

Prince William Forest Park

Park that offers campsites and recreational programs for families and children.

Reviewed By Hatzlacha - Virginia, United States

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!

2. Mason Neck State Park

7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA 22079-4010 +1 703-339-2385 [email protected] http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/mas.shtml
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Mason Neck State Park

Reviewed By WPLandry - Fairfax, United States

The hiking trails are fabulous, very well-maintained and clear of debris. The maps are laid out very well and there is signage posted to help you understand which way you are heading. Everything is very easy to follow. The trails have benches throughout so you can stop and simply enjoy nature. There are sections of boardwalk as well as steps in certain areas to make the trail more accessible. There are many other features in the park as well: a nice visitor center, boat launch, beach area, playground, picnic sites, and more.

3. Turkey Run Park

George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101 +1 703-289-2500 http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/turkeyrun.htm
Excellent
53%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Turkey Run Park

4. Occoquan Regional Park

9751 Ox Rd, Lorton, VA 22079-3435 +1 703-690-2121 [email protected] https://www.novaparks.com/parks/occoquan-regional-park
Excellent
54%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Occoquan Regional Park

Reviewed By cpl1775 - Herndon, United States

We came to the park just to walk around and found ourselves walking all the way to historic Occoquan! It's about 1.5 miles each way, but what a lovely walk. Then after walking back to the park, it was a perfect afternoon stroll by the water and just sitting on the benches. The cafe smelled great and everyone there seemed really content. There are several trails to roam of varying lengths, boat rentals, the cafe, and some great open spaces. A really nice way to spend the day outdoors.

5. Lake Fairfax Park

1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190-3933 +1 703-471-5415 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lakefairfax/
Excellent
31%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 91 reviews

Lake Fairfax Park

Reviewed By Brittany_11_10 - Los Angeles, United States

Not sure why people rate a free park as "terrible" or "poor", but I thought Lake Fairfax Park was great and has a lot to offer, including baseball diamonds, picnic areas, walking trails, a skate park, soccer pitches, a lake (duh), a water park (not free), a bicycle "skate park" (not sure what it's called in bike lingo), and who even knows what else; didn't tour the entire park. Definitely recommend if you're at all interested in doing free things outside, in a safe, lovely place, and definitely will go here again.

6. Gateway Park

1911 Fort Myer Dr Ll-10, Arlington, VA 22209-1607 +1 703-522-6628 http://www.rosslynva.org/go/gateway-park
Excellent
33%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
67%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 3 reviews

Gateway Park

7. Conway Robinson State Forest

Conway Robinson State Forest Rt 29, Gainesville, VA 20155 http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/list/conway-robinson.htm#parkinghours

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