Local Bike Camping Options

Troop 128 has two "canned" bike-camping trips that are ideal for patrols or the troop as a whole. These trips are easy from a logistics point of view because they are entirely in Fairfax County. A third option is to ride on the C&O Canal, crossing the Potomac on the Chain Bridge. There are campsites along the trail that are available on a first-come basis.

1. Lake Fairfax Friday Overnight:

This simple ride starts at Longfellow Intermediate School and goes 15 miles to Lake Fairfax. Riding to the Office and then the campsite makes the total ride about 17 miles each way. Scouts need to know how to shift their gears and BE PREPARED to handle some steep hills, particularly on the neighborhood trails on the last 3 miles toward the park. Click here for a full ride description and directions.

2. Burke Lake and Fairfax Train Museum

This is a wonderful ride and if played right, can even offer the opportunity for Railroading Merit Badge. Starting at Wakefield Park, this ride uses a mix of paved and unpaved trails to go camping Burke Lake Park. Click here for a full ride description and the flyer for the camping trip. Also, check out the story of our trip in 2014.

3. C&O Canal

Take your mountain bike and head west, young man! Click here to see a map of the C&O, including the campsites. Each site has a water pump, a fire ring, and a latrine. What more do you want?!

4. General Smallwood Ride

This 40 mile loop uses the Indian Head Trail with overnight camping at General Smallwood State Park. Crew 128 made this ride in 2019. You can view a map of the route, which started and ended in the trail parking lot at the eastern end of the trail.