Know Before You Go

Entrance fees are required to enter Prince William Forest Park

NPS Photo

Entrance Fees and Passes

Entrance fees and valid 'America the Beautiful' passes or Prince William Forest Park annual passes are required to enter the park. Fees are required when entering the park by car, foot, bicycle, or motorcycle. Entrance fees are not included in campground rental fees and must be paid upon entry. They can be paid at the entrance station when entering the park, at the visitor center when the entrance station is closed, or online at recreation.gov.

Park Closures and Limitations

Visitors are encouraged to review the park safety alerts prior to their visit. The visitor center will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays on October 23, 29, and 30. Starting November 3rd, the visitor center transitions to winter hours and will be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thurdays. Most areas and trails are open. The playground at Pine Grove is currently closed for construction to make it more accessible for everyone. Be alert for construction vehicles in the park and follow all safety guidelines.

Park brochures and hiking trail maps are available at the visitor center and online. Park programs are offered on the weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day at various locations around Prince William Forest Park.

In the event of an emergency, call park law enforcement dispatch at 1-866-677-6677 or 911.

 

Safety and Weather

Report any safety concerns to park law enforcement by calling 1-866-677-6677. In the event of an emergency, contact park law enforcement or call 911.

In the event of inclement weather, it is advised that visitors check the alerts page for any additional closures and safety advisories.

Plan to dress for the weather and know your limits when going on a hike. Drink plenty of water as it is important to stay hydrated. Please note that there is limited indoor shelter when the visitor center is closed.

Do not approach, feed, or harass wildlife. Wild animals will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Always maintain a safe distance from any animals that you see in the park.

For the safety of pets, visitors, and wildlife, all pets must be on a leash not exceeding six (6) feet at all times. Pets are not permited to walk off leash while in the park.

 

Campsite in Oak Ridge Campground

NPS Photo/Melissa Weih

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the park entrance?
The park entrance is located at 18170 Park Entrance Road off of Joplin Road in Triangle, VA (exit 150B on I-95). Other areas of access are restricted to authorized and emergency vehicles and personnel only.

Where can I get a park pass?
If the entrance station is closed, park passes can be purchased at the visitor center. If the visitor center is also closed, park passes can be purchased online at recreation.gov. If you want to purchase an 'America the Beautiful' National Parks and Federal Lands pass, they are sold and given out at the visitor center and entrance station.

Where can I park my car during my visit?
Designated parking areas are available throughout the park and are available on a first some, first served basis. Parking along the roads, including Scenic Drive, is prohibited. Visitors cannot leave their vehicles parked over night unless they have camping reservations.

Where can I camp in the park?
There are several campgrounds and primative cabins in Prince William Forest Park. Reservations for any of the campgrounds and individual cabins can be made on recreation.gov, with the exception of the Prince William Forest RV Park. Oak Ridge Campground is a family campground with 100 sites in three loops with spaces for tents and RVs up to 30 feet in length but no hook-ups. Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground is a group camping area with 9 sites that can each accommodate 25 to 40 people. Chopawamsic Backcountry Area is a primative hike-in/hike-out backcountry camping area with 8 sites. Prince William Forest RV Campground is run by a private park concessionaire and has hook-ups for RVs. Primitive cabin camping for individuals or large groups is also available at the park.

Where/when can I check in to the campground?
Once a reservation has been made, you can head to your campsite at any time after 12:00pm to check in and set up your camp. If you don't have an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands pass, you will need to stop by the visitor center to purchase a park pass either the day you arrive or the next morning. If the visitor center is closed, you can purchase a pass on recreation.gov.

Where can I buy firewood? Is there a camp store?
Firewood, food items, matches, and other camping supplies can not be purchased inside the park. Stores selling these items can be found 2 to 10 miles outside the park entrance. If you purchase firewood outside the park, it must be USDA certified "bug-free." Untreated firewood collected within 50 miles of the park may also be used. Using untreated firewood collected greater than 50 miles from the park is prohibited. Dead and downed wood can also be collected from within the campgrounds areas for firewood.

I am a U.S. military veteran or a member of a Gold Star Family. How can I get into the park for free?
Bring a valid form of identification for qualifying U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Family members to either the entrance station or visitor center and you will be issued a free pass.