Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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One of my very favorite things to do on this planet is kayak. I just love it!

The Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, dedicates the new paddle-in primitive campground at Caledon State Park.

Kayaks ready to launch

When Caledon State Park opened their paddle-in primitive campground I was ecstatic for all the paddlers out there.  On August 22, 2014, the Governor of Virginia, Terence R. McAuliffe and other Commonwealth officials were there to dedicate the new paddle-in primitive campground that also added another link to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. It was a very exciting day!

Governor Terry McAuliff - The Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, dedicates the new paddle-in primitive campground at Caledon State Park.

Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe

“Protecting the health and vitality of Virginia’s waterways and promoting their use means we can connect people from all over the world with our Commonwealth’s natural resources and grow our economy as well,” said Governor McAuliffe. “My team and I want to continue to provide Virginia’s residents and visitors more places to swim, fish, put in a canoe and just be in nature. By partnering with the National Park Service, the Chesapeake Conservancy and others to increase access to our waterways in the Chesapeake Bay region, Virginia will create opportunities for more people to enjoy and appreciate the countless natural, cultural and historic treasures found here.”

Ribbon cutting - The Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, dedicates the new paddle-in primitive campground at Caledon State Park.

 Ribbon cutting with Governor McAuliffe and key partners

The new site is a beautiful, tranquil spot on the Potomac River located at Stuart's Wharf near Jones Pond. I can tell is going to be a favorite place along the river for those that love to camp and paddle.

If you have not paddled in and primitive camped before, my suggestion is to start small, much like I did utilizing primitive sites while hiking the Appalachian Trail.  I tried out a small segment over a few nights first before I committed to doing a longer trek. One, I just to make sure I liked it and two, to make sure I could actually do it!  Just a tip for beginners, everything you put in your boat should be either water proof or is in a dry bag. There is nothing worse than a wet sleeping bag and clothes. Yes I found out the hard way many years ago when I first started kayaking and most people where asking me what kind of “canoe is that”?  I thought plastic bags would work to keep things dry, not!

Tents on tent pads - The Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, dedicates the new paddle-in primitive campground at Caledon State Park.

Tents on tent pads in the campground

Primitive camping and paddling are great ways to unplug, be warned though, some sites do not have very good cell service. Don’t forget to put your cell phone on air plane mode or turn it off while not in use while at Caledon, the camping is primitive so there is no electricity to recharge your phone.  Click here for more information and to plan your trip on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. There is even an App for that!

If you want to do a little exploring while you are camping, Caledon State Park has a variety of hiking trails not too far from the campground. Click here for a trail guide.

Park Resident

 Residents you will find along the trails

If you are not a paddler and would like to bike or hike in, it’s about three miles to the primitive campground using defined trails. Please be prepared to leave your vehicle in the parking lot at the Visitor Center.

To be assured a campsite it is best to make reservations through the Virginia State Parks Customer Care Center on-line or call 1800 933-PARK. However, the park accepts walk-ins or paddle-ins without reservations.  Each campsite has a sand tent pad, a fire ring and a place to hand your lantern.  There is also a port-a-potty for your convenience. There is no potable water for drinking or cooking and no showers. There is a very nice covered picnic area. For more information on Caledon State Park please click here or call (540) 663-3861

Friends of Caledon

Thank you to the volunteers and the Friends of Caledon State Park for helping to make the dedication a success! 

It was so wonderful to see all the people in the community come out to support their much beloved Caledon. Even the eagles were enjoying the fun as one soared in full flight behind the Governor as he spoke! Yes, it was a great day indeed!

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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