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

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 sites

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?

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
Yes shade
⛺ BC2, Loop: CHOP Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 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

Reviews

36 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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

Write a review
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

Emily L

Verified

April 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 mi away from the entrance to the backcountry loop. It is convenient that there are several streams running through the area near most sites!

Helpful

Emily L

Verified

April 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 mi away from the entrance to the backcountry loop. It is convenient that there are several streams running through the area near most sites!

Helpful

Joshua L

Verified

March 8, 2023 Stayed at: BC2, Loop: CHOP

It took about half an hour or so of walking to arrive at the site. It was pretty relaxed but for this site in particular (BC2) when they say “steep hill” they mean STEEP.

My legs were on fire every time I had to walk up to the top after getting water or going back down for any reason. I would strongly advise skipping this spot unless you are in shape / looking for intense cardio.

The actual campsite on the top of the hill is way smaller than in the picture, there isn’t much space to do much besides pitch your tent in a tiny level area. Because of the elevation you are a bit exposed to the winds and cold, and boy was it cold (March)

It’s also very hard to spot the entrance to the backcountry area but the trick is to look for the sign on the side of the road that says “MILE 22” once you see that the entrance is DIRECTLY on the other side. This is on Joplin RD.

Overall, a decent first foray into backpacking but a little boring sadly, at least in winter. Felt moderately safe and a ranger came to check on us very early in the morning.

Helpful

Joshua L

Verified

March 8, 2023 Stayed at: BC2, Loop: CHOP

It took about half an hour or so of walking to arrive at the site. It was pretty relaxed but for this site in particular (BC2) when they say “steep hill” they mean STEEP.

My legs were on fire every time I had to walk up to the top after getting water or going back down for any reason. I would strongly advise skipping this spot unless you are in shape / looking for intense cardio.

The actual campsite on the top of the hill is way smaller than in the picture, there isn’t much space to do much besides pitch your tent in a tiny level area. Because of the elevation you are a bit exposed to the winds and cold, and boy was it cold (March)

It’s also very hard to spot the entrance to the backcountry area but the trick is to look for the sign on the side of the road that says “MILE 22” once you see that the entrance is DIRECTLY on the other side. This is on Joplin RD.

Overall, a decent first foray into backpacking but a little boring sadly, at least in winter. Felt moderately safe and a ranger came to check on us very early in the morning.

Helpful

Paul L

Verified

November 9, 2022 Stayed at: BC1, Loop: CHOP

Great camp sites. Good facilities.

Helpful

Paul L

Verified

November 9, 2022 Stayed at: BC1, Loop: CHOP

Great camp sites. Good facilities.

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...

Nearest town

Triangle, VA - 7.7 mi

About 14 min to downtown

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

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