Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

Show on map 703-221-7181 prwi_info@nps.gov

18100 Park Headquarters Rd.
Triangle, VA 22172

Overview

Looking for some peace and quiet? Want to get back to nature, listen to the sounds of the nocturnal world, or simplify your life? Then come experience primitive camping at Prince William Forest Park’s Chopawamsic Backcountry Area.

Chopawamsic (chop-uh-WAHM-zik), Algonquian for “small, divided river flats”, consists of about 400 acres (162 ha) of backcountry with a wilderness-like feel in a remote area of Prince William Forest Park. Within this tract of land, there are eight designated hike in campsites. Campsites are accessible from a two-mile (3.2 km) loop trail.

Chopawamsic Backcountry Area limits camping to six people or one family unit per site. Chopawamsic is not designed for group camping, which is available at Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground.

The northern side of Breckenridge Reservoir is accessible by trail from the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area for fishing.

Recreation

Chopawamsic Backcountry Area is located in Prince William Forest Park, which preserves approximately 15,000 acres (6070 ha) including a major portion of the Quantico Creek watershed. The area is the largest example of a piedmont forest ecosystem, the piedmont being the geographic plateau between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coast. The park represents one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the area and is the National Park Service's third largest unit in Virginia.

Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any adventurous visitor.

The park is home to many animals including 46 species of mammals, 22 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, more than 129 species of birds, 26 species of fish and an unknown number of invertebrates.

More than 900 plant species exist in Prince William Forest Park, from the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree. From tree bark in winter, wildflowers in spring, canopy cover in summer and autumn colors in fall, Prince William Forest Park offers beautiful scenery year-round.

Facilities

This primitive backcountry camping area is open year-round barring inclement weather. There are 8 hike-in campsite spots located along a 2 mile (3.2 km) loop trail. Each spot contains a flat area for pitching a tent and a wooden post with the site number and is located a short distance off of the loop trail. There is a parking area at the start of the loop trail that has one vault toilet. Everything you carry with you when hiking to the sites must be carried out with you when you leave.

Natural Features

Various geological outcroppings, winding creeks, gently rolling slopes and man-made lakes make wonderful destinations for any adventurous visitor.

Nearby Attractions

Prince William Forest Park is centrally located, with easy access to all of the attractions the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., area have to offer. From the park entrance, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the main gate of the United States Marine Corps Base Quantico are just a mile (1.6 km) away.

The park is located directly between historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Camp site features

Across 8 camp sites:

Largest party: 6 people

Fees

Reservation Fee: $8 if booked online or $9 if booked through at Recreation.gov’s call center, (877) 444-6777 (toll free) or (606) 515-6777 (international) 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. (Eastern Time Zone). The reservation fee cover the cost of reservation services. Recreation Use Fee: $0. Backcountry camping permits are free. Entrance Fee: All vehicles entering the park must also pay the park vehicle entrance fee. Visit the park website's fees and passes page for rates.

Directions

To get to the backcountry area: From the park entrance, follow Rt. 619 or Joplin Road for around 2 miles north past the American Legion sign. Almost immediately after you pass mile marker 22, the entrance to the backcountry area is the first left at the top of a slight hill. It is a gated small gravel parking area with a pit toilet. The gate is not locked; please shut it behind you. Do not follow GPS applications to Chopawamsic Backcountry Area as they will sometimes take you onto military roads that are not public access. To get to the main park entrance: From Washington, D.C., and points north, take I-95 south to exit 150-B toward VA Route 619/Joplin Road. The park entrance is the second right, continue up the road 2 miles to the gravel parking area for the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area on the left near mile marker 22. From Fredericksburg, Virginia, and points south, take I-95 north to exit 150 toward 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. Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are approximately 45 minutes drive-time from Prince William Forest Park. Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Richmond International Airport are 90 minutes away. There is no bus service near the park. Local commuter buses may be available near the park via the PRTC system. Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express services are available in nearby Quantico, Virginia, approximately 5 miles from the park entrance. There is no public transportation directly to the park.

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

19 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Jerimie N

Loop:Chop

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Only issue had was this is a site I have been to a few times. Tent pitching locations have become limited dew to limbs that have fallen. Otherwise great time.

Timothy M

Loop:Chop

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

This is a very good back country backpacking experience near the city. I live in Fairfax county and I've been trying to get into backpacking after many years away from it. Finding this place even for an overnight was the perfect way to experience backpacking in anticipation of a longer trip you know far away place. Easy to find nice parking a good hike in and the sites are spacious and far apart from each other. I'd recommend it to anybody who wants to have an experience for Backcountry backpacking.

David B

Loop:Chop

Site:

Reviewed 7 months ago

Clean, vented pit restroom was charming and less stressful than expected. The walk to site 7 was more hills than I had realized, even 6 required a couple hills. I think some other sites may be a better walk. Seemed like people respect the land and NPS keeps it very safe and under control.

Justin H

Loop:Chop

Site:

Reviewed 7 months ago

Excellent site, up on a hill and easy walk to the reservoir. Great privacy from the neighboring sites.

Tyler K

Loop:Chop

Site:

Reviewed 8 months ago

Absolute great place to stay. Campsites were not too far from the parking lot and it was a very peaceful place to set up camp.

Aaron G

Loop:Chop