Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

0.59

17 reviews

18100 Park Headquarters Rd.

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

302 ft

Price

$8 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

302 ft

Price

$8 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

$8.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Backcountry camping permits at Chopawamsic are free, but a non-refundable service fee of $8 applies if reserved online, and $9 if reserved via the...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

703-221-7181prwi_info@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

0.59

Mixed Reviews

Based on 17 reviews

12 Google reviews

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the remote and primitive nature of the campground. Positive aspects include the quiet atmosphere and access to natural features, while complaints focus on unclear trail markings and noise from the nearby Marine Corps Base."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

18100 Park Headquarters Rd.

Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

18100 Park Headquarters Rd.

Driving directionsFrom 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.

The entrance is accessible via Rt. 619/Joplin Road, approximately 2 miles past mile marker 22. The area features a gated gravel parking lot. GPS navigation apps may lead to restricted military roads, so manual directions should be prioritized.

Nearby places

Washington, D.C. (45 minutes drive), Quantico, VA (5 miles), Fredericksburg, VA (approximately 45 minutes drive).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel, are located within Quantico, VA, approximately 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

Each season paints Chopawamsic in different hues, offering year-round adventures for the intrepid camper. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and mild temperatures perfect for hiking. Summer brings warm days ideal for creek exploration, though you'll want to pack extra water. Autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson, while winter's crisp air and bare trees reveal hidden vistas and peaceful solitude. While Mother Nature occasionally flexes her muscles with storms that may temporarily limit access, the reward of experiencing this wilderness in any season makes the journey worthwhile.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open in summer; good hiking but heat, bugs, and no swimming/boating reduce summer appeal for some.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers vibrant scenery and ideal hiking temps; reviewers note strong seasonal appeal.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower blooms and mild temps make it an excellent season for hiking and nature viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 3% in VA

Open year-round; winter provides solitude and wildlife viewing but limited amenities and cold conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Jan 01, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round barring inclement weather.

About Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

Deep within Prince William Forest Park lies Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping, where eight secluded sites await those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. A scenic two-mile loop trail leads adventurers into this pristine 400-acre sanctuary, where the only sounds are rustling leaves and distant bird calls. Here, far from the crowds and conveniences of traditional campgrounds, you'll discover what camping was meant to be—just you, your gear, and the untouched forest surrounding you on all sides.

Chopawamsic Backcountry offers hike-in primitive camping for small parties (up to four people or one family unit per site). Group camping is not supported in this area.

Historical SignificanceThe very ground beneath your tent whispers stories of the past. 'Chopawamsic'—an ancient Algonquian word meaning 'small, divided river flats'—speaks to the indigenous peoples who first knew these lands. This corner of Prince William Forest Park stands as a testament to America's conservation legacy, playing a pivotal role in the National Park Service's mission to preserve our precious Piedmont forest ecosystems. As you walk these trails, you're following in the footsteps of generations who fought to protect this natural treasure for future adventurers like you.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Chopawamsic in different hues, offering year-round adventures for the intrepid camper. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and mild temperatures perfect for hiking. Summer brings warm days ideal for creek exploration, though you'll want to pack extra water. Autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson, while winter's crisp air and bare trees reveal hidden vistas and peaceful solitude. While Mother Nature occasionally flexes her muscles with storms that may temporarily limit access, the reward of experiencing this wilderness in any season makes the journey worthwhile.

ElevationThe gentle rises and falls of the Piedmont landscape create a naturally varied terrain that adds character to every campsite and trail without demanding extreme elevation gains. This accessible topography makes Chopawamsic perfect for backpackers of all skill levels seeking a genuine backcountry experience.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living museum of biodiversity where ancient geological outcroppings rise like sentinels among the trees, and crystal-clear creeks carve their way through rolling forest slopes. This 400-acre wonderland shelters an astounding array of life—over 900 plant species paint the understory in endless shades of green, while 46 mammal species from tiny shrews to majestic deer call these woods home. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting some of the 129 avian species that fill the canopy with song. Every turn of the trail reveals new wonders, from delicate spring ephemeral flowers to fascinating rock formations shaped by millions of years of natural forces.

Geological RegionChopawamsic sits within the crown jewel of Prince William Forest Park's 15,000 acres of protected Piedmont forest—the largest example of this ecosystem in the National Park system. This remarkable landscape showcases the Piedmont's signature features: weathered rock outcroppings that tell geological stories spanning eons, meandering creeks that have carved gentle valleys through the rolling terrain, and serene man-made lakes that mirror the sky. It's a place where the ancient bedrock of the East Coast meets the ever-changing tapestry of forest life, creating a camping experience unlike any other in the region.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in times are not explicitly stated in official materials.

Check-out

Check-out times are not explicitly stated in official materials.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 7 consecutive days and 14 total days within each calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to four people or one family unit per site.

Groups

Group camping is not allowed in this backcountry area. Larger groups should consider Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are positioned along a two-mile loop trail with markers indicating site numbers. Each site is a short distance from the main trail.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or call center.

Walk-in AvailabilityPermits are required for camping and can only be obtained via the designated platforms.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee is charged, and late cancellations incur the forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. No fees apply if canceled far in advance. Modifications are allowed.

AccessibilityLimited accessibility due to the hike-in nature of the campsites and minimal facilities. Not recommended for individuals requiring mobility assistance.

Site SizeSites are described as flat and suitable for pitching a standard tent.

PrivacyThe sites are located off a loop trail and offer some level of privacy, though the proximity to other campsites is not explicitly detailed.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the loop's beginning for easier access to the parking and vault toilet.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities available include hiking, fishing, birding, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. The campground provides access to Breckenridge Reservoir for fishing and is surrounded by the Piedmont forest ecosystem.

HikingCampers can explore a two-mile loop trail within the campground and access the park's broader 37 miles of foot trails by driving to other trailheads. One reviewer noted: 'There are about 2 miles of trail and I think 8 campsites,' though trail markings were sometimes unclear.

FishingFishing is permitted in Chopawamsic Creek and Breckenridge Reservoir, with species including bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Access to the reservoir requires a hike down Breckenridge Road to Lykes Lane.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including 46 mammal species, 22 amphibians, 25 reptiles, 129 bird species, and 26 fish species. Campers can enjoy birdwatching and observing other wildlife during their stay.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, challenging terrain, and the nearby Marine base's firearm training noise during the daytime, as noted by user reviews.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyOpen fires are strictly prohibited. Cooking must be done using stoves.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are available at Quantico, VA (approximately 5 miles).

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities. Campers must pack out all waste, as stated in the 'Leave No Trace' policy.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near Chopawamsic Creek and Breckenridge Reservoir, accessible by trail. Fishing is popular here, featuring species like bluegill and largemouth bass.

Weather at Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

Reviews

0.6

17 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the remote and primitive nature of the campground. Positive aspects include the quiet atmosphere and access to natural features, while complaints focus on unclear trail markings and noise from the nearby Marine Corps Base.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the remote, uncrowded experience: 'I enjoyed it and will be back. I like this better than the crowded campgrounds.' Another reviewer praised the natural setting: 'This is a nice...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted issues with trail markings: 'The colors on the trails seemed to change...and it wasn't always clear when a trail was going to a campsite or continuing on.' Noise from the Marine...

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared to navigate unclear trails and carry out all waste. Cooking on camp stoves is required since open fires are prohibited. Visitors are advised to avoid GPS directions that...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round, with different experiences across seasons. Spring and fall offer vibrant natural scenery, while winter provides solitude and unique wildlife viewing opportunities....

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Definitely not my favorite part of Prince William Forest Park.' - Kristine 2. 'The only problem is the Marine Base firing off weapons during the day.' - Pennie Rose

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers were highlighted in the reviews, but all sites are along the same two-mile loop trail.

Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are provided. The campground's hike-in nature and minimal amenities could be challenging for those with mobility limitations.

Based on 17 reviews