You can experience sleeping out under Chopawamsic's night sky just as a Native American might have done more than 400 years ago, or as the English explorer Captain John Smith did when he ventured inland following the path of Creek in the early 1600's. The climate and environment today are much like they were then. The land is heavily forested with few clearings. There is an occasional sighting of deer, beaver or turkey at twilight, and the night is filled with the sounds of wildlife's nocturnal world.

Today, Chopawamsic (Chop-ah-wahm-zik) is a 400-acre backpacking area that may be entered only with a permit. Generally, it is open from February through mid-October. Call the Visitor Center for specific dates. Campers should check both in and out at the Visitor Center between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Campsite

Two types of camping are available. Sites are 1/2 to 3 miles from the nearest parking area. Refer to the Chopawamsic map for site locations.

Designated Primitive Campsites
10 sites, identified by a post marker and accessible from the circuit trail. These are available under the following conditions: