← Back to Search

Prince William Forest Park

Designation: Park

Location: Virginia

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

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!

🌤 Weather Information

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.

Images

Carter Pond on a sunny day in summer

Carter Pond is a great place to fish.

Credit: NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

Farms to Forest Trail surrounded by ferns

The Farms to Forest Trail is a favorite among visitors.

Credit: NPS Photo

Mountain Laurel blooming near Parking Lot I.

Mountain Laurel can be spotted throughout the park.

Credit: NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

A tree with orange leaves against the blue sky

Fall is a beautiful time of year in the park.

Credit: NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

Fall colors come alive near Parking Lot H

Many people visit the park to see the brilliant fall colors

Credit: NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

Tuliptrees grow tall with blue sky above them

Tuliptrees are a mid-secession tree in the forest.

Credit: NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

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

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

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
$15.00
Entrance - Per Person
Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
$10.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
The Prince William Forest Park annual pass provides unlimited entry to the park for one year through the month of purchase (example - a pass purchased on January 1, 2022 will be valid through January 31, 2023). The pass covers admission for the passholder (who must be present) and all individuals in a single vehicle, or for the passholder and three adults who walk into the park. The pass can be purchased at the visitor center or entrance station (when in operation).
$35.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Feb 24

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 43.9°F | Low: 29.1°F

Humidity: 53%

Wind: 12.3 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.6

Sunrise: 06:48 AM

Sunset: 05:57 PM

Moon: First Quarter (44%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 24.9°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Feb 25

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 61.3°F | Low: 36°F

Humidity: 49%

Wind: 13.9 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 06:47 AM

Sunset: 05:58 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (55%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 36.1°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Feb 26

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 49.8°F | Low: 40.5°F

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 7.4 mph

Rain Chance: 89%

UV Index: 0.1

Sunrise: 06:45 AM

Sunset: 05:59 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (67%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 42.4°F

Cloud Cover: 89%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (1)

⚠️ Test Message (Unknown)
▼

Effective: Feb 24, 2026 1:27pm
Expires: Feb 24, 2026 1:37pm

Monitoring message only. Please disregard.

Park Alerts

Warm Wet Spring = More Ticks
Please check yourself and your pets for ticks continually during and after your visit. Ticks are less prevelent if you stay on trail or in mowed areas. Wearing light colored clothing helps you spot them before the attach.
Playground in Pine Grove Picnic Area Closed Information
The park is improving accessibility at the playground in Pine Grove Picnic Area. During construction, until approximately the end of December 2025, the playground is closed and 10 nearby parking spaces will be used for construction vehicles only.
Part of Scenic Drive Closed on 12/14 Due to Icy Conditions Park Closure
Scenic Drive from Parking Lot D to the Turkey Run Road is closed due to icy conditions and snow. The Visitor Center, Pine Grove parking areas, Parking Lots A, B, C, and D on Scenic Drive, and Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground remain open. Please use caution when driving in the park as roads are slick.
Oak Ridge Campground and Chopawamsic Backcountry Area Closed for the Season Information
Oak Ridge Campground and Chopawamsic Backcountry Area are closed for the winter season. They will be closed December 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017. Turkey Run Campground is available for camping.
Visitor Center Closed on December 25 and January 1 for holidays Information
The Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center and park offices will be closed on Thursday, December 25 for the holiday as well as Thursday, January 1, 2026. The park trails remain open from sunrise to sunset every day.
CLOSURES DUE TO SNOW 22-25 Jan
Turkey Run Group Campground closes on Fri Jan 22 and re-opens when conditions permit. See www.rec.gov for full refund of camp fee. Park roads close at 11 am Friday Jan 22 and reopen when conditions permit. Check our Facebook page for updates.

More Info

Visitor Center Closed Information
The Prince William Forest Visitor Center is closed today, Saturday, January 7, 2017.
Construction Vehicles on Scenic Drive Caution
On a section of Scenic Drive near Cabin Camp 3, a culvert under the road was recently replaced. Use caution and follow posted speed limits. Be aware of construction vehicles on the roadway in this area.
Visitor Center Currently Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays Information
The Visitor Center is currently open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Park grounds and trails remain open from sunrise to sunset.
Scenic Drive Past Parking Lot D and Turkey Run Group Campground Closed Park Closure
Scenic Drive past Parking Lot D and Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground is closed until snow and ice can be safely cleared from the roadway. Parking Lots A, B, C, and D on Scenic Drive, Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground, Visitor Center parking, and the parking area in Pine Grove Picnic Area are open although there are still a few icy patches on the road. Please use caution when driving in the park and follow all posted closure notices as crews are actively clearing snow and ice in closed areas.
Construction Vehicles on Scenic Drive Caution
On a section of Scenic Drive near Cabin Camp 3, a culvert under the road was recently replaced. Use caution and follow posted speed limits. Be aware of construction vehicles on the roadway in this area.
Firewood
Outside firewood is prohibited in Prince William Forest Park, unless it is certified USDA 'bug free' firewood. Dead and downed wood may be collected from designated areas for use while in the park. Help us protect the forest from invasive species!
Oak Ridge Campground Closed Park Closure
Oak Ridge Campground is closed until 12:00 pm on Thursday (3/16/17).
Oak Ridge Campground Site A29 closure
Oak Ridge Campground site A29 will be closed until safety concerns have been mitigated. Please do not use that site until it has been reopened.
Playground in Pine Grove Picnic Area Closed Information
The park is improving accessibility at the playground in Pine Grove Picnic Area. During construction, until approximately the end of February 2026, the playground is closed and construction vehicles may be in the area. Use caution when hiking in the area and follow all posted closure notices.
NO FIREWORKS
Reminder to park visitors. Fireworks are prohibited at Prince William Forest Park.

Park Events

Archeology Outreach Day

An ongoing archeology project at Prince William Forest Park is studying an area known as Hickory Ridge, which was a mixed community before the park was established. This study included talking to descendants of the Hickory Ridge community and combining those stories with an archeological survey. The archeological work for this project wraps up this winter and we'd like to share some of their work with you! On January 14, visitors are welcome to watch an excavation and ask questions of park staff between 10am and noon. Park at Parking Lot D along the park's Scenic Drive, where a ranger will direct you to the excavation site. 

Please be sure to check the park website and calendar for any event updates in the case of inclement weather or schedule changes. 

Location: Park at Parking Lot D on the park's Scenic Drive and follow a ranger's directions to the excavation

Date: Jan 14, 2026 12:00am to Jan 14, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Spies and Statesmen: Fort Hunt and Prince William Forest During the Second World War

Today, Prince William Forest and Fort Hunt are pleasant places for recreation. Did you know that during the 1940s, both were used by secret intelligence organizations to help the Allies win World War II?

Join authors Michael Warner and JĂśrn Happel for a special presentation of World War II and Cold War history! The seminar will be hosted by park rangers from Prince William Forest (Melissa Weih) and Fort Hunt Park (Daniel Blier). The seminar will end with a Q&A session during which attendees can ask the presenters questions. Registration is free but required.

Michael Warner is command historian at United States Cyber Command. He has written and lectured on intelligence history, theory and reform and teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University and American University. Dr Warner sits on the board of editors of Intelligence and National Security, a leading journal focused on the role of intelligence in international relations. He is the author of The Rise and Fall of Intelligence: An International Security History (2014) and the coauthor of The Use of Force for State Power: History and Future (2020).

Jörn Happel is the director of the Professorship for Eastern European and East-Central European History at Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg, Germany. His research interests include the history of Russia, Central Asia, Siberia and Poland. Dr Happel’s research on Eastern Europe and excellence in teaching have both been recognized with prestigious awards. He is the author of Der Ost-Experte: Gustav Hilger — Diplomat im Zeitalter der Extreme (The East Expert: Gustav Hilger – Diplomat in the Era of Extremes), published 2018.

Register for this Zoom virtual program at https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/16020641

Location: This is a virtual event, please register with the Fairfax County Library

Date: Feb 28, 2026 12:00am to Feb 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
18170 Park Entrance Road
Triangle, VA 22172

🏤 Mailing Address:
18100 Park Headquarters Road
Triangle, VA 22172

📞 Voice Phone: 703-221-7181

📞 Fax Phone: 703-221-4322

✉️ Email: prwi_info@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
Loading fun fact...