About Prince William Forest Park
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!
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Virginia. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Entrance Fees
Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Valid seven (7) consecutive days.
Operating Hours
The trails at Prince William Forest Park are open every day from sunrise to sunset for recreation use. The visitor center is open every day of the week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Winter hours vary. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Activities
Current Alerts
Parking Lot E is closed for construction. The park is currently working to expand this parking area, and the lot will be closed while the expansion is being built. Visitors can still access the Mary Byrd Branch Trail and Quantico Cascades Trail by following trail reroute signs and parking vehicles in Turkey Run parking area. For your safety, please follow all closures and only park in designated parking spots.
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Entrance Passes
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).
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Prince William Forest Park
Help your pet become a B.A.R.K. Ranger by bagging your pet's waste and properly disposing of it, always leashing your…
Prince William Forest Park Junior Ranger
Join the Junior Ranger Corps at Prince William Forest Park today to learn more about the park's history and natural…
Bike the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Prince William Forest Park
Discover Northern Virginia's best kept secret and bike along the park’s Scenic Drive.
Hike to the Taylor Farm Site
The Taylor Farm site is a short hike from the Turkey Run parking area or parking lot H. While slowly…