Tent Sites
Jerimie N
VerifiedAugust 10, 2026 Stayed at: BC3, Loop: CHOP
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.
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About Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits
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 (2 mi) 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.
Available sites
8 total sitesActivities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Year-round
Fishing
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
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Closed periods
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Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
365 Days
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
Parking and Transport
- Parking
On Site Services
- Waste Disposal
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Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
8 Sites Available
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BC1, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
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BC2, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
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BC3, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
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BC4, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
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BC5, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
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BC6, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BC7, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
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BC8, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
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Site Details
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8 Sites Available
Site
Price
⛺
BC1, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
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BC2, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
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BC3, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BC4, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BC5, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BC6, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BC7, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BC8, Loop: CHOP
Tent
Yes shade
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
36 reviews
Summary
Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping offers a great experience for backpackers, with spacious and well-marked campsites that provide privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. The area is easily accessible, with clean restroom facilities and a charming environment. While some sites have limited tent pitching due to fallen limbs and occasional noise from nearby roads, many visitors appreciate the seclusion and respect for nature found in this area.
Based on guest feedback
4.4
Overall rating
Based on 36 reviews
5 stars
66.7% (24)
4 stars
16.7% (6)
3 stars
5.6% (2)
2 stars
11.1% (4)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 36 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Timothy M
VerifiedAugust 4, 2026 Stayed at: BC1, Loop: CHOP
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.
Helpful
David B
VerifiedApril 26, 2026 Stayed at: BC7, Loop: CHOP
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.
Helpful
David B
VerifiedApril 26, 2026 Stayed at: BC7, Loop: CHOP
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.
Helpful
Justin H
VerifiedApril 21, 2026 Stayed at: BC2, Loop: CHOP
Excellent site, up on a hill and easy walk to the reservoir. Great privacy from the neighboring sites.
Helpful
Justin H
VerifiedApril 21, 2026 Stayed at: BC2, Loop: CHOP
Excellent site, up on a hill and easy walk to the reservoir. Great privacy from the neighboring sites.
Helpful
Tyler K
VerifiedMarch 8, 2026 Stayed at: BC3, Loop: CHOP
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.
Helpful
Tyler K
VerifiedMarch 8, 2026 Stayed at: BC3, Loop: CHOP
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.
Helpful
Aaron G
VerifiedNovember 3, 2025 Stayed at: BC1, Loop: CHOP
Great site. Well marked and distant from other sites. The site is on a gentle slope.
Helpful
Aaron G
VerifiedNovember 3, 2025 Stayed at: BC1, Loop: CHOP
Great site. Well marked and distant from other sites. The site is on a gentle slope.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits
18100 Park Headquarters Rd., Triangle, VA 22172 United States
Elevation: 78 ft
Getting There
To get to the backcountry area:
From the park entrance, follow Rt. 619 or Joplin Road for around 2 mi 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...
To get to the backcountry area:
From the park entrance, follow Rt. 619 or Joplin Road for around 2 mi 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 mi 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 mi 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 mi from the park entrance. There is no public transportation directly to the park.
Near Shenandoah National Park
The closest entrance is: Front Royal Entrance Station
Approximate drive: 59.3 mi · over 1 hr (102 min)
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Follow specific directions to reach the backcountry area; GPS may lead you to restricted roads.
- Comply with all laws and regulations; contact the visitor center for questions.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Fires & fuel
- Open fires are not allowed; use camp stoves for cooking.
Pets
- Pets are not allowed to maintain a natural experience.
Safety & rules
- Dispose of waste properly; pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
- Stay for a maximum of 7 consecutive days, not exceeding 14 days in a year.
- Fireworks, swimming, power tools, hunting, trapping, and weapons (except legal firearms) are prohibited.
Site capacity
- Set up tents within 20 feet of the campsite marker.
- Camping is limited to six people or one family unit per site; group camping is not allowed.
- Group camping is not permitted; limit is six people or one family unit per site.
Site types & loops
- Do not attach anything to trees; use specific straps for hammocks.
Fees & deposits
- You must be at least 18 years old to get a Cabin Camp permit.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 21, 2026
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Explore Triangle, VA
Population: 10,450
Nearby city: Centreville, VA
Approx. 19 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 95 ft
Triangle, VA
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