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
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Site Details
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8 Sites Available
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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
John D
VerifiedApril 23, 2024 • Stayed at: BC4, Loop: CHOP
I really enjoyed camping here and absolutely plan to come back. The one challenge I had was finding the place, I didn't see any sign for it along Joplin road and I finally found it on my third pass (fyi: it's right at mile marker 22 on Joplin Rd). The campsites are trash-free and well separated and private so you can really enjoy nature and the backcountry experience. I stayed on a Saturday night and heard only a little of the firing range activity from Quantico during the early part of the afternoon, it was mostly peaceful and quiet the rest of the evening. Once on the trail, the signage and blazes are clear and simple to follow. I gave four stars rather than five because of the difficulty I had finding the location off Joplin Rd.
John D
VerifiedApril 23, 2024 • Stayed at: BC4, Loop: CHOP
I really enjoyed camping here and absolutely plan to come back. The one challenge I had was finding the place, I didn't see any sign for it along Joplin road and I finally found it on my third pass (fyi: it's right at mile marker 22 on Joplin Rd). The campsites are trash-free and well separated and private so you can really enjoy nature and the backcountry experience. I stayed on a Saturday night and heard only a little of the firing range activity from Quantico during the early part of the afternoon, it was mostly peaceful and quiet the rest of the evening. Once on the trail, the signage and blazes are clear and simple to follow. I gave four stars rather than five because of the difficulty I had finding the location off Joplin Rd.
Thomas D
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2023 • Stayed at: BC3, Loop: CHOP
A great experience in the backcountry. Yes, this is next to Quantico Marine base, so you can hear some gunfire and other noises. And it is near the interstate. If you want isolated peace and quiet, you need to go farther out. But for a remote camping experience right in Prince William County, you can't beat the chop. I'll be back soon!
Thomas D
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2023 • Stayed at: BC3, Loop: CHOP
A great experience in the backcountry. Yes, this is next to Quantico Marine base, so you can hear some gunfire and other noises. And it is near the interstate. If you want isolated peace and quiet, you need to go farther out. But for a remote camping experience right in Prince William County, you can't beat the chop. I'll be back soon!
Nevin K
VerifiedAugust 16, 2023 • Stayed at: BC5, Loop: CHOP
Love Chop
Nevin K
VerifiedAugust 16, 2023 • Stayed at: BC5, Loop: CHOP
Love Chop
James R
VerifiedMay 28, 2023 • Stayed at: BC5, Loop: CHOP
I really liked this campsite and it's an easy trek from the camping area. However, I'll echo what another reviewer said which is that there's a lot of firearms noise coming from Quantico. One note is that Google Maps told me the parking lot was on the wrong side of the road and I initially missed it.
James R
VerifiedMay 28, 2023 • Stayed at: BC5, Loop: CHOP
I really liked this campsite and it's an easy trek from the camping area. However, I'll echo what another reviewer said which is that there's a lot of firearms noise coming from Quantico. One note is that Google Maps told me the parking lot was on the wrong side of the road and I initially missed it.
Emily L
VerifiedApril 20, 2023 • Stayed at: BC3, Loop: CHOP
Please note: this area is right next to the marine corps base...therefore gunfire, planes, and helicopters will be your constant companion in the camping area. While the trail is well maintained and marked with nicely cleared campsites the area does not seem to be designed for non car assisted camping as every main trail is upwards of 5 miles away from the entrance to the backcountry loop. It is convenient that there are several streams running through the area near most sites!
Emily L
VerifiedApril 20, 2023 • Stayed at: BC3, Loop: CHOP
Please note: this area is right next to the marine corps base...therefore gunfire, planes, and helicopters will be your constant companion in the camping area. While the trail is well maintained and marked with nicely cleared campsites the area does not seem to be designed for non car assisted camping as every main trail is upwards of 5 miles away from the entrance to the backcountry loop. It is convenient that there are several streams running through the area near most sites!
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 4, 2026
