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.
YCC logo. The outer circle is blue. Inside of the circle, curved text reads, "United States" (top) and Youth Conservation Corps (below it)" in blue text in all caps. Inside this text are two green semi circles. Inside of the green semi circles is a small
Prince William Forest Park Seeks High School Age Students for Paid Summer Jobs
Applications are now being accepted for Prince William Forest Park’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) summer employment program until Friday, May 9, 2025. YCC participants will get paid to work, learn, and gain leadership skills. No prior experience is needed, just an eagerness to make a difference.
Carter Pond on a sunny day in summer
Photo by NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch
Farms to Forest Trail surrounded by ferns
Photo by NPS Photo
Mountain Laurel blooming near Parking Lot I.
Photo by NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch
A tree with orange leaves against the blue sky
Photo by NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch
Fall colors come alive near Parking Lot H
Photo by NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch
Tuliptrees grow tall with blue sky above them
Photo by NPS Photo/Cecilia Lynch
An original 1930's sign for Chopawamsic National Recreational Demonstration Area
Photo by NPS Photo