Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

Still open water reflecting the green trees and grasses at it's edge around dusk
Campsite #2 Marker
Map of the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area with campsites and vault toilet labeled
Entrance to Chopawamsic
Chopawamsic Creek in the backcountry area

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

8 total sites

Tent Sites

8 sites

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 (3.2 km) 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. 

Number of accommodations: 8

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Waste Disposal
Missing information? Let us know

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

8 Sites Available

Site
Price
BC1, Loop: CHOP Tent
6 guests
Price not available
BC2, Loop: CHOP Tent
6 guests
Price not available
BC3, Loop: CHOP Tent
6 guests
Price not available
BC4, Loop: CHOP Tent
6 guests
Price not available
BC5, Loop: CHOP Tent
6 guests
Price not available
BC6, Loop: CHOP Tent
6 guests
Price not available
BC7, Loop: CHOP Tent
6 guests
Price not available
BC8, Loop: CHOP Tent
6 guests
Price not available

Reviews (36)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.4
36 reviews
5
66.7%
24
4
16.7%
6
3
5.6%
2
2
11.1%
4
1
0.0%
0

Declan G

Verified

September 29, 2025 Stayed at: BC6, Loop: CHOP

5

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

Verified

September 29, 2025 Stayed at: BC6, Loop: CHOP

5

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.

Nevin K

Verified

August 15, 2025 Stayed at: BC5, Loop: CHOP

4

Great site, easy reservation system.

Nevin K

Verified

August 15, 2025 Stayed at: BC5, Loop: CHOP

4

Great site, easy reservation system.

Gregory J

Verified

August 8, 2025 Stayed at: BC2, Loop: CHOP

2

Hiking around was fine, but the area isn't nearly as beautiful as the main portions of Prince William Forest. The area was nice and secluded, and the campsites far apart. Too bad you can't make an open fire here, but it makes sense because there are no fire rings. There was a constant sound of gunshots from the nearby base. I never felt in danger, but it was a funny addition to hear the firing in the distance. I don't see why individuals have to pay extra to come to this section. I probably won't return, but it was fine seeing the area for once.

Gregory J

Verified

August 8, 2025 Stayed at: BC2, Loop: CHOP

2

Hiking around was fine, but the area isn't nearly as beautiful as the main portions of Prince William Forest. The area was nice and secluded, and the campsites far apart. Too bad you can't make an open fire here, but it makes sense because there are no fire rings. There was a constant sound of gunshots from the nearby base. I never felt in danger, but it was a funny addition to hear the firing in the distance. I don't see why individuals have to pay extra to come to this section. I probably won't return, but it was fine seeing the area for once.

Nevin K

Verified

June 11, 2025 Stayed at: BC4, Loop: CHOP

5

Excellent facility

Nevin K

Verified

June 11, 2025 Stayed at: BC4, Loop: CHOP

5

Excellent facility

Nevin K

Verified

May 27, 2025 Stayed at: BC5, Loop: CHOP

5

Love Chopawamsic

Nevin K

Verified

May 27, 2025 Stayed at: BC5, Loop: CHOP

5

Love Chopawamsic

Location Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

Address:
18100 Park Headquarters Rd.
Triangle, VA, 22172
United States

Elevation: 78 feet

Distance to downtown

7.7 mi drive to downtown Triangle (about 14 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: September 7, 2026

National Park Service Logo
Managed by National Park Service