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Prince William Forest Park is a diverse natural and cultural area located near Washington, D.C. The park is 15,000 acres of secondary growth forest. Originally established as Chopawamsic Recreation Demonstration Area (RDA) in 1935. It soon became the model site that future RDA sites were patterned after. The Civilian Conservation Corp constructed 5 cabin camp units to support the RDA program. Today the park still operates the cabins as a way for visitors to enjoy the park. Camping, hiking, picnicking and bicycling are other ways that visitors enjoy the park. Park staff encourage visitors to learn all there is to know about Prince William Forest Park. History from the early settlers to modern day include stories that cover Cabin Branch Pyrite mine, Civilian Conservation Corps development, Office of Strategic Services (OSS) use during World War II, and operation of cabin camps enhance the story of the park. Protection of a large portion of the Quantico Creek Watershed is an important natural function of the park. North and South forks of Quantico Creek flow through the park. A large portion of the headwaters for the North fork of Quantico Creek is located in the park. Headwaters for the South fork of Quantico Creek are located on Marine Corps Base Quantico. Partnerships between Prince William Forest Park and Marine Corps Base Quantico work to manage this vital resource. Both creeks can be enjoyed by walking along park hiking trails. 18170 Park Entrance Road Triangle, VA 22172 From Washington, D.C. and points north: Take I-95 south to exit 150-B (VA Route 619/Joplin Road). The park entrance is the second right. From Fredericksburg and points south: Take I-95 north to exit 150 (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. Prince William Forest Park experiences all four seasons. Spring and fall are generally comfortable with precipitation possible. Summers can be hot and humid with average temperatures in the high 80s and with sudden thunderstorms possible. July and August are the hottest months. Winters can be cold with average temperatures in the winter of 41 degrees with variable precipitation. The main park roads can close due to snowy conditions, though cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing are permitted. Entrance Fee (Standard Entrance Pass)
Other Entrance Passes
Prince William Forest Park Visitor CenterThe visitor center is half a mile from the park entrance. The visitor center has seasonal hours: mid March - beginning of November, open every day from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and beginning of November - mid March, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm with closures on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (dates follow daylight savings time). The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Public WiFi is not available.
Cellular service in the park is reliable in most areas of the park including the visitor center, picnic areas, parking lots, and Turkey Run Group Campground. Cellular service may be interrupted in Loop C of Oak Ridge Campground, Cabin Camp 2, and the dining hall in Cabin Camp 5. Cellular service may be intermittent next to the Quantico Creek hemmed in with steep hillsides. |
Last updated: February 15, 2019