Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, leave the city cares behind and head to the country. And sometimes that country is closer than you think.

Virginia State Parks offer beautiful woodsy scenery and nature experiences across the state, from the Coast to the Cumberland Gap. But you won't need to visit a granddaddy of parks to find great summer recreation that fits the bill, as both of these smaller parks in central Virginia are big on fun.

TWIN LAKES STATE PARK

A favorite in Central Virginia with two lakes for fun:

Goodwin Lake and Prince Edward Lake

ABOUT

Twin Lakes State Park is located in the heart of Virginia, not far from Farmville, and is a great family getaway destination with two lakes, cabins and campgrounds. This 548-acre, historic park offers many cultural, environmental and recreational activities. Overnight accommodations include a 33-site campground and 11 climate-controlled cabins. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and lakeside picnicking. The Cedar Crest Conference Center on Prince Edward Lake is available for weddings, family gatherings, retreats and business meetings.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three to four hours; Richmond, one to one and a half hours; Tidewater/ Norfolk/ Virginia Beach, two and a half to three hours; Roanoke, three hours.

1. TRAILS

Six miles of hiking trails take the visitor through hardwood forests and along the lakes. An 8-mile, non-loop multi-use trail in the adjacent Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest is open to hikers, bikers and horses. Bikers and horseback riders 16 and older must have a state forest permit, which can be purchased wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, to utilize the trail.

2. WATER RECREATION

Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. More about swimming.

3. PROGRAMS

Nature hikes, night hikes, canoe trips, children’s programs, campfire programs and children's nature craft programs. Find a program or activity at Twin Lakes State Park.

4. ICE CREAM

The Spot, a snack bar that's open during summer prime season, specializes in premium, hand-dipped ice cream. Guests can also purchase swimming tickets, merchandise, sweets, gift items and park mementos.

HOLLIDAY LAKE STATE PARK

There's no better way to spend a hot summer day than swimming in a lake

ABOUT

Deep in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, at 560-acres Holliday Lake State Park is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill are popular. Swimming at the park's guarded beach and the "Critter Hole" play area are visitor favorites. The park has several hiking trails, including a connector trail to the 10.2-mile Carter Taylor Multi-use Trail for hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. Visitors enjoy its campgrounds, picnic shelters, playgrounds, seasonal concession stand, gift shop and boat ramp. The park rents canoes, kayaks, Jon boats, stand-up paddleboards and paddleboats. 

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, four hours; Roanoke, two hours.

1. FISHING

If you’re looking for great largemouth bass fishing, this scenic lake is for you. You’ll also find chain pickerel, crappie and yellow perch. It’s a good place to escape the daily grind and enjoy a peaceful day on the water.

Fishing is available with a valid Virginia fishing license. Licenses are sold at the park Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Boat Launching is available; electric motors only. No gas-powered boats.

2. SWIMMING

Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. Weather and other issues may at times force suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated buoyed area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited. Click here for park fees. Discount swim coupons and annual swimming passes are available at the park only. Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The beach area has a bathhouse and a concession operation. Rental boats and beach merchandise are available at the boathouse.

3. PARK PROGRAMS

Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs. The park offers ranger-conducted hikes, campfire programs, environmental education programs and specialty workshops.

4. CANOEING

The park rents Jon boats, canoes, single and tandem kayaks, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboards seasonally. One-hour and four-hour rentals are available for Jon boats, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and sit-on-top kayaks. Paddleboats rent by the hour. Boat operations will be daily through August 8, and then Wednesday through Sunday through September 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weather permitting.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

To book a cabin, campsite or learn more about these small but mighty fun parks, please call 800-933-7275 or visit our website here.

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