If you live or work in the Williamsburg area, then you are in the heart of the Historic Triangle in Virginia. But even with so much right there in your own backyard, you still may wish to escape the crowds for the day and get back to nature.

We personally invite you to visit two Virginia State Parks that offer affordable amenities and fun programs for the whole family.

Whether you are new to the area or just searching for some new activities, you will find these nearby Virginia State Parks' true treasure troves. Pack a picnic, the kids, and the dog and get ready to head out for some fun memory-making.

YORK RIVER STATE PARK

A nice composition of the sandy shoreline of the river at York River State Park

York River State Park is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life in the marsh.

This unique environment offers clues to a rich natural and cultural history and hosts fossil beds and Colonial and Native American artifacts. The "Fossil Frenzy" is a popular ranger-led program at the park, as well as Stargazing and Tyke Hikes.

Interpreter programs, activities and visitor center displays focus on the history, use, wildlife and preservation of the York River and its marshes.

RECREATION

Visitors can enjoy more than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails also allow access to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. The park has a boat ramp, excellent fresh and saltwater fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, and picnic shelters.

Visitors can also easily get out on the water with boat and recreational equipment rentals, available in season. 

CANOE

On Sunday evenings from May through September, sunset canoe trips are offered. Call the park at (757) 566-3036 for current fees. Some interpretive offerings have a fee and require advance reservations so be sure to call the park to inquire before heading over for a program.

BONUS: From May through September, two-hour guided canoe trips on Taskinas Creek are available on select Saturdays. Explore the beautiful wetlands with us. You may even encounter a variety of wild creatures.

These make for great unforgettable group experiences at York River State Park.

The park is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

View our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at York River State Park. York River is a day-use park with no overnight accommodations.

Learn more about York River State Park here to help plan your day trip. The park is a 19-minute drive from Williamsburg, just 13 miles.

The Burning of the Socks is a special event held each spring

EXTRA FUN BONUS: A special park program that happens just once a year at York River State Park is the Annual Burning of the Socks. It is a seasonal canoe and kayak kick-off event wherein folks gather who are ready to kick off those winter socks and begin the paddling season. After a blessing of the boats and burning of the socks in the fire-pit, everyone grabs their paddles and hits Taskinas Creek.

You can bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one in advance of the event. Date to be announced each spring.

CHIPPOKES STATE PARK

A tractor during harvest drives past hay bales, soybean and cotton fields

Shoreline access along the James River for fossil and shark teeth collecting and a huge farm makes this park one of a kind and worth exploring.

Chippokes State Park in Surry County is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country and has been a working farm since 1619. 

Go on a Mansion tour, or explore the Farm and Forestry Museum at this park.

Chippokes is a popular destination for weddings and special events.

The park has four cabins and a two-loop campground to host overnight guests. For those with physical limitations, you will be pleased to learn the park has paved walkways, an ADA compliant cabin and campsites and a bathhouse. Learn about accessibility at this park.

Families can amble through the Forestry and Farm Museum year-round

Visitors can experience live farm animals like donkeys, chickens and pigs

View our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Chippokes State Park.

Learn more about Chippokes State Park to help plan your day trip. The park is a 55-minute drive from Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle, just 14 miles and involves a free ferry ride over the historic James River.

Kayaking by the banks of and bridge over College Run Creek

BONUS: Not only will you have access to the James River but also to the inland marsh if you want to bring a kayak/canoe or go on a park program. 

Visitor canoe trips are offered at various times of the year, except the winter months.   Call the park to inquire about dates and times, or check here.

 

We hope you visit us at these two parks that are just a short drive from the Williamsburg area, offering hours of family fun, outside. 

The good news is that if you live in Virginia, you're never more than an hour away from a Virginia State Park.