PW Forest Park schedules changes for winter season starting Dec. 1

Prince William Forest Park will close Oak Ridge Campground and the Chopawamsic Backcountry area beginning Dec. 1. Both areas will reopen March 1, 2015.  In addition, the park visitor center will be closed Tuesdays through Thursdays.

Oak Ridge Campground and the Chopawamsic Backcountry experience a significant decrease in the number of campers during the winter months.  Park management regrets that the closure will impact those persons that may enjoy winter camping. 

This short-term change will allow for staff and operating funds to be devoted to other needs. 

The visitor center partial closure allows rangers to focus on conducting programs off-site at schools and for other community organizations. 

Although Oak Ridge Campground and the Chopawamsic Backcountry will both be closed Dec. 1, to Feb. 28, Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground and National Park Service concessionaire Prince William Forest RV Campground will continue to operate without interruption.  The visitor center will be open on weekends when park visitation peaks during these winter months.

For more information, visit the park website at:  http://www.nps.gov/prwi  and Prince William Forest RV Campground at http://www.princewilliamforestrvcampground.com .