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!

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.

  • 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
  • Playground
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • African American Heritage
  • American Revolution
  • Arts
  • Photography
  • Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
  • Colonization and Settlement
  • Great Depression
  • Industry
  • Mining
  • Native American Heritage
  • Transportation
  • Bridges
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • American Revolutionary War
  • Civil War
  • World War II
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Tortoises and Turtles
  • Climate Change
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Deciduous Forests
  • Geology
  • Trails

Carter Pond

Carter Pond on a sunny day in summer

Carter Pond is a great place to fish.

Farms to Forest Trail

Farms to Forest Trail surrounded by ferns

The Farms to Forest Trail is a favorite among visitors.

Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel blooming near Parking Lot I.

Mountain Laurel can be spotted throughout the park.

Fall Foliage

A tree with orange leaves against the blue sky

Fall is a beautiful time of year in the park.

Near Parking Lot H

Fall colors come alive near Parking Lot H

Many people visit the park to see the brilliant fall colors

Tree on South Valley Trail

Tuliptrees grow tall with blue sky above them

Tuliptrees are a mid-secession tree in the forest.

Historic Park Sign for Chopawamsic RDA

An original 1930's sign for Chopawamsic National Recreational Demonstration Area

A sign on Joplin Road marks the park entrance in the mid-1930s.