Welcome! Chances are you are at your home or your
office. Wouldn't you rather be out boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, or sailing in a Virginia state park?
One thing
we have found is that not everyone knows about their state parks so we have
put together this site to help find the fun places to go. To the side we
have listed related information. Have fun and enjoy the relaxation and
excitement of the outdoors!
Bear Creek Lake
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Nestled in the heart of Cumberland State Forest in central Virginia’s Cumberland County, Bear Creek Lake State Park offers the amenities of the larger parks without the crowds. Activities revolve around the 40-acre lake with a boat launch, swimming beach, lakeside picnicking, camping and hiking trails. The 40-acre lake supports healthy populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bream and channel catfish. A boat launching ramp is available for non-gasoline powered boats. Shoulder season rentals are offered on weekends only during May and September.
Belle Island State Park
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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. A new ramp is available for the motor boaters and cartop launch area for canoes, kayaks and windsails. Boaters are encouraged to visit by way of water. The motor boat area offers a picnic shelter, grills and restrooms. Docking is permitted during daylight hours. Saltwater bank fishing.
Breaks Interstate State Park
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The Breaks Interstate Park is one of two interstate parks in America and encompasses 4,500 acres of woodland. Fishing is allowed in each area. Boats may be used with an electric motor. No gasoline motors allowed. Waters are stocked with bass and bluegill.
Caledon Natural Area
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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.
Chippokes Plantation State Park
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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. No boat rentals. No boat launching at this park. Freshwater fishing is available with a valid Virginia fishing license.
Claytor Lake State Park
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Located on the 4,500 acre, 21-mile long Claytor Lake (from which the park was named) in the New River Valley of southwestern Virginia, Claytor Lake State Park offers a wide variety of activities for water and land enthusiasts. Motorboats permitted. Bass, catfish, muskie, walleye and striped bass are among the popular sport fish found in the lake.
Douthat State Park
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Editors of the 1999 Outside Family Vacation Guide, a summer planner, have named Virginia’s very own Douthat State Park one of the nation's 10 best. The 50-acre Douthat Lake and adjoining Wilson Creek are stocked regularly with trout, water conditions permitting. A boat launch ramp is available for guests with their own non-gasoline powered boat.
Fairy Stone State Park
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Fairy Stone State Park is home of the mysterious "fairy stones." It is one of the six original Virginia state parks to open on June 15, 1936. The treasured stone so prevalent in the region, beautiful scenery, rich history and ample recreational opportunities make Fairy Stone one of the favorites of park visitors.A boat launch ramp is available for non-gasoline powered boats. Gasoline-powered boats are allowed on the Philpott Reservoir, which is within a 20-minute drive from the park. Fishing is allowed with a valid Virginia fishing license on the 168-acre lake.
False Cape State Park
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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.
First Landing State Park
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This park serves as a Virginia Beach Tourism satellite location and has new displays, three indoor aquariums, restrooms, showers and offers water sports rentals. It's Virginia's most popular state park attracting more than a million visitors annually. Motorboats and other small craft may be launched from the Narrows boat ramp located at the 64th Street extension in the park’s southern area. Facilities include the use of launching ramps, parking for cars and boat trailers and restrooms. Fishing and crabbing are popular from the Narrows located between Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay.
Grayson Highlands State Park
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The park is adjacent to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a part of Jefferson National Forest. Grayson Highlands State Park was originally named Mount Rogers State Park and was established in 1965. Two streams - Cabin Creek and Wilson Creek - offer fishing.
Holliday Lake State Park
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Deep in the heart of Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake State Park is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Boat Launching: Available. Electric engines only. No gas-powered boats. Fishing available with valid Virginia fishing license.
Hungry Mother State Park
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Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and lake. Boat launching is available for non-gasoline powered boats. A boat launching ramp and handicapped accessible fishing pier have been developed. In addition, rowboats and paddleboats are available for rent during the summer. Hungry Mother is known for fishing. A valid Virginia fishing license is required.
James River State Park
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James River State Park is one of the state's newest parks. This park has a canoe launch in the canoe landing campsite area. The boat launch is at the park's Dixon Landing. James River State Park has three fishing ponds and three miles of river frontage.
Kiptopeke State Park
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Located on the eastern shore of Virginia, this park offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay and the chance to explore a unique coastal habitat featuring a major flyway for migratory birds. The concrete ships located off the park’s waterfront offer some of Virginia’s finest fishing. Motorboats are allowed. The new ramp has been completed and has 4.5-foot mean low water.
Lake Anna State Park
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The land in Lake Anna State Park used to be known as "Gold Hill" and contained the Goodwin Gold Mine. Anna is well known for its largemouth bass, crappie, bream. A variety of other freshwater fish can also be found. A public boat launching ramp is available, along with many areas for bank fishing.
Leesylvania State Park
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Leesylvania State Park is in the southeast area of Prince William County, approximately 25 miles from Washington, D.C. and Fredericksburg. The Potomac River is an excellent largemouth bass fishery. The river is tidal here and the water considered fresh. Other sport fish include catfish, perch and striped bass. This area features launching ramps, sailboat hoists and parking for 200 cars/trailers. A cartop launch area is located on Powells Creek for smaller boats such as canoes, kayaks, etc.
Mason Neck State Park
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Mason Neck State Park is situated on a peninsula formed by Pohick Bay on the north, Belmont Bay on the south and the Potomac River on the east. Fresh and brackish water fishing are available. Cartop launch facilities available; no facilities for trailer launching.
Natural Tunnel State Park
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Approximately 750 additional acres were later acquired and the park opened in 1971. The Clinch River and several trout streams are nearby. Float fishing canoe trips will be offered this season.
New River Trail State Park
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New River Trail State Park parallels 39 miles of the New River, the second oldest river in the world and one of the few flowing north. Freshwater fishing; jonboat and canoe rentals.
Occoneechee State Park
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Occoneechee State Park is on Virginia’s largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, also known as John H. Kerr Reservoir. Available during the summer. Motorboats are allowed. Two boat launching ramps are available for access to Buggs Island Lake for both motorized and non-motorized boats. Canoes, paddleboats and one- and two-person kayaks are available for rent from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Buggs Island Lake and connecting Lake Gaston are famous for the number and size of fish found there. Striped and largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and perch are plentiful.
Pocahontas State Park
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Just 20 miles from downtown Richmond, the capital of Virginia, Pocahontas State Park has been one of the more popular parks in the state park system. Swift Creek forms the nucleus of the park, which is centered in a wildlife management area. Guests may rent canoes, rowboats, hydro-bikes and paddleboats Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend at Swift Creek Lake. A valid Virginia fishing license is required for fishing in the lake.
Shenandoah River State Park
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The park is 1,604 acres with 5.6 miles of river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The rolling, mountainous land features steep slopes and is mostly wooded. The park offers a car top access in the day-use area, located 3.2 miles downstream from the Bentonville access area. The "fish trap" access area, near Shelter 3, is suitable for wade fishing. Freshwater fishing is available, however there are no boat rentals. There are three car-top launches and three outfitters within five minutes of the park.
Sky Meadows State Park
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Sky Meadows State Park in Clarke and Fauquier counties, offers a peaceful getaway on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Freshwater fishing. No boat rentals or launch.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
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Although situated on the second largest body of freshwater in the state, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is not just for water enthusiasts. Smith Mountain Lake offers fishing with a handicapped accessible fishing pier and a public boat launching ramp with year-round restroom facilities. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries stocks the lake yearly with muskie and striped bass.
Staunton River State Park
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The largest lake in Virginia is only one of the park’s many attractions, which include a swimming pool, camping, cabins, picnic shelters and nature trails. No boat rentals at this park. Guests must bring their own boats. Boat launching ramp is available. Buggs Island Lake and the connecting Lake Gaston are famous for the number and size of fish found there. Bass, bluegill, crappie and perch are plentiful.
Twin Lakes State Park
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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, biking, canoeing and hiking are popular activities. Boating is allowed on both lakes and electric motors may be used. A public boat launch is available for each lake. Rowboats, paddleboats and electric motors are available for rent during the summer. Freshwater fishing is available.
Westmoreland State Park
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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. Power boats are permitted, and a boat ramp is available along with a boathouse that sells gas, ice, bait and other fishing supplies. Paddleboats and rowboats can be rented Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rock Spring Pond boasts a variety of fish including catfish, bream, bass and crappie.
Wilderness Road State Park
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The park is approximately 200 acres that sit astride the "Wilderness Road," which was carved by Daniel Boone in 1775 to open America’s first western frontier. No fishing. Boating: Canoe livery and guided canoe trips along the Powell River also are available.
York River State Park
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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. Motorboats are allowed only on the river. Rental boats have no motors. Croaker Landing, the park boat launch facility, provides access to the York River and includes a parking area, a dock and restrooms. Guided canoe trips, beginning at the visitor center, provide visitors a lesson in salt-marsh ecology while they tour beautiful wetlands surrounding Taskinas Creek. Paddleboats, hydro bikes and jonboats can be rented for use on the pond; rented canoes are available for use on the creek and the river Easter through the end of October. The York River, where catfish, spot, croaker, striper and crabs are plentiful, is accessed at Croaker Landing boat launch and requires a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license. Taskinas Creek, containing catfish and white perch, requires either a valid saltwater or freshwater Virginia fishing license.
