Prince William Forest Park opened in 1936 as Chopawamsic Recreation Area to house children's relief camps during the Great Depression and was renamed in 1948. Its woods and streams have since welcomed generations of campers, hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. The park experiences all four seasons, with generally comfortable spring and fall weather, hot and humid summers with possible sudden thunderstorms, and cold winters with variable precipitation that can close the main park roads, though cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing are permitted.