The National Park Service will make camping reservations available online for the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area in Prince William Forest Park for the first time starting September 27. The Chopawamsic Backcountry Area is 1,500 acres of primitive backcountry area with eight designated campsites along a 2.5-mile hiking trail.
Visitors can make camping reservations 72 hours before their planned stay online at recreation.gov for $8 or over the phone (877-444-6777) for $9. The fees cover reservation system costs and only apply to overnight stays in Chopawamsic Backcountry Area. Day-use permits for the backcountry area are still required and do not require a fee. A day-use permit can be obtained at the Visitor Center.
“Chopawamsic Backcountry Area campsites are perfect for visitors who want a more primitive experience when camping in the park,” George Liffert, Prince William Forest Park superintendent, said. “Creating the option for online reservations will allow visitors to better plan in advance for overnight camping in this unique area of the park.”
These eight camping sites offer solitude and a different camping experience from Prince William’s more traditional campgrounds and other camping found in the region.
Chopawamsic Backcountry allows visitors to backpack into remote sites for tent or hammock camping using minimal equipment carried to the site. This experience is typically found in larger parks and forests. Frontcountry camping is available at Oak Ridge Campground, where visitors can park their car at their site and have more resources available without backpacking.
You can also stay up to date by visiting www.nps.gov/prwi
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