Chopawamsic Backcountry

Chopawamsic Backcountry Area

NPS

Chopawamsic (chop-ah-wahm-zik) Backcountry Area, which means by the small "divided streams" or "river flats" in Algonquian, is 1,500 acres of backcountry area with eight designated campsites. Campsites are accessible from the 2.2 mile loop trail. Access for day hiking in the backcountry area is also available.

Cost: Free
Permits are required to enter Chopawamsic Backcountry. If day hiking, permits can be obtained at the visitor center on a first come, first served basis. If camping, visit recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777 to obtain a permit (small flat fee for use of the reservation system does apply - $8 for internet reservation, $9 for phone reservation)

Know Before You Go

Chopawamsic Backcountry has eight designated tent camp sites which are identified by a post marker and are accessible from the circuit trail. Please indicate which tent site you wish to use on the permit application.

There is a single vault toilet at the trailhead for Chopawamsic. Please use 'Leave No Trace' practices and dispose of human waste no less than 200 feet from a water source and cover all waste with leaf matter if camping. Please do not use toilet paper or leave litter.

There are no trash cans at Chopawamsic. Please pack out what you packed in. 

Tents must be located within 40 feet of the post marker.

Maximum stay is seven consecutive days or 14 days in one calendar year.

Open fires are strictly prohibited. All cooking must be done on a camp stove.

Trenching, leveling or digging is not permitted in any campsite. Bringing straw, hay, pine boughs or any vegetative materials to any campsite is prohibited.

Ropes, clotheslines, tent lines and nails are not to be attached to trees or other vegetation. Hammocks are allowed with straps that are at least 1 & 1/2" and are not affixed to a tree less than 6" in diameter.

The following are prohibited in the backcountry: fireworks, pets, swimming, use of power tools, hunting and trapping, any weapon (excluding firearms) including BB and pellet guns, paintball and paint guns, and bows and arrows.

Firearms are permitted in accordance with Virginia State laws.

Camping is limited to groups consisting of four people or less per site in the Chopawamsic Backcountry area. Chopawamsic is not designed for groups. Group camping is available at Turkey Run Ridge Campground.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted from the National Park Service' side of the Breckenridge Reservoir with a valid Virginia state fishing license. To fish from a non-motorized boat or from Quantico Marine Corps Base' side of the reservoir, a Marine Corps base permit is required. Call the base at 703-784-5270 Wednesday through Sunday for information on obtaining a base permit.

Safety

Camping in the Chopawamsic Backcountry area can be very rewarding and peaceful. There are precautions that should be taken when camping in the backcountry. Campers should be prepared for changing weather conditions. It is always a good idea to let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone. Many supplies are recommended for primitive camping, including a flashlight with extra batteries, pocket knife, first aid kit, nylon cord, waterproof matches, topographic map and compass, and plenty of food.

Always carry a supply of drinking water or have a method for purifying such as a filter, tablets, or boiling. Untreated water can harbor a microscopic organism called Giardia.

 

Details

Duration

1-14 Days

Maximum stay is seven consecutive days or 14 days in one calendar year. 

Activity

Backcountry Hiking

Age(s)

Visitors of all ages are permitted to camp and hike in the backcountry. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not permitted in the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area.

Activity Fee

Yes

Permits to access the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area are free and can be obtained at the visitor center on a first come, first served basis if hiking. All visitors must pay the park entrance fee for entrance to the park or have a valid park pass. If camping, there is a small flat reservation for use of the reservation system.

Location

Chopawamsic Parking Area

The entrance to the Chopowamsic Backcountry Area is located on Joplin Road (Hwy 619) near mile maker 22. The parking lot is gated at all times. Anyone wishing to access the backcountry must first apply for a permit at the visitor center if hiking. If camping, a permit can be obtained at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

Reservations

Yes

The backcountry area is only accessible with a valid permit. Permits can be obtained at the visitor center and are free of charge on a first come, first served basis if just hiking. If camping, reservations can be made at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

Season

Year Round

Chopawamsic Backcountry Area is open all year long but may be closed due to inclement weather.

Time of Day

Any Time

Overnight camping is permitted in the backcountry area. Day hiking is only available during normal park hours of operation. 

Accessibility Information

The Chopawamsic Backcountry Area is not wheelchair accessible. Trails contains steep hills in places and rough surfaces. Service animals are allowed.