Virginia State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many Virginia State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our Virginia State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

Virginia State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of Virginia. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • Bear Creek Lake

    Less than an hour west of Richmond and nestled in the heart of Cumberland State Forest, Bear Creek Lake is the perfect getaway for the outdoor enthusiast. Activities center on the park's 40-acre lake complete with a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and swimming beach. The park offers camping, cabins, a meeting facility, an archery range, lakeside picnicking, playgrounds, hiking and access to a 14-mile multi-use trail in the state forest.

  • BelleIsle

    Located in the rural Northern Neck of Virginia, Belle Isle is the first state park to be purchased with funds from the $95 million 1992 Parks and Recreational Facilities Bond Referendum. The 733-acre site is a window to the beautiful lower Rappahannock River in Lancaster County. Waterfront in the area has been developed extensively by private landowners with little public recreational access. This fact made the lower Rappahannock a priority for purchasing land for a new state park. The park has seven miles of frontage on the north shore of the Rappahannock, and it borders Deep and Mulberry creeks. It features diverse tidal and nontidal wetlands, lowland marshes, tidal coves and upland forests.

  • BreaksInterstate

    Frontiersmen used to call a passage through the mountains a “break.” Such breaks were a rare thing indeed, offering the early settlers an opportunity to take their frontier lives to a new level. Layer upon layer of history welcomes today’s visitor, as does the still resplendent beauty of this unique 4600-acre park. Established in 1954 by an act of Congress initiated by the efforts of the two states it crosses, Virginia and Kentucky, it is now one of only two such interstate parks in the USA.

  • CaledonNaturalArea

    A designated National Natural Landmark, Caledon provides visitors the unique opportunity of viewing bald eagles in their natural habitat. Caledon and the surrounding areas are the summer home for one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles on the East Coast. As many as 60 eagles have been spotted on the bluffs overlooking the Potomac River in King George County. Preservation of the national bird's habitat is the primary focus of the natural area. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Caledon by hiking and picnicking in a mature forest. Hiking trails in the eagle area are closed April through September to allow young birds undisturbed time to perfect their hunting and fishing skills. Limited tours of the eagle area are offered, however, mid-June through August by reservation only. Park guests can learn more about the natural history of Caledon and the American bald eagle by touring the visitor center.

  • ChippokesPlantation

    Chippokes Plantation State Park is one of the oldest working farms in the United States. Chippokes is a living historical exhibit located in a rural agricultural area along the James River in Surry County. In addition, the park has a wide variety of traditional park offerings, including a swimming complex, visitor center, picnic facilities, and hiking and biking trails. The plantation has kept its original boundaries since the 1600s and has a variety of cultivated gardens and native woodland. The formal gardens surrounding the Chippokes Mansion are accented by azaleas, crepe myrtle, boxwood and seasonal flowers. The plantation grounds are also home to the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum.

  • ClaytorLake

    Located on the 4,500-acre, 21-mile long Claytor Lake in the New River Valley of southwestern Virginia, Claytor Lake State Park offers a wide variety of activities for water and land enthusiasts. The park also has an excellent marina and meeting facility, Water's Edge.

  • Douthat

    The Outside Family Vacation Guide named Virginia’s Douthat State Park one of the nation's 10 best. The park, which straddles Bath and Alleghany counties, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Douthat is one of the original six Virginia State Parks that opened June 15, 1936. It's nestled in the Allegheny Mountains and features some of Virginia’s most outstanding scenery. In addition, a 50-acre lake offers swimming, boating and seasonal trout fishing.

  • FairyStone

    Fairy Stone State Park, the largest of Virginia's six original state parks, is home to its namesake "fairy stones." These rare mineral crosses and the park's scenic beauty, rich history and ample recreational opportunities make it a local and regional favorite. The 4,639 acres that make up the park were donated by Junius B. Fishburn, former owner of the Roanoke Times, in 1933. The Civilian Conservation Corps originally built the park, its lake and many structures still in use there.

  • FalseCape

    No vehicular access. Located in southern Virginia Beach, False Cape State Park is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Access is through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and is limited to hiking, bicycling or boating. The park features primitive camping and an extensive environmental education program in one of the last undisturbed coastal environments on the East Coast.

  • FirstLanding

    Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, First Landing State Park is located by the Chesapeake Bay. The park, which is Virginia’s most visited state park, is nestled in Virginia Beach. First Landing offers boating, swimming, nature and history programs, hiking, biking, picnicking, a boat launch, cabins and 20 miles of trails on 2,888 acres. It also has campsites with water and electric hook-ups and nearby access to restrooms and showers.

  • GraysonHighlands

    This mountain park is next to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest. Grayson Highlands State Park was originally named Mount Rogers State Park and was established in 1965. Pets are allowed in the park but not allowed inside public facilities including the bathhouses, visitor center and office.

  • HighBridgeTrail

    High Bridge Trail State Park is a multi-use trail ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. The trail, once a rail bed, is wide, level and generally flat. Its surface is finely crushed limestone. The trail's surface and dimensions make it easy for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy it. Its centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River. The bridge was built in 1853 as part of the South Side Railroad.

  • HollidayLake

    Deep in the heart of Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake State Park is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing for largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie and bluegill is a popular activity in the 150-acre lake within the park. The nearby state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries delayed-harvest trout stream allows anglers to fish for brown and rainbow trout. The park also features excellent trails open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. Swimming is a popular summer activity at the park's life-guarded beach where the "Critter Hole" play area is a favorite of young visitors. Park facilities include two campgrounds, a large shaded picnic area, two picnic shelters, two playgrounds, a boat ramp, a seasonal full-service concession stand, a camp store, and canoe, rowboat and paddle boat rentals. Interpretive and environmental education programs also are available for school and scout groups. This park is just minutes from the famous Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, the site of General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant in 1865.

  • HungryMother

    Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and lake. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, this park has folklore and history, swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking and the park system’s first conference center, Hemlock Haven.

  • JamesRiver

    The park opened to the public on June 20, 1999. It has more than 1,500 acres of rolling farm meadows and three miles of river frontage. Park facilities include cabins and lodges, primitive and water and electric campsites, primitive and water and electric horse campsites, and group camping. Thirteen primitive campsites are by the river and offer opportunities to canoe-in camp. There are 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. There's also a wheelchair accessible trail around Green Hill Pond. Three fishing ponds and boating access to 12 miles of the James River make the park ideal for anglers. There are seven picnic areas in the park and six picnic shelters that offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills. There is limited wireless Verizon service in the cabin and day-use areas.

  • Kiptopeke

    Kiptopeke Birding Areas - Since 1963, Kiptopeke has been the site of bird population studies. Sponsored by the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory and licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, volunteers capture, examine, weigh, band and release resident and migratory birds each year from mid-August through November. In the raptor research area, hawks, kestrels, osprey and other birds of prey are observed and banded from September through November. Kiptopeke’s hawk observatory is among the top 15 nationwide.

  • LakeAnna

    The land in Lake Anna State Park used to be known as "Gold Hill" and contained the Goodwin Gold Mine. Gold was first discovered in 1829 with mining reaching its peak in the 1880s. In 1971 Lake Anna was created to serve as a water coolant for Dominion Power’s nuclear plant. In 1972 work began on the acquisition and development of a water-oriented state park. Lake Anna State Park opened in 1983.

  • Leesylvania

    Leesylvania opened in 1992. In 1978, noted philanthropist Daniel Ludwig donated the land to the state for a park. A national historical society, the Society of Lees of Virginia, was instrumental in securing the donation. Locally the area is known as Freestone Point, referring to the sandstone early settlers took from the property for building. Henry Lee III (Light Horse Harry) was born here at what was then Leesylvania Plantation in Colonial America. This Revolutionary War hero would later father the Confederate General Robert E. Lee of Civil War fame.

  • MasonNeck

    Mason Neck State Park is on a peninsula formed by Pohick Bay on the north, Belmont Bay on the south and the Potomac River on the east. Bald eagles roost in the park and fish waters surrounding the peninsula. The park also attracts several other migrating and non-migrating species of birds, including tundra swans, various species of ducks and great blue herons. One of the East Coast's largest heronries is here and in the adjacent wildlife refuge. The park boasts several hundred acres of hardwood forests consisting of oaks, holly, hickory and other species of trees. In addition, several wetland areas are also found in Mason Neck.

  • NaturalTunnel

    The state acquired the tunnel and 100 surrounding acres in 1967 from the Natural Tunnel Chasm and Caverns Corp. to establish Natural Tunnel State Park. Another 850 acres were later acquired, and the park opened in 1971. A modern meeting facility, the Cove Ridge Center, lies within the park. It came about thanks to a unique collaboration between the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Cove Ridge Foundation.

  • NewRiverTrail

    New River Trail State Park has been designated an official National Recreation Trail by the U. S. Department of the Interior. The park parallels 39 miles of the New River, which is one of the world's oldest rivers and among a handful of rivers flowing north

  • Occoneechee

    On the peaceful shore of beautiful John H. Kerr Reservoir, more commonly known as Buggs Island Lake, Occoneechee State Park is great for outdoor fun and relaxation. The park has more than 18 miles of trails that meander through the forest and along the lake’s shore. The trails enable hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders to take in the beauty of Virginia’s Piedmont. Nature lovers can enjoy the wildlife attracted to habitat enhancement plots along the park’s main road. The plots attract various birds, deer and woodland creatures.

  • Pocahontas

    Deep in the heart of a thick forest in Chesterfield County, Pocahontas State Park is only about 20 miles from downtown Richmond, Virginia's capital. The park on one of Virginia's more popular state parks. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, picnicking, swimming, camping and family-friendly nature programs. Swift Creek Lake and Beaver Lake give visitors a chance for excellent wildlife viewing and fishing. Use Pocahontas as your base camp to visit nearby Civil War Battlefields, amusement parks, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and historic James River plantations.

  • Sailor'sCreekBattlefieldHistoric

    Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park is a great place to stop for lunch because it's midway between Petersburg and Appomattox Court House. There are charcoal grills and picnic tables at the Overton-Hillsman House and the visitor center grounds. No water is available. A pit-toilet is available during daylight hours.

  • ShenandoahRiverRaymondR."Andy"GuestJr.

    This park's hours of operation are between 8 a.m. and dusk. NOTE: This park is a Trash Free Facility - refuse must be removed by park visitor. A central refuse collection area is at the Cullers Overlook.

  • ShotTower

    Overlooking the New River, Shot Tower was built more than 150 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

  • SkyMeadows

    Just an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., Sky Meadows State Park in Clarke and Fauquier counties, offers a peaceful getaway on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With rolling pastures and woodlands, the park boasts beautiful vistas of the foothills and access to the Appalachian Trail. Its rich history is shaped by the development of agriculture and the impact of the Civil War. Activities include hiking, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, primitive camping, and nature and history programs. Please click here to view a short video of the park.

  • SmithMountainLake

    Although situated on the second largest body of freshwater in the state, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is not just for water enthusiasts. In addition to a full range of water related activities, including swimming, fishing and boating, the park offers miles of hiking trails, housekeeping cabins, camping, picnicking, a visitor center and interpretive programs.

  • SouthwestVirginiaMuseumHistorical

    The museum is housed in a mansion built in the 1880s by Rufus Ayers, a Virginia attorney general. The museum was bequeathed to the commonwealth in 1946 by C. Bascom Slemp, private secretary to President Calvin Coolidge and a member of the U. S. Congress. The museum was officially dedicated by the state in 1948. It features a collection comprised of more than 20,000 pieces, about one third of which is on display at any given time. The museum chronicles the exploration and development of the region during the 1890s coal boom, as well as the pioneer period. It offers activities for kids, scout and school programs, workshops, an annual Festival of Trees program, a quilt show, a music festival and outdoor exhibits. The museum sells archival supplies and offers the opportunity to have pictures of collection pieces copied, as well as copies of reference files. A gift shop at the museum features Victorian-era and pioneer items, local crafts, a large selection of books and Virginia State Parks itmes. The Victorian Parlor there is available for rent for business and social occasions. Click here to download a PDF document (360k) that further describes the museum.

  • StauntonRiver

    The park was recognized in 2007 as a National Historic Landmark and a Virginia Historic Landmark. Many structures in the park, including the cabins, pool-house and picnic shelters, are little changed from when they were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. Tucked away in south central Virginia, the park lies between the Dan and Staunton Rivers at the threshold of Buggs Island Lake (also known as Kerr Reservoir). The largest lake in Virginia is only one of the park’s many attractions, which include an Olympic size pool with a 70-foot waterslide, a smaller log slide and the Pollywog Pond, which is a water playground for children (there is a size limit on this pool). The shaded campgrounds, rustic cabins, picturesque picnic shelters, well-maintained nature trails, and plenty of exciting outdoor opportunities for the whole family make Staunton River State Park the perfect place for your vacation.

  • StauntonRiverBattlefield

    At this historic site, a ragtag group of Confederate old men and young boys beat the odds and held off an assault by 5,000 Union cavalry soldiers on a bridge of strategic importance to General Lee’s army, then under siege in Petersburg.

  • TabbMonument

    Father John Bannister Tabb was born in Amelia County in 1845 to one of Virginia’s wealthiest families. He served in the Confederate Navy on the blockade runner, the Robert E. Lee, and was one of the period’s finest Southern poets. His work was published in such renowned periodicals as Harpers, Cosmopolitan and The Atlantic.

  • TwinLakes

    Twin Lakes State Park, centrally located in Virginia's Piedmont region, provides visitors from all over the Commonwealth with a variety of lakefront activities in a secluded setting. Swimming, camping, fishing, canoeing and hiking are popular activities. The park is home to Cedar Crest Conference Center, a perfect facility for group meetings, family reunions, wedding receptions and company picnics. The park also offers catering services for on-site events.

  • Westmoreland

    Westmoreland State Park lies within Westmoreland County, from which it takes its name. The park extends about one and a half miles along the Potomac River, and its 1,311 acres neighbor the former homes of both George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The park’s Horsehead Cliffs provide visitors with a spectacular view of the Potomac River. In addition to the scenic beauty at Westmoreland, the park offers hiking, camping, cabins, fishing, boating and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the park’s vacation cabins as well. The visitor center, open during summer, gives an informative historical and ecological perspective to an important natural area on the coastal plain. Westmoreland also offers the Murphy Hall Conference Center and the Potomac River Retreat, which is an upscale overnight accommodation.

  • WildernessRoad

    Wilderness Road State Park was purchased in 1993. The park is about 310 acres that lie astride the Wilderness Road, a route carved by Daniel Boone in 1775. The route, which followed a buffalo trace, opened America’s first western frontier. Most notable in the park are the Karlan Mansion built in the 1877, a state-of-the-art visitor center and Martin's Station, a replica of a colonial frontier fort that was near this site in 1775. Click here to visit the Friends of Wilderness Road's website, which provides details about the fort.

  • YorkRiver

    Eleven miles west of Williamsburg, York River State Park offers visitors an opportunity to experience the environment of a coastal estuary. This park is known for its rare and delicate environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a habitat rich in marine and plant life. The main focus of the park is to preserve a portion of York River frontage and its related marshes while providing an area for passive day-use recreation for visitors. York River State Park served as a role model for all of Virginia’s state parks in developing resource management plans. The park’s natural resources make it a significant place for environmental education at all levels.