Prince William Forest Park
Construction Vehicles on Scenic Drive
On a section of Scenic Drive near Cabin Camp 3, a culvert under the road was recently replaced. Use caution and follow posted speed limits. Be aware of construction vehicles on the roadway in this area.
Playground in Pine Grove Picnic Area Closed
The park is improving accessibility at the playground in Pine Grove Picnic Area. During construction, until approximately the end of December 2025, the playground is closed and 10 nearby parking spaces will be used for construction vehicles only.
Overview
Prince William Forest Park is a 15,000-acre National Park Service site in Triangle, Virginia, located about 35 miles south of Washington, D.C., making it the largest protected piedmont forest and green space in the National Capital Region. The park is currently open daily from sunrise to sunset, with 24-hour access for overnight campers and cabin guests. The visitor center operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is located half a mile from the park entrance. The park charges a $10 per vehicle entrance fee (valid for 7 days), and accepts cashless payments. Originally established in 1936 as Chopawamsic Recreation Area by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it was renamed in 1948 and features historic cabin camps and served as a WWII OSS (precursor to CIA) training facility. The park offers extensive recreational opportunities including 37 miles of hiking trails (popular trails include Pyrite Mine Loop and Turkey Run Ridge), 21 miles of bicycle-accessible paved roads, developed campgrounds at Oak Ridge and Turkey Run Ridge, backcountry camping with 8 primitive sites (0.5-1.5 miles from trailheads, no campfires), and over 100 historic cabins available for group rental. The park protects mature hardwood forests, streams, ponds, and wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and beaver. As of the latest updates (November-December 2025), no major closures or alerts are affecting park operations.
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