DETAILS ABOUT THE PARK
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1. Where do I pay my park fee? Do I have to pay a fee? How much is the fee?
Most people do have to pay a park entrance fee, unless they have a Golden Age Passport, Golden Access Passport, or National Parks Pass. The fee is $5 per vehicle and is valid for seven consecutive days. These passes may be purchased at the park's entrance station and/or visitor center. Commercial Tour Fees apply to commercial groups.
2. How long is the scenic drive?
The loop is nine miles.
Starting/stopping at the entrance station is twelve miles.
3. How many visitors come to the park each year?
In the past few years, Prince William Forest Park has had between 215,000-250,000 visitors annually.
4. How big is Prince William Forest Park?
15,000+ acres.
5. Is this a National Park? When did it become a unit of the National Park System?
Yes, Prince William Forest Park was authorized by the U.S. Congress on November 14, 1936. The park was originally named Chopawamsic Recreation Demonstration Area, and later renamed its current name in June 22, 1948.
6. When is the park's busy season?
For the park’s geographic location (32 miles south of Washington, D.C. and many nearby suburban communities), the park is relatively uncrowded for much of the year. Visitation is highest during the Summer months. The park receives higher levels of visitation during weekends as opposed to weekdays. Visitation is lowest in January and February.