PARK OVERVIEW
Prince William Forest Park is an outdoor recreational area located 30 miles south of Alexandria, Virginia, adjacent to the Quantico Marine Corps Reservation. Visitors have access to hiking trails, paved and gravel roads for biking, picnic areas, lakes and creeks for fishing, and camping opportunities ranging from full-service RV camping to primitive backcountry camping that requires hiking to reach the campsites. Rustic cabins are also available for organized groups and individuals.
The park was built between 1935 and 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), an organization designed to put men back to work during the Great Depression. The CCC built many of the nation’s parks, both state and national. Originally called the Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area (RDA), the park was intended to provide outdoor recreation for inner city families and children from the Washington, D. C. area. All RDAs—forty-six in all—were under the management of the National Park Service, which is why what amounts to a state park in any other area of the country is part of the National Park system. The park was renamed Prince William Forest Park in 1948.
With the United States’ entry into World War II in December 1941, the Chopawamsic RDA was one of two parks taken over by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the other being Catoctin Mountain Park. The OSS, which would go on to become the CIA, was a new intelligence organization that developed propaganda and espionage techniques used during the war. Prior to the OSS, military intelligence was done by a number of agencies, and the OSS was an effort to consolidate all efforts into one organization. After the war the park returned to its original purpose and once again began hosting families and children. Any structures built by the OSS were removed.
OPERATING HOURS
Prince William Forest Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The exception is 24-hour access for those camping or staying at one of the cabins.
Oakridge Campground is open from March 1st to November 30th.
The Turkey Run Group Campground, the Chopawamsic Backcountry Campsites, and the Prince William Forest RV Park are all open year-round.
Cabin Camp 5 is open year-round, but the rest of the cabins and cabin camps are only open from mid-April until the last weekend in October or the first weekend in November, depending on when the weekend falls each year. Exact opening and closing dates vary each year.
The Visitor Center hours are as follows:
- Daylight Saving Time: daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
- Standard Time: Fridays through Mondays, 8 AM to 4 PM
- Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Times can always change, so for the latest schedule be sure to visit the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for Prince William Forest Park.
FEES
There is a fee to enter Prince William Forest Park. During operating hours, you can pay at the park entrance booth, or if this is not manned, at the Visitor Center. You can also purchase a pass online in advance at Recreation.gov. Standard entrance passes are good for seven consecutive days, but you can also purchase an annual pass, either specifically for the park or for all National Parks. At the park, cash is no longer accepted—credit or debit card only. For the latest prices, visit the official Fees and Passes web page for Prince William Forest Park.
There is an additional fee for those wishing to camp or rent picnic facilities.
Visitors arriving after business hours must obtain a pass online prior to arrival.
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on April 11, 2024