Prince William Forest Park • Virginia

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

Dirt trail surrounded by ferns and shaded by a green forest

Wooden cabin with a porch and nearby picnic table and grill shaded by a green forest

Pink and white flowers dot green bushes near the creek

An arched wooden bridge above a creek surround by a yellow and orange fall forest

Yellow and orange fall colors reflect in a still pool of water along a creek

Green crown of tall trees with blue sky above them

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!

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

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

Spend a night in the park's historic cabin camps!
NPS Photo

Blooming mountain laurel can be spotted throughout the park in May.
NPS Photo/Melissa Weih

Fall is a beautiful time of year in the park.
NPS Photo/Melissa Weih

Many people visit the park to see the brilliant fall colors
NPS Photo/Melissa Weih

Tuliptrees are some of the tallest trees in the forest.
NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected

DC Area National Parks

Health & Safety