About Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits
Number of accommodations: 8
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Fishing
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
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
8 Sites Available
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Site Details
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8 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (34)
What Guests Are Saying
The Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Area offers clean and charming restroom facilities and well-marked campsites that provide excellent privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. While some sites may involve hilly walks, accessibility is generally good, and the area is respected by visitors. Though there are minor drawbacks like distant traffic noise and the lack of fire rings, overall, campers appreciate the secluded experience and the ease of the reservation system.
What Guests Are Saying
The Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Area offers clean and charming restroom facilities and well-marked campsites that provide excellent privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. While some sites may involve hilly walks, accessibility is generally good, and the area is respected by visitors. Though there are minor drawbacks like distant traffic noise and the lack of fire rings, overall, campers appreciate the secluded experience and the ease of the reservation system.
Review Summary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Declan G
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2025 • Stayed at: BC6, Loop: CHOP
Me and my friend had a great time camping in the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area. We stayed at site 6, which was about a 15 minute walk from the Joplin Rd entrance. If I stay again I might go for something on the western side of the loop instead, as I could hear some cars from Route 1, but you can't beat the accessibility of site 6. Other than the very occasional sound of cars, it was an immersive spot, and I had a peaceful night out there in my hammock. Would definitely go again.
Declan G
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2025 • Stayed at: BC6, Loop: CHOP
Me and my friend had a great time camping in the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area. We stayed at site 6, which was about a 15 minute walk from the Joplin Rd entrance. If I stay again I might go for something on the western side of the loop instead, as I could hear some cars from Route 1, but you can't beat the accessibility of site 6. Other than the very occasional sound of cars, it was an immersive spot, and I had a peaceful night out there in my hammock. Would definitely go again.
Location Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits
Address:
18100 Park Headquarters Rd.
Triangle, VA, 22172
United States
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 38.5588 / -77.4069
Elevation: 78 feet
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
Last updated: June 3, 2026
