Prince William Forest Park
9 campgrounds in the park · 32 nearby · 7 free and dispersed sites within 25 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
1 current alert
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureParking Lot E Closed for ConstructionParking Lot E is closed for construction. The park is currently working to expand this parking area, and the lot will be closed while the expansion is being built. Visitors can still access the Mary Byrd Branch Trail and Quantico Cascades Trail by following trail reroute signs and parking vehicles in Turkey Run parking area. For your safety, please follow all closures and only park in designated parking spots.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $20 per vehicle
- In the park
- 9 campgrounds4 reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 32 campgroundsWithin 25 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 7 sitesWithin 25 mi
- Annual pass
- $35Prince William Forest only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 9
- National Park
Cabin Camp 3
In the park · Triangle, VA
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
Oak Ridge Campground
In the park · Independent Hill, VA
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 32
- Aerial viewCampground
Cabin Camp 2
1.4 mi · Independent Hill, VA
- Aerial viewCampground
Cabin Camp 5
1.4 mi · Camp Barrett, VA
Free and dispersed nearby 7
See them on the map- Campsite #6Camp Barrett, VA2.0 mi
- Campsite #7Camp Barrett, VA2.1 mi
- Campsite #8Camp Barrett, VA2.1 mi
- Campsite #4Camp Barrett, VA2.4 mi
- Campsite #5Camp Barrett, VA2.4 mi
- Campsite #3Camp Barrett, VA2.5 mi
Services nearby: 1 dump station · 8 rest areas
About Prince William Forest
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…
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!
Photos: NPS Photo · NPS Photo/Melissa Weih
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
From Washington, D.C. and points north: Take I-95 south to exit 150-B (VA Route 619/Joplin Road). The park entrance is the second right. From Fredericksburg and points south: Take I-95 north to exit 150 (VA Route…
Weather
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…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$20
- Motorcycle, 7 days$15
- Per person$10
- Prince William Forest annual pass$35
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.
Getting there
From Washington, D.C. and points north: Take I-95 south to exit 150-B (VA Route 619/Joplin Road). The park entrance is the second right. From Fredericksburg and points south: Take I-95 north to exit 150 (VA Route 619/Joplin Road). Turn left at the bottom of the exit ramp and continue on VA Route 619 West approximately 1/4 mile to the park entrance.
Weather
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.
Camped at Prince William Forest? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Cabin Camp 3, Oak Ridge Campground and Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits.