Prince William Forest Park
Park ยท Virginia
NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch
Protected forest in Virginia, U.S.
Prince William Forest Park is a National Park Service (NPS) site in the U.S. state of Virginia within Prince William County, located adjacent to the Marine Corps Base Quantico near the town of Dumfries. Established as Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area in 1936, the park is the largest protected natural area in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region at over 13,000 acres (5,300ย ha).
About 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!
Park Photos
Activities
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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Prince William Forest Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $20.00. Valid seven (7) consecutive days. Entrance - Motorcycle: $15.00. Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Entrance - Per Person: $10.00. Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
What are the best activities at Prince William Forest Park?
Popular activities at Prince William Forest Park include: Arts and Culture, Biking, Mountain Biking, Road Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Group Camping.
What is the weather like at Prince William Forest Park?
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.
How do I get to Prince William Forest Park?
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.
Entrance Fees
Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
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.
Directions
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.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Virginia
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