Prince William Forest Park
Prince William Forest Park is an oasis, a respite of quiet and calm.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
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!
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Driving times from Prince William Forest Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$20.00Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$15.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$10.00Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
Hours
Prince William Forest Park Operating Hours
- Mon
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Tue
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Wed
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Thu
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Fri
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sat
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sun
- Sunrise to Sunset
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Prince William Forest Park?
- Entrance to Prince William Forest Park starts at $10. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Prince William Forest Park?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Prince William Forest Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park (38 min), LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac (44 min), Theodore Roosevelt Island (48 min), Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm (50 min), Manassas National Battlefield Park (50 min), Harmony Hall (52 min).