Staunton River State Park, one of the original six, offers a long list of activities for visitors of all ages. The 2,400-acre park is made up of woodlands and meadows and provides access to the Dan and Staunton rivers and Virginia’s largest lake, Buggs Island.

Whether you prefer to be on the water or stay dry on land, here are some of the activities you don’t want to miss on your next visit to Staunton River State Park.

1. Check out the stars

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Piques

With some of the darkest night skies along the East Coast, Stanton River is the perfect place for stargazing. The park was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015 and hosts guided observing sessions monthly throughout the summer and sessions for special astronomical events throughout the year.

The Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS) even donated Newtonian-reflector telescopes that visitors can rent at no charge. The rental includes the telescope, two lenses, a star map, printed instructions and a hands-on tutorial by park staff.

For more avid astronomers, the park hosts star parties in March and October sponsored by CHAOS. These week-long astronomy festivals have gained the attention of astronomers from all over the East Coast and beyond. Registration is required for astronomers. Star parties are only open to the public on the last Saturday night of the week-long event.

For more information about stargazing or star parties, please contact the park at 434-572-4623.

2. Go hiking, biking or horseback riding

Hiking at Staunton River

Staunton River offers 17 miles of multi-use trails, ranging from 0.4 mile to 8.5 miles long. Ten wooded trails provide miles of adventure along the Dan and Staunton rivers as well as Buggs Island Lake. Multi-use trails are open for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Bring your own horse and bike.

Make sure you download the Avenza app before you go to access a free geo-referenced map of the park’s trails.

Please note: Trails are often closed during wet conditions to prevent trail damage. Call the park at (434) 572-4623 before your visit to ensure trails are open.

3. Play disc golf

Disc golf at Staunton River

Staunton River’s disc golf course has nine holes and was designed to carry players through different sections of the park. Most of the course connects through the River Bank Trail, but at times it branches off to give players a more secluded experience.

In addition to being the first disc golf course to open in the Virginia State Park system, Staunton River’s course was the first in the state to use the Dynamic Discs’ Veteran Basket. Another course highlight is the tee pads. They were designed with 5’x10’ pressure-treated wood framing and gravel dust filling to help the course blend into the natural surroundings and to reduce its environmental impact.

When you’re ready to play, scorecards, course maps and discs are available at the visitor center.

4. Go fishing

Fishing at Staunton River

The Dan and Staunton rivers and Buggs Island Lake are famous for the number and size of fish there, including catfish, bass, bluegill, crappie and perch. You can fish from the banks or bring a boat and launch from the park. If you don’t have a boat, nearby Hazel Creek Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rentals and delivers to the park.

A launch pass and a Virginia fishing license are required. Launch passes can be purchased at the park, or you can buy an annual pass online or by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275). Fishing licenses are available online and at the park’s visitor center.

5. Attend an interpretive program

Wagon ride at Staunton River

From guided canoe trips and fishing 101 to wagon rides and nature’s bingo, Staunton River offers a wide range of interpretive programs for visitors. Each program is designed to help participants learn about the park’s history and resources, acquire a new skill or put them in touch with nature. To learn more about the park’s programs, click here.

Staunton River also offers self-guided activities and loaner equipment, such as GPS devices. Call the park office at (434) 572-4623 for more information.

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If you’re looking for overnight accommodations, Staunton River offers seven historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), one camp lodge and two campgrounds. You can learn more about accommodations here.

For reservations, click here or call 1-800-933-PARK (7275).