Five Spots for a Weekend in the Great Outdoors -- Car Optional

Activities abound for campers at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, including fishing and spending time at the water park. (By Don Sweeney -- Fairfax County Park Authority)

Why should I go?"We get a lot of first-time campers," says Anita Pesses, the public affairs officer for the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation. "This is a great place to start." She says the facilities (hot showers! real bathrooms!) are appealing to those who don't want a primitive camping experience.

For the novice who needs entertainment, there is plenty to take in, including an antique carousel, a miniature train, a nature center, a petting zoo and a perk unavailable at most other parks: mini-golf.

How far is it from Washington? About 15 miles.

How do I get there? Take Metro's Blue Line to Largo Town Center, then transfer to the C26 Metrobus toward East Kettering. The bus stops at Keverton and Watkins Park drives near the park entrance.

Cost?$15, residents of Montgomery or Prince George's counties $12.

What else do I need to know? Reservations a few weeks in advance are recommended. Call 301-218-6700 (for general information) or 301-218-6870 (campground permits), or visit http://www.pgparks.com/places/parks/watkins.html.

-- Amy Orndorff

Don't Forget to Bring . . .

• tent (If you don't own one, you can rent one from such stores as Eastern Mountain Sports, Hudson Trail Outfitters and REI.)
• sleeping bag
• food (Think picnic: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, carrots and fruit allow you to go without silverware, a stove or a cooler.)
• water bottle
• change of clothes
• toiletries (That includes shampoo. Yes, many of these places have hot showers.)
• bug spray
• flashlight (The mini one on your key chain doesn't count.)
• matches