Park · Virginia
Prince William Forest Park
Prince William Forest Park is an oasis, a respite of quiet and calm. In 1936, Chopawamsic Recreation Area opened its gates to house children's 'relief' camps during the Great Depression. Renamed Prince William Forest Park in 1948, these fragrant woods and trickling streams have welcomed generations of campers, hikers, bikers and nature lovers. Discover Northern Virginia's best kept secret!
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Compass and GPS
- Orienteering
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hands-On
- Volunteer Vacation
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Hunting and Gathering
- Junior Ranger Program
Weather & when to go
Prince William Forest Park experiences all four seasons. Spring and fall are generally comfortable with precipitation possible. Summers can be hot and humid with average temperatures in the high 80s and with sudden thunderstorms possible. July and August are the hottest months. Winters can be cold with average temperatures in the winter of 41 degrees with variable precipitation. The main park roads can close due to snowy conditions, though cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing are permitted.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$15.00
Entrance - Per Person
Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
$10.00
Operating hours
Prince William Forest Park Operating Hours
The trails at Prince William Forest Park are open every day from sunrise to sunset for recreation use. The visitor center is open every day of the week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Winter hours vary. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Campgrounds
Prince William Forest RV Campground
Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground
Oak Ridge Campground
Cabin Camp 1 (By Reservation Only)
Chopawamsic Backcountry Area
Cabin Camp 2 (By Reservation Only)
Cabin Camp 3 (Group Site By Reservation Only)
Cabin Camp 4 (By Reservation Only)
Cabin Camp 5 (By Reservation Only)
Cabin Camp 3 (Individual Cabins)
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Prince William Forest Park?
- Entrance to Prince William Forest Park costs $20.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $15.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle), $10.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Prince William Forest Park?
- The trails at Prince William Forest Park are open every day from sunrise to sunset for recreation use. The visitor center is open every day of the week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Winter hours vary. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
- Do I need a reservation for Prince William Forest Park?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Prince William Forest Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Keep exploring
More parks in Virginia.