Inauguration space still available at campgrounds

By Aileen Streng

Published: November 18, 2008

While it may be impossible to find a motel room in Prince William County during inauguration week, those who don’t mind roughing it a little can still find a place to stay.

The Travel Trailer Village at Prince William Forest Park still has about 40 sites available for recreational vehicles, but they are quickly being reserved as inauguration visitors in search of hotels rooms find there are none.

“That’s what people have been saying when they call,” said Debra Cossaboom, a camp worker. The RV park is a privately operated campground that offers 29 full RV hookup sites with access to electricity, water and sewer, as well as about 40 others with access to electricity and water.

Cossaboom said that inquiries into available space at the campground started three days after the Nov. 4 election and have continued.

“I took 17 calls [on Sunday] and five of them called back to make a reservation,” Cossaboom said.

Of the 29 full hookup sites, only seven are left. There is a total of about 40 available.

“We’re certainly hoping for a full house,” she said.

At a cost of $29 a night for a full hookup and $26 a night for an electric and water site, the campground could be seen as a bargain.

An even bigger outdoor bargain is available at Prince William Forest Park’s Oak Ridge Campground, where a campsite costs only $15 a night. The sites are available to smaller RVs, trailers and even those brave enough — or desperate enough — to spend inauguration week in a tent. There are no hookups available there, so visitors would be roughing it a bit.

Additionally, this campground is not a sure thing for inauguration visitors since reservations are not accepted. The sites are available on a first-come basis, said acting Park Superintendent George Liffert.
While there are 100 campsites at Oak Ridge, not all may be open during the winter months, said Kelly Westermeyer, a park ranger.

Still, at $15 a night, Westermeyer said she is surprised that there isn’t more interest in availability at the campground.

“We aren’t getting people asking about it,” she said.

“People probably want to be able to know they have a place reserved,” Liffert said. “But, as we get closer, I think we will be getting more calls.”

Staff writer Aileen Streng can be reached at 703-878-8010.