Prince William Forest Park • Virginia

Carter Pond on a sunny day in summer

Farms to Forest Trail surrounded by ferns

Mountain Laurel blooming near Parking Lot I.

A tree with orange leaves against the blue sky

Fall colors come alive near Parking Lot H

Tuliptrees grow tall with blue sky above them

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

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!

Carter Pond is a great place to fish.
NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

The Farms to Forest Trail is a favorite among visitors.
NPS Photo

Mountain Laurel can be spotted throughout the park.
NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

Fall is a beautiful time of year in the park.
NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

Many people visit the park to see the brilliant fall colors
NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

Tuliptrees are a mid-secession tree in the forest.
NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

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

Prince William Forest Park

Experience a natural refuge a short distance from Washington, DC.

Duration:
53 seconds

Dirt trail meanders alongside a quiet creek in a green summer forest

Know Before You Go

Planning a visit to the park this summer? Check the latest updates on safety guidelines, available services, and more.

The Swinging Bridge seen from a distance from Laurel Loop Trail

Outdoor Activities

The opportunities are endless with hiking trails, bicycle-accessible roads and trails, campgrounds, and over 100 cabins.

An historic cabin surrounded by blooming dogwood trees.

Camping Reservations

Want to make a camping reservation? The park has tent, cabin, and RV campsites available.

Black and white photo of the Taylor Family being pulled by a horse carriage in front of their house

Special Places in the Park

Learn about early park communities and towns that were here before the Prince William Forest Park was created.

A foot trail in summer surrounded by vegetation.

What grows here?

Discover the amazing ecology of the piedmont forest.

A man and a woman with a German shepherd hike a trail in summer

Get out on the trails and enjoy some time outdoors!

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

18100 Park Headquarters Road
Triangle, VA 22172

Phone:

703-221-7181

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