Parking Lot E along the park's Scenic Drive 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.






Prince William Forest Park
Virginia
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!
About Prince William Forest Park
Prince William Forest Park is a park located in Virginia. 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.
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.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
The general entrance fee for Prince William Forest starts at $10 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Entrance - Private Vehicle ($20), Entrance - Motorcycle ($15), Entrance - Per Person ($10). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Prince William Forest Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Biking, Mountain Biking, Road Biking, and 25 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Prince William Forest
π Visitor Planning Tips for Prince William Forest
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Prince William Forest before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βMonitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Prince William Forest. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- βSecure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Prince William Forest get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- βLeave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Prince William Forest. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Prince William Forest
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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