Prince William Forest Park

Carter Pond is a great place to fish.
Prince William Forest Park is an oasis, a respite of quiet and calm. In 1936, Chopawamsic Recreation Area opened its gates to house children's 'relief' camps during the Great Depression. Renamed Prince William Forest Park in 1948, these fragrant woods and trickling streams have welcomed generations of campers, hikers, bikers and nature lovers. Discover Northern Virginia's best kept secret!
Map showing location of park.
Children hold hands as they roller skate around the rink at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion during the park’s Late Skate program in Washington, D.C., on June 28, 2025.
Celebrate America’s Story in the National Capital Area During National Park Week, August 22-30
The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.
An original 1930's sign for Chopawamsic National Recreational Demonstration Area
Photo by NPS Photo
Dirt trail surrounded by ferns and shaded by a green forest
Photo by NPS Photo
Wooden cabin with a porch and nearby picnic table and grill shaded by a green forest
Photo by NPS Photo
Pink and white flowers dot green bushes near the creek
Photo by NPS Photo/Melissa Weih
An arched wooden bridge above a creek surround by a yellow and orange fall forest
Photo by NPS Photo/Melissa Weih
Yellow and orange fall colors reflect in a still pool of water along a creek
Photo by NPS Photo/Melissa Weih
Green crown of tall trees with blue sky above them
Photo by NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch