This is the time of the year we at Virginia State Parks call our “off-season.” Things start to slow down for staff, pools and beaches are closed and weekday campers are fewer as the weather gets cooler.

But this is the best time to be at our parks when you have the whole park to yourself to explore and there are still plenty of activities you can do while enjoying the solitude and quietness of the park.

Enjoy the beauty of the fall season by Bear Creek Lake

5 Things to do at Bear Creek Lake State Park during the Off-Season

The park is hosting an archery program on Veteran's Day

Archery

If you’ve thought about trying your hand at archery, Bear Creek Lake is the perfect place to get hands-on instructions by staff. The park has a 10-lane archery range with excelsior bales and 3D targets. On Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2015 the park will offer an instructor lead archery program at 2 p.m. Equipment will be provided. This program is free of charge to military veterans. For more information about this archery program, call the park office at (804)-492-4410 or click here.

The archery range is open from March 1 through the first Monday in December. Please bring your own archery equipment when coming on your own; no equipment is available for rent at the park.

Enjoy watching wildlife from your kayak or canoe on the lake

Kayaking/Canoeing

During the off-season kayaks or canoes rentals are not available for rent but this doesn’t mean you can’t bring your own and launch off a boat ramp at the lake. This 40-acrea lake is a perfect place for scenic views and wildlife viewing.

Bear Creek Lake State Park is the perfect place to bring the entire family fishing

Fishing

If there is someone in your household who loves to fish, they’ll love Bear Creek Lake where largemouth bass, crappie, bream and channel catfish call the lake home. Not far from the lake is the Willis River, a small, slow tributary of the James, which winds through the Cumberland State Forest.

Those with a canoe or small boat can enjoy fishing there. Two canoe launches with access to the river are in Cumberland State Forest. A boat ramp at Bear Creek Lake is available for non-gasoline powered boats. The park also has a universally accessible fishing pier.

On Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2015 the park will offer an instructor lead fishing program at 10 a.m. on the shores of the lake. This program is free of charge to military veterans. For more information about this program, call the park office at (804)-492-4410 or click here.

Backpacks are available at the park office that are filled with a
variety of items that will enhance to your hike

Hiking/Park Packs

Hiking is the perfect activity during the off-season. All the beautiful fall colors of the trees canopy frame the trails and views. Before going on your hike, stop by the park office to check out a park backpack that hold a variety of items useful for exploring the park on your own.

The Birder Pack has binoculars, bird call audio identification cards and player, and bird field guides. Our Forest Pack has information on animal tracks and scat, tree identification, flower pocket guides, magnifiers and other helpful items to let you find your way at your own pace. These packs are free to loan out and may be reserved on an 8:00 a.m. until 4 :00 p.m. daily basis, or during posted office hours. Trail maps are also available at the park office or click here.

Make time to relax at your cabin during a vacation at Bear Creek Lake

Relax on a cabin porch

Let the aroma of your morning coffee and the sounds of the birds relax your mind while gazing at the beautiful view from your cabin’s porch. The park has 12 cabins and one lodge each equipped with rocking chairs and large porches. Each cabin is nestled in a wooden area around the lake. You can explore the cabin area by jumping on one of three trails that wind around the lake; Otter Trail, Coyote Trail and Lost Barr Loop Trail. For reservation information, click here.

No matter what time of the year you decide to visit Bear Creek Lake State Park, there are plenty of activities waiting for you to explore.