When the hustle and bustle of living, commuting, and standing in line begins to crowd you out and wear you down, consider what is available to you right in your own backyard at Virginia State Parks.

We have mountains, we have meadows and we have massive waterways like the largest lakes in Virginia, and the Chesapeake Bay with its many tributaries.

Inescapable breathtaking views at every turn at Grayson Highlands State Park

Nature puts out her welcome mat when you arrive at Grayson Highlands State Park

Renew your mind, body and spirit by spending time outside in the fresh air under a big blue sky. Parks are open year-round for day visits and many parks allow overnight stays in cabins, lodges, campgrounds and even a yurt. 

Virginia State Parks offers you plenty of legroom

You have Virginia State Parksfrom the Cumberland Gap all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, some with mountains, some in the foothills or piedmont and even the coastal plain. There are more than 500 miles of trails to journey.

PART 5: THE SPACE

Spread out in the wide open space at Sky Meadows State Park

Cast your line for big fish in a small pond at Sky Meadows State Park

Leave the crowds on the other side of the river at Chippokes State Park

Walk in the footsteps of history with our state fossil littered along the shore of the James River at Chippokes State Park

Outer Space

When the sun goes down you will find yourself discovering an astronomically different sky altogether at Virginia's only international dark sky park - Staunton River State Park in Halifax County, Virginia. Due to its lack of light pollution, Staunton River State Park received this rare designation as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015.

This is the only park in Virginia to obtain this honor and one of only 25 parks in the world, which include South Korea, Germany, England, Wales, Netherlands, and Scotland.