prince-william-forest | VA | Find park

Carter Pond is a great place to fish.

Farms to Forest Trail surrounded by ferns

The Farms to Forest Trail is a favorite among visitors.

Mountain Laurel blooming near Parking Lot I.

Mountain Laurel can be spotted throughout the park.

A tree with orange leaves against the blue sky

Fall is a beautiful time of year in the park.

Fall colors come alive near Parking Lot H

Many people visit the park to see the brilliant fall colors

Tuliptrees grow tall with blue sky above them

Tuliptrees are a mid-secession tree in the forest.

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

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

Physical Address:

18170 Park Entrance Road

Triangle, VA 22172

Mailing Address:

18100 Park Headquarters Road

Triangle, VA 22172

contact-details

Phone Number: 703-221-7181 Voice
Phone Number: 703-221-4322 Fax

Email Address: prwi_info@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle: $20.00

Valid seven (7) consecutive days.

Entrance - Motorcycle: $15.00

Valid seven (7) consecutive days.

Entrance - Per Person: $10.00

Valid seven (7) consecutive days.

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park: $35.00

The Prince William Forest Park annual pass provides unlimited entry to the park for one year through the month of purchase (example - a pass purchased on January 1, 2022 will be valid through January 31, 2023). The pass covers admission for the passholder (who must be present) and all individuals in a single vehicle, or for the passholder and three adults who walk into the park. The pass can be purchased at the visitor center or entrance station (when in operation).

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!

park designation:Park

Directions:

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Prince William Forest Park Operating Hours

The trails at Prince William Forest Park are open every day from sunrise to sunset for recreation use. The visitor center has seasonal hours: mid March - beginning of November, open every day from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and beginning of November - mid March, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm with closures on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (dates follow daylight savings time). The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Exceptions:

Closed Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024 - November 28, 2024)

Closed Christmas Day (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

Closed New Year's Day (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Weather Information:

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.