Virginia State Parks has something for everyone! Did you know that many of the state parks have fun explorer backpacks for you to borrow? You can sign these out for the day and have loads of fun!
Nature Explorer Backpack demonstrated by Laura Johnson at Westmoreland State Park
This sand sifter is the perfect tool to find fossilized sharks teeth at Westmoreland
A net, sifter, magnifying containers, binoculars, ruler, field guides and more!
Learn more about the flora and fauna at the park and Chesapeake Bay area
False Cape has packed this backpack with lots of tools and toys that you can use as you explore the natural world at False Cape State Park. Inside this backpack you will find a magnifying glass, bug/dip net, viewing jar, multi-function binoculars, field guides, nature journal and sketchbook with pencils. Backpacks are free and are available to be checked out on a daily basis at the park's Visitor Center.
Want to explore the park on your own? Well, we have the tools to help you. Stop by the Contact Station and check out one of our explorer backpacks. We have a wildlife pack, Native American pack, wetlands pack, birding pack, fishing pack, and a Chesapeake Bay pack. The backpacks can be checked out for 24 hours. Please call 757-331-2267 if you have any questions or want to check availability. The backpacks are free to check out.
Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up an Exploration Backpack filled with gear for the great outdoors. You can search for and identify insects using the bug net and magnification container. Or, hike down Big Meadow Trail to Fossil Beach and use the sand sifter to find fossilized shark teeth. The backpack also includes binoculars and a quick reference bird guide as well as a compass, park quiz and other field guides.
Backpacks can be rented at the Visitor Center which is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (rentals must be returned by 4:00 p.m.)
Do-It-Yourself Programs--Backpacks and GPS Units
There's always something to do at Belle Isle! The park has free programs to do on your own including a birding backpack to borrow and a scavenger hunt. Pick up a list of Geocaches and bring your own GPS unit or rent one from the park.
Want a little more for your day trip or overnight stay at First Landing? Then a Park Pack is what you need! A Park Pack will help you explore the park on your own. Each pack contains binoculars, guide books, story books, birdsong players, and more. Park Pack themes include the Chesapeake Bay, the Bald Cypress Swamps, Native Americans, Colonial Times, and Nocturnal Animals. Check out a Park Pack for up to 3 days at the Park Office Mon-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Take a Park Pack with you to learn more about the flowers, trees, and birds you will see along the way. Park Packs are stocked with field guides, binoculars, and other goodies to help you explore. Contact the Visitor Center for more details. FREE
Want a little more for your day trip or overnight stay at Chippokes? Then a Park Pack is what you need! A Park Pack will help you explore the park on your own. Each pack contains binoculars, guide books, story books, birdsong players, and more. Park Pack themes include the Birding, History, Wetlands, Fossils, Wildlife, and Native Americans. Check out a Park Pack for up to 3 days at the Park Office Mon-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no fee to check out a pack.
Check out a Park Pack to jump-start your own adventures at Hungry Mother State Park. Packs are equipped with binoculars, field guides, storybooks, games, and much more. Packs are free to use and are first-come, first-serve. You may check out a pack for up to three calendar days. Contact the Discovery Center for more information.
Want to enhance your visit to York River State Park? Then a Park Pack is what you need! A Park Pack will help you explore the park on your own. Each pack contains binoculars, guide books, story books, birdsong players, and more. Park Pack themes include Birding, History, Rivers, and more. Check out a Park Pack for up to 3 days at the Park Office Mon-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Note - not all state parks have explorer backpacks available, but GPS Units are available to rent at all parks. Please contact the individual park for more information.
See a map of all 35 Virginia State Parks here. You will never run out of adventure when you visit a Virginia State Park! 
