Fairy Stone State Park

General Information

Home of the legendary fairy stones, this park is well known for its 168-acre lake adjoining Philpott Reservoir. The park is just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Attractions include cabins, a campground, group camping, an equestrian campground, a conference center, hiking trails, lake swimming, rowboats, canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, picnicking and two playgrounds, including one in the water.

Hours

8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Location

From I-81 near Roanoke, take Route 581 to Route 220 South to Route 57 West to Route 346 North (Fairystone Lake Drive).

From I-77 near Hillsville, take Route 58 East to Route 8 North to Route 57 East to Route 346 North (Fairystone Lake Drive).

From Greensboro, take Route 220 North to Route 220 North bypass at Martinsville, then Route 57 West to Route 346 North (Fairystone Lake Drive).

From Richmond, take Route 360 West to Route 58 West to Route 220 North Bypass at Martinsville to Route 57 West to Route 346 North (Fairystone Lake Drive)

Its address is 967 Fairystone Lake Drive, Stuart, VA 24171-9588; Latitude, 36.792468. Longitude, -80.116840.

Drive Time : Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., six hours (from Washington, DC); Richmond, four hours; Tidewater/ Norfolk/Virginia Beach, five hours; Roanoke, one hour

Park Size

4,741 acres, 168-acre lake adjoining the Philpott Reservoir.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

Cabins, camping and group camping. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.

During prime season, a day of guarded beach swimming per night's stay is free to overnight guests.(Parks will not refund rental fees should guarded swimming be unavailable.) Read more about swimming in the park's Recreation section.

Click here for details on reservation cancellation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for cabin stays.

Visit a Flickr photoset of typical cabins and lodges at the park. Cabins and lodges vary. Dwellings may not match what's shown in the photos.

Cabins

Weekly rentals start Friday, Saturday or Sunday

Fairy Stone Lodge

• Week stay runs from Sunday to Sunday
• Check-in is 4 p.m.; check-out is 10 a.m.
• Maximum occupancy, 16
• Up to six cars allowed. Visitors with additional overnight vehicles are charged parking fees.
• Five bedrooms (one is universally accessible); three bathrooms (one bathroom is universally accessible)
  • Two bedrooms have queen size beds (one is universally accessible)
  • Three bedrooms feature two sets of bunk beds (four beds per room)
• Universally accessible: kitchen, dining area, living room, one bedroom and one bath. The other bedrooms and bathrooms are not universally accessible (stairs lead to these rooms).
• No smoking
• Kitchen and living area
  • The kitchen is equipped with an electric range/oven, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, drip coffee maker, pots, pans, dishes and utensils
  • The dining area includes a fireplace with gas logs
• Heated and air-conditioned with heat pump
• Linens provided
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area; keep pets inside at night. Pets may not be left unattended.

Cabins have:

• Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, dishcloth, dish towels, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, microwave oven, toaster
• Rustic furniture and linens (one set per person for four people). Cabins are climate controlled (heat and AC). Bring food, dish detergent, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, extra bath towels, body wash/soap, board games or cards. No dishwasher, telephone, TV, washer/dryer.
• Living Area: Sofa, dining table
• Bedrooms: Beds and nightstands, clock radios
• Fireplaces
• Outdoor pedestal grill
• Picnic table
• Swimming is free for overnight guests.
• Cabins 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 15, 16 and 22 have a limited view of lake.
• Cabins 10-25 are wood-framed with cinder block interior walls and have screened-in porches.
• Cabins 1-9 are CCC era log cabins.
• Firewood is available at the park for a small fee.
• Visitors to overnight guests are charged a parking fee and swimming fees. Visitors are requested to leave by 10 p.m., when the park closes. They must park in the area designated by the park.
• Two vehicles allowed at each cabin. Additional parking is approximately 1/4-mile from cabin area, and visitors are charged the parking fees.
• Cabins 18-20 are ADA accessible inside but have no outside ramps.
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area; keep pets inside at night. Pets must be attended at all times.

Total sites of each type: 1-room log efficiency, 3; 1-bedroom log water view, 1; 2-bedroom log, 3; 2-bedroom log water view, 2; 2-bedroom cinder block, cedar-sided, 14; 2-bedroom cinder block, cedar-sided water view, 2; Fairy Stone Lodge, 1.

Site Types:

• 1-room log efficiency – (cabins 4, 6, 7), allows two, one queen bed
• 1-bedroom log water view (cabin 1) - sleeps two (allows four), one queen bed
• 2-bedroom log (cabins 3, 5) - sleeps four (allows six), one queen bed, two singles
• 2-bedroom log (cabin 9) - sleeps four (allows six), one queen bed, one set of bunk beds
• 2-bedroom log water view (cabins 2, 8) - sleeps four (allows six), one queen bed, one set of bunk beds
• 2-bedroom cinder block,cedar-sided (cabins 10-16, 18-20, 22-25) - sleeps six, one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds
• 2-bedroom cinder block, cedar-sided water view (cabins 17, 21) - sleeps six, one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds
• Fairy Stone Lodge - five bedrooms, three baths, sleeps 16, universally accessible, two queen size beds, six sets of bunk beds
• Total cabins: 25 cabins, one lodge

Yurts

Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter. Functionally speaking, they’re a cross between a tent and a cabin. The park has four yurts, which are adjacent to the group campground. Each yurt has a large wooden deck, a picnic table and a fire-ring with cooking grate. Reservations are required. Parking for two vehicles is allowed for yurts 3 and 4. There's no dedicated parking for yurts 1 and 2. Parking is first-come, first-served in the group campground and shelter 2 parking lot. Guests to those yurts must carry belongings uphill 85 yards to yurt 1 and 55 yards to yurt 2. Those with additional vehicles must pay a daily parking fee and park in the shelter 2 parking lot.

Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m. The rental season begins on the first Friday in March and ends on the first Sunday of December. Cabin rental and cancellation policies apply. There is a two-night minimum rental during the rest of camping season.

• Maximum occupancy four. Sleeps three. One queen-sized and a twin-sized trundle pull-out. Guests must bring sleeping bags or linens.
• No smoking, cooking or pets allowed in the yurt.
• Yurts have no electricity or water, but water is available at the group campground boathouse. 
• Dining table seats four.
• No heat or air-conditioning.
• Guests use the group campground bathhouse.
• Yurt 3 is ADA-accessible.

Camping

Campsites have a fire ring that can be used for campfires and cooking. Two vehicles plus the camping unit are allowed per campsite, and all vehicles must be kept on the paved area of the campsite. Additional parking is approximately a half mile from the campground area and parking fees are charged. Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area. Dogs must be attended at all times. Dog owners are expected to clean up after their pets and dispose of their waste in appropriate receptacles. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m.

Beginning in 2018, half of the electric and water sites may be specifically reserved. Here's a list of the sites and here are photos of them.

Total sites: Yellow, 42; Green, 8; GrpTent, 6

Site types:

Yellow sites, up to 30' RVs, pop-ups, tents; have sandy tent pad

Green sites, no tents; up to 30' RVs or pop-ups only; doesn't have a sandy tent pad

Yellow and Green sites: All sites listed above have electric and water hook-ups, no sewer. There are 12' by 14' sandy tent pads on Yellow sites only (tents must fit on pads); no tents are permitted on Green sites. All equipment and vehicles must be on the pavement and sandy tent pad at all times. This includes tents, trailers, vehicles, dining flies and other equipment. All sites are shaded. No sewer hookups, but there is a dump station.

Group Camp: Must rent at least three sites to qualify (GrpTent 01-06 Sites). All standard tent sites; no hookups; tents only. Must fit tent on 16' x 16' pad. Each has a grill, picnic table and lantern holder.

• Tents only.
• No water or electricity.
• Rented to groups only.
• Central bathhouse with running water and hot showers.
• Extra tables, large grill and campfire ring available for group activities.
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area. Pets must be attended at all times.

Equestrian Camp: Electric-water sites. Sites can hold a camping unit up to 50 feet long. No tents are allowed. Sites accept 20, 30 and 50-amp current. One vehicle and the camping unit are allowed on each site. All sites are graveled pull-through sites and have no shade. All equipment and the vehicle must be kept on the gravel area at all times. Pit toilets only. There is a common campfire area with three picnic tables and a fire-ring at each end of the campground. All sites and the lower common area are ADA-accessible. Individual sites don't have picnic tables and fire-rings. The equestrian campground is 1.25 miles from the main recreational area and the group campground. Campers may use the group campground for showers between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Equestrian campground has no dump station. Campers may use the dump station in the main campground but should be advised the road to the main campground is hilly with sharp curves. Proof of negative Coggins test is required. Horses must remain in stalls while not being ridden. Non-horse campers may camp here if a site has not been reserved within 30 days before the desired date. Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m.Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet when not in an enclosed area.

Camping Lodge (bunkhouse): Check-in is 4 p.m., check-out is 10 a.m. The camping lodge is generally available for rent March 1 through Oct. 31. Unlike most facilities, we reserve this lodge beginning January 1 rather than 11 months in advance. The transfer deadline and cancellation and pet fees are the same as those for cabins.

• Linens not provided; mattresses are narrow.
• Maximum 14 people.
• Up to six cars allowed. Park in the shelter 2 parking lot.
• Two-night minimum. No weekly stay requirement.
• No bathroom, kitchen.
• Has air conditioning and heat.
• Three rooms. Two sets of bunk-beds each in two rooms, and three sets of bunk-beds in a third room. Each room has screened windows and electrical outlets.
• Use the group campground bathhouse for bathroom and showers.
• It is near the park's group campground.
• A covered porch runs the length of the building.
• No fireplace.
• No cooking facilities indoors.
• There's a picnic table and fire ring grill just outside.
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet when not in an enclosed area. Pets must be attended at all times.

Recreation

TRAILS

Most of the park's Little Mountain Trail System, 10 miles, is multi-use. Multi-use trails are open to hiking, cycling and horseback riding. The remaining trails, parts of the Little Mountain system and all of the Stuart's Knob system, are for pedestrian use only.

SWIMMING

Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. A bathhouse, concession area and toys are available. 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 area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited. Click here for park fees.

FISHING, BOATING

The 168-acre Fairy Stone Lake is great for family fishing and boating. Paddle this serene lake in your canoe or kayak.

Boat rentals are available daily Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends in April, May, September and October. Cabin guests may also be able to rent boats for 24-hour periods during those four months; contact the park for details. Boat rentals may be unavailable because of inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Ample pan fish are just waiting to be caught, so it’s the perfect place to teach the kids fishing skills. For more serious anglers, the lake offers some good largemouth bass. Bluegill, crappie, catfish and October-stocked trout round out the park's lake fishing. Just up the road is Philpott Reservoir, which offers good largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. It’s also a good lake for walleye.

Fishing is allowed with a valid Virginia fishing license. Fishing licenses are sold in the park office. A fishing area is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.

A boat launch ramp is available. The use of gas-powered boats is prohibited here, but electric trolling motors are permitted. Gas-powered boats may be used at the Philpott Reservoir, 20 minutes from the park. Rowboats, paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes may be rented during the summer season.

HORSES

Although no horses are rented here, they are allowed on the park's multi-use trails, and the park has an area designated for horse trailers. See the camping section above for information about overnight horse facilities here. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park.

HUNTING

Hunting is allowed only in designated areas. About half the park's land is open to hunting. Hunting is never allowed near the public facilities - i.e., the beach, cabins and campground. Next to the park is the Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which has a 5,000-acre deer management area. Visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website for more information on hunting.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Click here for its general facilities guide.

Nearby Attractions

Blue Ridge Parkway, Mabry Mill, Wood Brothers Racing Museum, Chateau Morrisette Winery, Stanburn Vineyard and Winery, Primland Resort, Virginia Museum of Natural History, Philpott Lake, Reynolds Homestead, J. E. B. Stuart's birthplace, Floyd Country Store, Blue Ridge Institute of Ferrum College, Martinsville Speedway, Jack's Creek Covered Bridge, The Crooked Road: Virginia Heritage Music Trail

Local Festivals: Floyd Fest, Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, Hot Fun Beach Music Festival, Virginia Peach Festival. Front Porch Fest. Virginia's Covered Bridge Festival. Bushels and Barrels Festival at Reynolds Homestead.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce for Patrick County at 276-694-6012 or visit its tourism site for details.

Picnic Shelters

Picnic shelters are available for rent by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK. When not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking and swimming fees are not included in shelter rental. Click here for park fees.

Fairy Stone State Park Picnic Shelters

Four shelters are available for rent. They can be rented from 8 a.m. to dark.

Per car parking fee: Standard car parking fee.

Cancellation policy: There's a cancellation fee, and no refunds are given within 14 days of the reservation date.

Shelter Amenities

Shelter 1: Accommodates 75 people under the shelter. No restrooms; portable toilet only. Overlooks the lake, but there is no flat area for games. Features lights, a large grill and a fireplace at each end of the shelter. No electrical outlets available.

Shelter 2: Accommodates 75 people under the shelter. Restroom is approximately 500 ft from shelter. Large parking area and level area for games. Features electrical outlets, a large grill, lights and a fireplace in each end of shelter.

Shelter 3: Allied Block Shelter. Accommodates 75 people under the shelter. universally accessible. Creek runs in front of shelter. Horseshoe pit nearby, but guests must bring their own horseshoes. Features electrical outlets, lights, a large grill and universally accessible bathrooms.

Shelter 4: Allied Pole Shelter. Accommodates 75 people under the shelter. universally accessible. No bathroom in this shelter, but adjacent shelter (#3) has universally accessible bathrooms. Creek runs in front of shelter; horseshoe pit in area, but guests must bring their own horseshoes. Features electrical outlets, lights and a large grill.

Shelter 6:  Accommodates about 45 people. It's on the right side of Fairy Stone beach near the boat rentals and has six picnic tables, two long benches and one large charcoal grill.

Shelter 7:  Accommodates about 45 people. It's on the left side of Fairy Stone beach near the playground and has six picnic tables, two long benches and one large charcoal grill.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

Fayerdale Hall Conference Center - To reserve, call 1-800-933-7275. This is a day-use facility. There are separate discount packages available, one for the weekend (Friday through Sunday) and another for weekdays (Monday through Thursday). Be sure to consider cleanup time when you rent the hall because the hall must be vacated by midnight. If you'd rather clean up and remove equipment at your leisure the next day, you'll want to rent the hall for an extra day.

Fairy Stone's also a great place for weddings. The amphitheater, the beach and Fayerdale Hall offer plenty of options.

Reservations must be paid in full within 14 days of the date the reservation is made. Cancellations can be made up until 14 days prior to the start of the reservation for a 10 percent cancellation fee or $100, whichever is less. Within 14 days prior to the first day of the reservation period, a 30 percent cancellation fee is charged.

Weekends (Friday - Sunday)

• Full day (8 a.m. - midnight): $236 (cancellation fee is $71)
• Wedding/event package: Two consecutive days, $315 (cancellation fee is $95)
• Wedding/event package: Three consecutive days, $366 (cancellation fee is $109.80)

Weekdays (Monday - Thursday)

• Full day (8 a.m. - midnight): $75 (cancellation fee is $22.50)
• Wedding/event package: Two consecutive days, $125 (cancellation fee is $37.50)
• Wedding/event package: Three consecutive days, $174 (cancellation fee is $52.20)
• Wedding/event package: Four consecutive days, $225 (cancellation fee is $62.50)

Facilities:

• Kitchen: electric range, refrigerator, ice machine, microwave. No cookware, utensils, serving containers, flatware, dishes or paper products are available. Electricity is 110V.
• The serving of alcoholic beverages may require an ABC banquet license. For details, contact the local ABC office or visit www.abc.virginia.gov. The public use of alcoholic beverages outside of Fayerdale Hall is prohibited.
• Decorations are permitted but cannot be attached to painted surfaces and cannot damage the facility in any way. Renters will be held responsible for damages.
• Fayerdale Hall guests are exempt from parking fees.
• The building has WiFi.
• Equipment rental (per day - all $10 each): TV with Blu-ray/DVD player; disco ball; flip chart and loading cart. There's also an event tent available in various sizes; call the park to make arrangements.
• Tables and chairs are available for indoor use only (no charge). Call the park at least two weeks before the event to make arrangements for setup of the tables and chairs. There are 19 six-foot rectangular tables, five 48-inch round tables and 130 chairs. The facility seats about 100 for a sit-down meal. White tablecloths are available for $3 per table.
• Pets are not permitted in the facility.

The park also rents family lodges that may be used for small retreats and get-togethers.

RESTAURANT

None. This park has a snack bar in season.

LAUNDRY

East of the park, Stanleytown has laundry facilities as does Stuart, which lies west of Fairy Stone.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

None at this park.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

• Cabins 10-25 are wheelchair accessible on the inside and showers have seats. However, the cabins lack exterior access by ramps. Of these, 18, 19 and 20 are fairly level and can be accessed if one large step can be negotiated.
• The lodge is accessible. There is a ramp to the main entrance from paved parking spaces. One bedroom with a queen-sized bed is wheelchair accessible. One bathroom has a universally accessible shower and tall commode with handrails. There is a ramp to the kitchen area. The living room, dining room and kitchen are universally accessible. Other bedrooms are not accessible.
• Yurt 3 is accessible.
• The park office has a ramp for wheelchair access.
• The playground is universally accessible.
• The conference center is accessible.
• There is a universally accessible fishing area.
• Allied picnic shelters (3 and 4) and the restrooms for the shelters are accessible.
• Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, electric wheelchairs and electric scooters that meet the federal definition for wheelchairs are allowed to enable people with disabilities to use the trails. Visitors using a wheelchair should exercise caution as many park trails are steep and uneven. The paved Mountain View Trail is a good choice for those using a wheelchair.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs. Guided nature and history hikes, bluegrass music, guided fairy stone hunts, handicraft and other activities are offered Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hikes, guided fairy stone hunts and kids' activities are also offered on weekends during spring and fall. For special arrangements for adult groups, school groups and outreach programs, call the park at 276-930-2424.

Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

Operating from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The snack bar offers short-order foods, drinks, candy and ice cream as well as beach supplies, gifts and souvenirs. Fairy Stone has no food service outside of these dates, but gifts and souvenirs are sold in the gift shop year-round Monday through Friday and every day from May through October. WiFi is available outside the concession building and at the lower beach parking area.

HISTORY

In the late 1920s various groups across the commonwealth began working towards the establishment of state parks in Virginia. It wasn't until 1933, however, with the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that the state was able to begin building such a system. At that time, six areas were acquired, including Fairy Stone. Roanoke newspaper publisher Junius B. Fishburn donated the 4,741-acre site, making it the largest of the six original parks and one of the largest to this day.

The CCC provided the labor and materials for the construction of the park from 1933 until the CCC camp was removed in the spring of 1941. Roads, trails, picnic areas, cabins, a restaurant, bathhouse, dam and sanitation system are all part of the original CCC construction. Their handiwork is still evident in the park's log cabins.

FRIENDS GROUP

The Friends of Fairy Stone State Park support the park. Those interested in joining this park support group should contact Tim Collins, president, at timothydcollins@gmail.com or 276-930-1715.

MASTER PLAN

Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here for this park's master plan.