Virginia / Prince William County / Prince William Forest Park

Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

Open — Open year-round with reservations available up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. Campers must also pay the park entrance fee or possess a valid park pass.

About

Chopawamsic Backcountry Area, meaning "small, divided river flats" in Algonquian, encompasses approximately 400 acres of backcountry with a wilderness-like atmosphere in a remote section of Prince William Forest Park. The area features eight designated primitive campsites accessible from a two-mile loop trail, with each site limited to four people or one family unit. This is not a group camping area. All camping must be done in tents within 20 feet of site markers. Campfires are strictly prohibited, with all cooking done on camp stoves. Pets are not permitted. The backcountry area provides access to Breckenridge Reservoir via trail for fishing opportunities, where anglers can catch bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead parking area. Campers must pack out all trash as there are no waste facilities at the campsites. The area is located within Prince William Forest Park, which preserves approximately 15,000 acres of Piedmont forest and represents the largest example of this ecosystem in the National Park System. The park is home to diverse wildlife including 46 mammal species, 129 bird species, and over 900 plant species. This backcountry area offers a true primitive camping experience while remaining within easy access of Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Directions

From the park entrance, follow Route 619 (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.

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