Camp William B. Snyder, Boy Scouts of America

For Virginians seeking a comprehensive outdoor experience with a focus on youth development, group activities, and diverse camping options, Camp William B. Snyder, operated by the Boy Scouts of America, stands as a prominent destination in Haymarket. This expansive 350-acre facility is more than just a campground; it’s a dedicated outdoor education and adventure hub designed to cater to various groups, including Scout units, schools, and community organizations. While firmly rooted in the Scouting tradition, its wide array of facilities and programs make it a versatile venue for anyone looking to engage with the outdoors in a structured and activity-rich environment.

Camp William B. Snyder offers a spectrum of camping experiences, from traditional tent sites to more comfortable cabins and even platforms. This flexibility allows groups to choose the accommodation style that best suits their needs and comfort levels. Beyond just sleeping arrangements, the camp is packed with opportunities for skill-building, teamwork, and exploration, aligning with the Boy Scouts of America’s mission to foster character, citizenship, and personal fitness. For local residents, this means having access to a professionally managed outdoor space where groups can learn, grow, and create lasting memories without traveling far from the Northern Virginia region.

It’s a place where the spirit of adventure is encouraged, and where participants can engage in activities ranging from archery to challenging high ropes courses. While primarily serving Scouting programs like Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA summer camps, and various leadership training (e.g., NYLT), the facility also opens its doors to non-Scouting groups, making its extensive resources available to a broader community. Understanding the scale and purpose of Camp William B. Snyder helps local users appreciate its unique offering in Virginia's outdoor recreation landscape.

Camp William B. Snyder is strategically located at 6100 Antioch Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169, USA. This address places it in Prince William County, at the foot of Bull Run Mountain, offering a mix of accessible convenience and natural seclusion. Its proximity to major transportation arteries is a significant advantage for groups traveling from various parts of Virginia, particularly the Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and broader Mid-Atlantic metropolitan areas.

The camp is easily reachable via Interstate 66, with explicit directions available that guide visitors right off the highway to Antioch Road. This ensures a relatively straightforward journey, minimizing travel time and maximizing the time spent on activities at the camp. While its location offers accessibility, some past visitors have noted the presence of ambient noise from nearby trains, planes, and cars, particularly at night. This is a common characteristic of large facilities situated near major transport corridors, a trade-off for ease of access.

Despite the occasional external sounds, the camp encompasses 350 acres, providing ample space for its diverse activities and camping areas. This vastness helps to mitigate the feeling of being too close to urban noise, offering a sense of immersion in a managed natural environment. Its setting near Bull Run Mountain also hints at potential for scenic views and varied terrain within the property. The combination of easy access and extensive grounds makes Camp William B. Snyder a practical and appealing choice for local groups seeking an impactful outdoor experience.

Services Offered:

• Diverse Camping Options:
  • Traditional Tent Campsites: Equipped with pavilions and campfire rings.
  • Platform Camping: For a slightly elevated and potentially drier experience.
  • Cabins: Bunk-room style cabins (can host up to 36 scouts/scouters) with nearby shower houses; some boast full kitchens and large campfire rings.
  • Carroll's Cottage: A larger accommodation option (can host up to 15 scouts/scouters) with a full kitchen and large campfire ring, suitable for smaller groups or leadership.
• Shower Houses: Located near campsites, designed for convenience, with cleaning materials provided.
• Dining Facilities: Includes the Stephen G. Marriott Dining Hall, a 550-seat, air-conditioned facility with a catering kitchen, suitable for banquets and large gatherings.
• Specialized Activity Areas & Program Facilities:
  • Archery Range: For learning and practicing archery.
  • Woodshop (Michael's Woodshop): A dedicated facility for woodworking activities.
  • Sally's STEM Shack: For science, technology, engineering, and math-related programs.
  • Gaga Pit: A popular dodgeball-like game area.
  • Big Dig: An area for excavation and exploration.
  • Fort and Ship Themed Areas: Providing imaginative play and learning environments.
  • Rocket Field: For rocketry activities.
  • Outdoor Amphitheater: For ceremonies, presentations, and large group gatherings.
  • Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool with Water Slides, Water Basketball, and Water Volleyball Areas.
  • Pond: Available for fishing and boating activities.
  • COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) Challenge Course: For team-building and personal limits testing.
  • Hiking Paths and Nature Trails: Throughout the 350-acre property, including wetlands.
• Firewood Provided: Abundant, excellent wood for burning is available on-site (no outside firewood permitted by Virginia law).
• Event Venue Rentals: Facilities like the Dining Hall, pavilions, and Carroll's Cottage are available for rent by non-Scouting groups and for special events.
• Free Parking: Ample parking, including motor coach/bus parking.
• ADA Accessible Facilities: Several facilities are noted as ADA accessible.
• Pet Policy: Pets are NOT permitted on camp premises (important for visitors to note).

Features / Highlights:

• Extensive 350-Acre Property: Encompasses diverse terrain, including managed wetlands, forests, and open spaces, ideal for exploration and nature study.
• Variety of Outdoor Activities: A wide range of activities available, from traditional camping pursuits like hiking and fishing to more specialized programs like archery, woodworking, and a high ropes course.
• Dedicated Youth Programs: Hosts numerous Boy Scouts of America programs including Cub Scout Day Camps, Resident Weekends, Scouts BSA Specialty Weeks (offering merit badges, rank advancement, and skills training), and leadership courses (e.g., NYLT).
• Flexible Accommodation Options: Offers various choices from basic tent camping to more comfortable cabins and a cottage, catering to different group needs and preferences.
• Historical and Environmental Significance: As a managed wetland area, it supports diverse wildlife (over 250 bird species including Bald Eagles and Red Tail Hawks) and offers opportunities for nature observation.
• Modern Facilities for Groups: Features large gathering spaces like the Marriott Dining Hall and outdoor amphitheater, suitable for large events and banquets.
• Year-Round Availability (for rentals): Campsites, cabins, and Carroll's Cottage are generally available for rent from mid-August through mid-June, with specific summer camp sessions.
• Proximity to DC Metro Area: Offers a quality outdoor experience just a few miles outside the DC metro area, making it very convenient for local residents.
• Focus on Skill Development: Emphasizes building Scout skills, earning merit badges, and participating in programs designed to foster leadership and outdoor proficiency.

Promotions or Special Offers:

Camp William B. Snyder, as a Boy Scouts of America facility, primarily focuses on structured programs and facility rentals rather than typical commercial promotions. However, there are inherent "offers" within its operational model that benefit various groups:

• Program-Based Pricing: Fees are structured around specific Scouting programs (e.g., Cub Scout Day Camp, Resident Weekends, Scouts BSA Specialty Weeks), with different pricing tiers for youth and adults, and often "early bird" discounts for timely registration. For example, Cub Scout Day Camp can range from $300-$340 for youth, and Scouts BSA Specialty Weeks from $565-$625 for resident youth (with early bird savings).
• Free Adult Policies: For Cub Scout Resident Weekend sessions, units may be eligible for 2 free adult leaders. Troops sending 5+ Scouts to Scouts BSA Week may be eligible for 1 free adult.
• Camperships: Financial assistance (camperships) may be available for youth to attend programs, requiring an application process.
• Group Rental Options: Non-Scouting groups, non-profits, and units can rent facilities (campsites, cabins, dining hall, specialized areas) for their own events. Inquire directly about rates for these rentals.
• Family Camping Options: The National Capital Area Council also offers "Family Camping Only" weekends at Camp Snyder for $25 per person, which can be combined with online "Homecamping" programs.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on specific program costs, dates, registration deadlines, and any available group rental rates or financial assistance, it is essential to visit the official Camp Snyder website (gotosnyder.org) or contact them directly. Programs and their associated costs are typically updated annually.

Contact Information:

Address: 6100 Antioch Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169, USA

Phone: (571) 248-4904

Mobile Phone: +1 571-248-4904

Email: camp.snyder@scouting.org

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Virginians, particularly those involved with youth organizations or seeking structured outdoor experiences, Camp William B. Snyder offers a robust and highly suitable option right in their backyard. Its comprehensive facilities and diverse program offerings make it far more than a typical campground; it's an educational and recreational hub that supports personal growth and group cohesion.

The variety of camping accommodations, from basic tent sites with provided firewood to comfortable cabins and even a cottage, allows local groups to tailor their experience to their preferences and budget. This flexibility is a significant benefit, accommodating everyone from seasoned campers to those new to outdoor overnights. The extensive range of activities—including archery, a woodshop, a COPE course, swimming, fishing, and dedicated STEM programs—means that groups can engage in skill development and fun activities directly on-site, reducing the need for off-site excursions.

While some past visitors have noted challenges with limited restroom access for large groups and ambient noise from nearby transportation, these considerations are often part of the trade-off for a facility of this scale and accessibility. The positive feedback highlights the quality of the activities and the welcoming environment, particularly for those participating in organized programs. For local Scouting units, schools, or other community groups in Virginia, Camp William B. Snyder provides an unparalleled resource for outdoor education, team-building, and adventure. It allows residents to tap into a well-established system designed to foster positive development and create memorable outdoor experiences without extensive travel, making it an invaluable asset to the local community.