Outing Ideas

​Example Outings

River and Trail Outfitters (Harpers Ferry, WV)

http://www.rivertrail.com/

​

This outfitter is run by an Eagle Scout and has forty years of outfitting for Scouts and active adventurers. Call to set up custom canoe trips, wilderness first aid training, and a 840' zipline. Merit badge counselors are available. Approximately 1 hour from Arlington.

​

​The local council (NCAC) supports rock climbing at nearby parks. Contact for more information: ncac.climbing.nova@gmail.com.

​

Orienteering at Prince William Forest Park

http://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/orienteering.htm

 

This is a great opportunity to introduce Scouts to map and compass work with an orienteering course. There are several courses that range from beginners to advanced. For beginners - start with the loop around Turkey Run Ridge Campground,w which should take 90 minutes. See the GPX file below, which you can open in Google Earth (free application). You can call ahead to arrange for lessons from a Ranger and equipment (703-221-7181). This also a GREAT place to hold a camping trip.

 

Mason Neck State Park

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/mas.shtml

​

This state park is just 45 minutes south off of I-95 (Exit 163 - Lorton, VA). There are picnic tables, visitor center, and a number of hikes along the banks of Kanes Creek and wetlands. There's also the opportunity to rent canoes and see Bald Eagles. Geocaching GPX file below.

 

Potomac Overlook Park

https://www.novaparks.com/parks/potomac-overlook-regional-park

​

This hike in Northern Virginia has lots of stream crossings and ends at the Potomac. You can also follow the Potomac River North to the Gulf Branch Trail (provided you left a car at Gulf Branch Park). See the GPX file below, which you can open in Google Earth (free application).

 

Scotts Run Nature Preserve

http://www.hikingupward.com/ovh/scottsrun/

​

This 3.7 mile loop hike in Northern Virginia is an easy hike with a waterfall and long stretches along the Potomac River. The entrance to the park starts in a gravel parking lot at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Swinks Mill Road. See the GPX file below, which you can open in Google Earth (free application). 

​

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hidden-oaks

​

This nature center is just inside the beltway in Annandale, VA. It features a pond and an interactive exhibit. Located in the 52-acre Annandale District Park, the center is nestled among woodland trails and creeks with butterfly gardens and a playground nearby. 

​

Bonfire at Lubber Run Park

This is great for a night time meeting or a winter meeting with snow. You'll need to call Arlington County (703-228-4644) for a fire permit.

​

Arlington Historical Society

http://www.arlingtonhistory.org/visit/arlington-historical-museum/

​

Visit the Arlington Historical Society to learn more about our community.

​

Old Rag Mountain

​

https://www.nps.gov/places/old-rag.htm

Hiking around Old Rag Mountain (located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia's Madison County, near Sperryville). It's a very challenging circuit hike (about 8 miles) with a long stretch of scrambling over granite boulders. You can also get a permit from NPS to set up camp. See the attachment below for the circuit hike and best places to camp.

​

North River Gorge, VA (George Washington National Forest, Virginia)

http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/NorthRiverGorge/

​

This is a very challenging hike that follows a river in the Todd Lake area of the George Washington National Forest. Viewing spots are great, as is the 4.2 mile hike along the banks of the North River - but be mindful of the river’s height before going.

​

Lake Anna Virginia State Park

​

Rental cabins, camping, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnicking, a swimming beach, and a boat ramp. The camping site has bathhouses with running water. This is about two hours away from Arlington and is a very easy car camping. You can even go camping in the winter by reserving the cabins.

​

Between the Hills Conservancy

https://www.betweenthehillsconservancy.org/

11661 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville, VA

​

Camping and hiking opportunities about 1.5 hours from Arlington. The camping site has showers and bathrooms.

​

Trout Pond Recreation Area

http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Trout_Pond_Recreation_Area_Wv/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70429&topTabIndex=CampingSpot

​

Boasts two bodies of water, Rock Cliff Lake and Trout Pond. Relax on a sandy mountain beach or fish for stocked trout while relaxing along the cool waters of Rock Cliff Lake. Trout Pond, home to native Brook trout, is the only natural lake in West Virginia. A designated swimming area, easy lakeside trails, and a children's playground make this a perfect family destination. A trail surrounding the entire lake provides bank fishing access at Rock Cliff Lake. All types of boating from motor to sailboats are welcome. Campsites come with a campfire ring and picnic table, and some of have electric hookups. Hot showers and flush toilets are an easy walk away from each site.

 

​Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground at Catoctin Mountain (NPS)

http://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/poplargrove.htm

​

Poplar Grove is open by reservation, to adult supervised organized youth groups whose members are under age 18. There are 3 sites within Poplar Grove. Each site accommodates up to 25 persons. Groups share pit toilets, water and a pavilion. Each site has picnic tables, grills and a fire circle. Groups provide all personal convenience items, including toilet paper. Camping is also available nearby at the Maryland State Cunningham Falls State Park. Cabins are also available for reservation at both parks.

​

Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree Campground

http://thetreehousecamp.com/index.shtml

​

The Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree Campground. This seems like a great place to take a Patrol for an intro to camping. Twenty acres of woodland that back up to the Appalachian Trail has an ideal setting for year-round camping and hiking. Maple Tree Campground is located near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.  Lodging includes Tree Cottages, Tree Houses and Tent Sites equipped with fire circles, picnic tables and charcoal grills. Camp facilities offer newly remodeled bathrooms, private outdoor showers, garbage disposal, pavilion and a camp shop for items you may have forgotten to pack.

​

Terrapin Adventures

http://www.terrapinadventures.com/group_boyscouts.php

Savage Mill 8600 Foundry Street, Savage,  MD 20763

​

This seems like a great place to take a Patrol on a day-long adventure. Your group will be led by a guide and you can go to just have fun or use the day to achieve a goal and build teamwork.

 

Westmoreland State Park

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/wes.shtml

​

On the Potomac River's Northern Neck, this park offers many opportunities for family fun. It has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an adjacent bathhouse, meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp. You'll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, cabins, a fishing pier, boat rentals and six miles of trails.

​

Shenandoah River State Park

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river#general_information

​

The Shenandoah River State Park is on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and has more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline. The park opened in June 1999. In addition to meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. This nearby day long loop hike (Overall Run/Beecher Ridge) is also a good activity for Scouts. 

 

Kepler Overlook hike

https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/KeplerOverlook/

​

Fairfax Rod and Gun Club

http://www.fxrgc.org/

​

The Fairfax Rod & Gun Club, Inc. is a private club that has a dedicated camping It is located in Manassas, Virginia. The club operates eight dedicated trap & skeet fields, six dedicated rifle ranges, three dedicated pistol ranges, Cotting Lake, and Laurel campgrounds. The Troop has a connection with former Troop 648 Scout parent (Dutch Hillenburg - gunwriter@yahoo.com). You can coordinate with Dutch on the necessary arrangements (rifle range, rifles, ammunition, targets, range safety officer, ear and eye protection). Dutch asks that reservations be made 6 - 12 months ahead of time. 

 

Fort Belvoir Family and MWR

https://belvoir.armymwr.com/programs/outdoor-recreation

​

This campground is 30 min from Arlington and has a number of outdoor programs. This site offers primitive camping as well as "rustic" heated cabins for rent. Reservations must be made by someone with military active duty status or be a military retiree, family member, or DoD civilian employee or contractor.

 

Laurel Caverns Caving

http://www.laurelcaverns.com/

​

Lincoln Caverns

http://lincolncaverns.com/

​

Lincoln Caverns has a number of camping and merit badge options. This is located in Huntingdon, PA (about 3 hours drive from Arlington, VA).

 

Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay

https://savingplaces.org/places/ghost-fleet

https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/mallows-potomac/

​

This is a national marine sanctuary (designated in 2019) to protect the remains of more than 100 abandoned steamships and vessels built as part of America’s engagement in World War I. Located along an 18-square mile stretch of Potomac River coast in Charles County, Maryland, the new sanctuary boasts a collection of historic shipwrecks dating back to the Civil War, as well as archaeological artifacts nearly 12,000 years old. Its culturally rich landscape also includes sites that represent the history of Native American communities in the area, the once-booming Potomac River fishing industry, and the Civil War.

​

Camp Snyder

https://www.ncacbsa.org/outdoors/camp-william-b-snyder/

​

The National Capital Area Council (NCAC) runs Camp Snyder. It is available for weekend camping an cottage rentals. The following features are available:

• Camp Snyder has 14 campsites that can accommodate up to 40 people and includes a covered shelter with a picnic table, campfire ring, and nearby restroom facilities, including showers. 

• Camp Snyder offers other rentals such as the Gaga Pit, the Big Dig, the Fort, and the Rocket Field.

• Sally's STEM Shack - This 'maker space' has a laser cutter, a 3-D printer, CNC mill, electronics and soldering equipment, workbenches, teaching space, and more. Get trained on the equipment with the NCAC STEM team and you can rent it for a merit badge class or another activity.

• Carroll's Cottage sleeps 20 and offers four private bedrooms with full bathrooms. There are two meeting spaces in the cottage as well as a full, kitchen, a screened-in porch, and sitting area with a fire place.

• Camp Snyder has three cabins that can each accommodate up to 30 people and include a full kitchen, a large main room m two private bedrooms, and a restroom. A nearby shower house is available for use.

• Michael's Wood Shop has a broad array of hand and power tools and sufficient work space for large projects.

 

Pohick Bay Regional Park, Virginia - Camping & Campgrounds

https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/pohick-bay-regional-park/NOVA/1020012/overview

​

Pohick Bay Regional Park's location allows campers to enjoy the natural beauty of the Mason Neck Peninsula and Pohick Bay. Options include cabins, yurts, and tent camping. This is a great site for a ‘new Scout orientation’ camp out. Here the Camp Wilson Youth Group Camping map.

 

Blue Ridge Regional Park

https://www.novaparks.com/parks/blue-ridge-regional-park

​

Blue Ridge Regional Park is located in Bluemont on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Loudoun County, Virginia. This property offers the ideal setting for an escape to the mountains for tent camping and is available by reservation only to organized youth groups, including but not limited to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church youth groups and school groups. Blue Ridge Regional Park is not open to the general public.

 

Lions Camp Merrick

https://lionscampmerrick.org/

​

Located on the Potomac River, LCM Retreat Center provides the ideal setting for your groups next outing. With our 300 private wooded acres located on the water, we are uniquely suited to host a variety of functions. If it is a business meeting, team building, activities, a wedding, family or church retreat, your group will find that we are the perfect place to promote their itinerary.

 

Camp Highroad

https://www.camphighroad.org/plan-a-visit/group-packages/scout-groups/boy-scouts/

​

Whether you’re looking for a weekend Camporee site or a simple day trip for your Troop, we’re happy to work with you to meet the needs of your scouts! We offer a number of different sites and programs that can give your scouts an introduction to camping or a backcountry experience. We have miles of hiking trails, multiple fire circles in many of our tenting areas, and a bathhouse and cabin group that is ideal for complying with Youth Protection Guidelines. Let us know the needs of your unit, and we’ll do our very best to serve you!

​

Assateague Island (MD) or Chincoteague (VA)

• https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/marylandcamping.htm

• https://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/business-type/Accommodations/?type=Campgrounds%20%26%20RV%20Parks

​

Seaside Camping at Assateague Island (MD) or Chincoteague (VA). 

​

Solomons Island (Navy Recreation Center)

https://www.navymwrsolomons.com/

​

This is a U.S. military facility. It requires a little more planning and documentation to schedule an event. The Troop has traditionally scheduled family camping at this venue over the Memorial day weekend. The scenic vistas of the waterfront of the Chesapeake Bay are a part of daily life here, and a big reason why this has proven to be a popular and most-sought after location for vacations for our proudly serving military members and their families for years. Lots of fun stuff to do. Need to be active, reserve, or retired military member or DoD civilian or contract employee.