Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates8 total sites
Tent Sites
8 sites
About Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits
Number of accommodations: 8
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Hiking
Year-round
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
Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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8 Sites Available
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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.
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
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!
Joshua L
VerifiedMarch 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.
Joshua L
VerifiedMarch 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.
Paul L
VerifiedNovember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: BC1, Loop: CHOP
Great camp sites. Good facilities.
Paul L
VerifiedNovember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: BC1, Loop: CHOP
Great camp sites. Good facilities.
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.
Elevation: 78 feet
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
Last updated: September 7, 2026
