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.

Home > Blog > It's Water, Water Everywhere in this Park of the Month

It's Water, Water Everywhere in this Park of the Month

By Pat EastwoodPosted May 01, 2015

Well known as a destination for anglers, our Park of the Month for May has a lot more to offer than fishing.

Although it's not immediately apparent from the main road, Staunton River State Park is situated on a peninsula at the confluence of the Dan and Staunton rivers that feeds ino the John H. Kerr Reservoir, also called Buggs Island Lake.

"The point" is where the Dan and Staunton rivers meet Kerr Reservoir

Bird watching is a popular pastime here at Staunton River State Park

ONE OF VIRGINIA’S ORIGINAL SIX STATE PARKS

One of Virginia's original six state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Staunton River State Park opened in June 1936. Today, the park visitors see is very much as it was in 1936. In fact, the park was named to the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register as a historic district, in part because it retains most of the original park layout and structures.

The park’s cabins were constructed by the CCC with lumber cut and milled on site and locally quarried stone. While these cabins retain their historic charm, all have been updated with climate control and other modern conveniences. Cabin guests will especially enjoy the large decks overlooking the Staunton River. The popular campground is also in its original location, and two of the picnic shelters are original buildings.

The park’s visitor center is another CCC building that once served as a restaurant. The park’s Olympic-size pool is in its original location, and the bath house is the original structure from 1936. Near the pool area, tennis courts evoke the pursuits of a bygone era, but with recently upgraded surfaces for today’s guests.

Inside one of the historic CCC cabins, with its original stone fireplace

VIRGINIA’S LARGEST LAKE

When the park first opened back in 1936, there was no lake, just the rivers and the only public swimming pool for miles around. Back in the 1960’s the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the John H. Kerr Dam in Clarksville, VA. Kerr Reservoir, known locally as Buggs Island Lake, is an impoundment of the Roanoke (Staunton) River. The lake straddles the Virginia-North Carolina border with almost 50,000 acres for your fishing and recreational pleasure.

People often ask “If it’s the Roanoke River, why is it called the Staunton?” According to historical accounts, this section of the Roanoke was named for a pre-revolutionary military hero, Captain Staunton. The early settlers held Captain Staunton in such high regard that they named this section of the river for him, and it stuck.

Visitors come from all over the United States, and even from Canada, for the

Staunton River Star Party

THE DARKEST SKIES

Home to some of the darkest skies around, Staunton River State Park is now the home of the Staunton River Star Party. Each spring and fall, astronomers gather here for several days of star gazing. The Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS), the park’s star party partner, also offers star gazing programs throughout the year for the park visitors. They have also donated telescopes for loan to visitors, so you can enjoy your own star gazing experience.

LOCATION

Just a couple of hours from Raleigh or Richmond, Staunton River State Park is the perfect place to get away from the daily grind and go for a paddle or a dip, or wet a line.

Set in rural Halifax County, you will find the pace of life is a little slower here that in the big city. You can still find local wineries, prize-winning restaurants, and more if you want that kind of experience. There are also races at South Boston Speedway, festivals, and plays at the Prizery all minutes away.

Staunton River State Park is a stop on the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway. For overnight reservations for camping or cabins click here, or call 800-933-PARK.

Come for a visit to commune with nature, see the wildlife, or just breathe…

PARKS

Staunton River State Park