Westmoreland State Park

General Information

On the Potomac River's Northern Neck, this park offers many opportunities for family fun. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an adjacent bathhouse, meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp. You'll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, cabins, a playground, a fishing pier, boat rentals and 6 miles of trails. Fossil collectors enjoy hunting for ancient shark teeth along the Potomac. Offshore breakwaters are great for fishing. Birding enthusiasts find the park an excellent site for spotting American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, green herons and gulls, as well as wintering waterfowl. The Potomac River Retreat is an overnight center suitable for family reunions and other gatherings of up to 16. Its waterfront location provides docking space at a boathouse. Murphy Hall, atop Horse Head Cliffs, offers a superb view of the Potomac River. The hall accommodates up to 72 people for meetings and other gatherings. Amenities include audiovisual equipment, a warming kitchen for catered events and an executive board room.

There's limited cell phone service in the park. WiFi is available at the camp store.
 

Hours

Dawn - dusk.

Location

Six miles northwest of Montross, just off Route 3.

• From Fredericksburg (I-95), take Rt. 3 east, go about 40 miles to the park's entrance, turning left onto Rt. 347.
• From Tappahannock, take U.S. 360 East to Warsaw. Turn left onto Rt. 3 west at the third stop light. Stay on this road until about six miles past Montross. Turn right into the park's entrance on Rt. 347.
• From Richmond, take U.S. 360 East, then follow Tappahannock directions.
• From Tidewater, take 17 north to Tappahannock. At the second light, past Lowrey's Restaurant, turn right onto 360 east, then follow Tappahannock directions.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia and Washington D. C., two hours; Richmond, one and a half hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two and a half hours; Roanoke, five and a half hours

Park Size

1,321 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

Cabins, camping, group camp, camping cabins, Potomac River Retreat. 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. Rates are subject to verification by DCR's state parks reservations staff. First determine the season, which varies by park, then the rate.

Cabin and Potomac River Retreat guests must have either their reservation number(s) or confirmation letter at check-in. Those having arranged for someone else to handle check-in must make sure that person has the reservation number. The number is needed to enter the cabin. Camping and cabin guests also should be prepared to show a valid ID.

Click here to 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.

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

Cabins

During prime season, cabins and the Potomac River Retreat are rented by the week beginning on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. A two-night minimum stay is required the rest of the year, but guests who wish to stay less than a week during prime season may call the Customer Service Center 30 days prior to the desired arrival date to see if there is a vacancy. Cabins and the Potomac River Retreat are open year-round and may be reserved up to 11 month in advance.

Please carefully check the sleeping accommodations in the cabins since maximum occupancy may exceed beds available and because there are no rental beds. Customers may bring air mattresses and sleeping bags for guests up to the maximum occupancy.

Check-in is 4 p.m.; check-out is 10 a.m.

From Feb. 15 through April 30, outdoor fires are prohibited from midnight to 4 p.m.

Cabins have:

• Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, dishcloth, a few dish towels, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, microwave oven, toaster, clock radios. Also includes rustic furniture and linens (one set per person for four people). Cabins are climate controlled (heat and AC). Bring food, dish detergent, extra dish towels, 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 and dining table
• Bedrooms: Beds and night stands
• Wood-burning fireplace. The park provides one free bundle of firewood; more available for a nominal fee.
• Heat pumps
• All cabins have grills and picnic tables. Cabins 11-25 have decks.
• Swimming and boat launching free for overnight guests.
• Firewood is sold at the park; also fire starter logs on sale in park store.
• Late arrivals are advised to call the park beforehand to make access arrangements.
• Pets must be attended at all times and kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
• Cabin 6, cabin 25 and the Potomac River Retreat are universally accessible.
• Screened porches on cabins 11-25.
• Open porches on cabins 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10.

Total sites of each type: One-room Log Efficiency, 3; One-bedroom Log, 4; Two-bedroom Log, 4; Two-bedroom Frame, 2; Two-bedroom Cinderblock, 13; Potomac River Retreat, 1

Site type:

• One-room Log Efficiency (cabins 1, 4, 32) - Queen bed. Sleeps two, maximum.
• One-bedroom Log (cabins 2, 5, 7, 9)- Queen bed. Sleeps two, allows four.
• Two-bedroom Log (cabins 3, 6, 8, 10) - Queen bed and two single beds. Sleeps four, allows six.
• Two-bedroom Frame (cabins 11, 12) - Queen bed and two bunk beds. Sleeps six.
• Two-bedroom Cinderblock (cabins 13-25) - Queen bed and two bunk beds. Sleeps six.
• Potomac River Retreat - Sleeps up to 16 maximum.
• Total cabins: 26, 1 Retreat

Potomac River Retreat - This unique abode, which faces the Potomac River, is similar to a timeshare or resort. It accommodates up to 16, counting adults and children, and is on the main road near the pool picnic area (separated by privacy fence). The facility has a deck fronting the Potomac, and the deck has patio tables, chaise lounges, and a charcoal grill. There are five bathrooms (one is accessible for persons with disabilities); one half bath, one shower only, and three with tub/shower.

• There are five bedrooms (one is partially accessible for persons with disabilities):
• Master bedroom. One queen size bed.
• Bedroom 2. Universally accessible (door): one double bed.
• Bedroom 3. Two twin beds.
• Bedroom 4. Two twin beds. One set of bunk beds built into wall (sleeps 2).
• Bedroom 5. One queen bed.
• Living room. Two queen pullout sofa beds, each sleeps two.
• All bedrooms have closets, chests, dressers and night stands.

Guests may sleep using any combination of the above so long as there are no more than 16 people. The facility has two living rooms with sofas, loveseats, occasional chairs, coffee tables, end tables, display cases, a TV with broadcast antenna and a DVD player.

A large common area (for use as a conference room or social gathering space) faces the Potomac with many windows and French doors onto the deck; available with 20 chairs for auditorium style seating (extra fee for tables and chairs). Guests who need any of these extras should contact the park a few days before arrival to arrange for their use.

Camping

Check-in is 4 p.m., check-out is 1 p.m. From Feb. 15 to April 30, outdoor fires are prohibited from midnight to 4 p.m. unless a camp host is on duty. Propane and gas grills are allowed. Fire-rings cannot be used when outdoor fires are prohibited.

• Swimming and boat launch free for overnight guests.
• Campsites have either fire ring grills or box grills, all of which allow campfires.
• Firewood is sold at the park; starter logs are available at camp store. Because of the risk of forest infestation, please do not bring any firewood.
• Camp store: Camping and picnic supplies and gift items are available.
• Two vehicles per campsite; extras must park in parking lot and pay parking fee. Guests visiting campers must pay the standard daily parking fee and park in the proper parking lot. Also guests must leave the park by 10 p.m.
• Accepts outlets for 20 and 30-amp current.
• Laundry facilities in Campground A bathhouse.
• Pets are welcome but must be attended at all times and kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
• All camping units, equipment and vehicles must be within the campsite's perimeter without infringing on adjoining campsites or vegetation.

Site type:

EW - Electric and water hookups, various equipment, RVs of up to 40 feet, bathhouse available. Campgrounds A and B.

Std - No hookups, various equipment. RVs of up to 40 feet, bathhouse available. Campgrounds A, B, C.

GrpTentStd - One group site for up to 40 people, no hookups, tents only. Bathhouse available. Campfires and cooking allowed in provided fire-rings or grills only.

Buddy - Three group campsites for up to 24 per site (one site is in Campground B, two are in Campground C). Each has four 20' x 20' tent pads, one fire-ring, a large pedestal grill and four picnic tables.

The cancellation fee for a group camping reservation (GrpTentStd and Buddy) is higher than is that for a typical campsite.

Total sites of each type: EW, 42; Std, 74; GrpTentStd, 1; Buddy, 3

Total campsites: 133

Camping cabins:

Camping cabins (CampCabin) - sites 26-31

Check-in is 4 p.m. Check-out is 10 a.m. From Feb. 15 to April 30, outdoor fires are prohibited from midnight to 4 p.m. unless a camp host is on duty. Fire-rings cannot be used when outdoor fires are prohibited.

• Linens not provided
• Maximum occupancy is four ; no extra bed rentals
• They have the same transfer deadline and cancellation and pet fees as those for cabins.
• Two-night minimum stay; weeklong stay not required
• No bathroom, kitchen, air conditioning or heat
• Four walls, roof, four single beds; screened windows; one electrical outlet; two ceiling fans with lights
• Use Campground A bathhouse for bathroom and showers
• No fireplace
• Sheltered table and grill outside
• Pets are welcome but must be attended at all times and kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Recreation

TRAILS

Hiking and one bicycle trail; no bridle trails. Seven trails, including self-guided interpretive trails, cover six miles. The Conservation Corps Trail has seven fitness stations. Hikers can observe the flora and wildlife present on the coastal plain. The park’s location beside the Potomac River allows visitors to see how the changing river level affects the land. The park has a beach trail that offers a stunning view of the Potomac River. There are no designated swimming areas along the park's shoreline.

SWIMMING

The pool is open from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. A bathhouse and concessions are located in the pool area. Click here for park fees. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the lodge, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. Prior to mid-June and after mid-August, the pool may be closed on weekdays. Refunds for swimming to overnight guests will not be given under any circumstances. There are no designated swimming areas along the Potomac River at the park.

FISHING, BOATING

Fishing in the Potomac River is available throughout the year. A valid saltwater fishing license and annual registration in the state's free saltwater angler identification program is required. Information about licensing and the registration program can be found on the Virginia Marine Resources Commission website. Rock Spring Pond boasts a variety of fish including catfish, bream, bass and crappie. A freshwater fishing license is required at the pond.

Power boats are permitted, and a boat ramp is available. Call 800-933-7275 to buy a money-saving annual boat-launch pass.

The park's boathouse sells ice, bait and tackle. Paddleboats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards can be rented Memorial Day through Labor Day as well as on weekends from mid-April to Memorial Day and from Labor Day to Columbus Day weekend. The last boat rental is 90 minutes prior to closing time. Boats also will not be rented whenever the National Weather Service has issued a small-watercraft advisory.

HORSES

None at this park.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Nearby Attractions

Enjoy this innovative story map, chock full of photos, links and interactive features, to learn more about the many attractions of one of Virginia's most historic and river-rich areas.

Stratford Hall, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee and boyhood home of two signers of the Declaration of Independence, is five minutes from the park; Washington’s Birthplace (National Monument) is 10 minutes from the park; King’s Dominion (amusement park) is one hour from the park as are the Fredericksburg Civil War Battlefields. Learn more about nearby offerings by visiting the Northern Neck Tourism Commission, Westmoreland Travel and Tourism and Colonial Beach sites.

Picnic Shelters

The picnic area, overlooking the Potomac River, has tables, a shelter, restroom facilities and fire grills. The shelter is available by reservation by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK or first-come, first-served. Parking and swimming fees are not included in shelter rental. The shelter may be rented from 8 a.m. to dark. Click here for park fees.

Shelter 1: This shelter is near the pool. The shelter is atop a hill and has a grill and picnic tables. It also is near a restroom and has a universally accessible ramp. It accommodates 32 people under its roof; there's seating for another 30 people on the deck surrounding the shelter. The picnic area as whole is not reserved, and the general public may use the other tables around the shelter.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

Helen and Tayloe Murphy Hall. To reserve this day-use facility, call the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 up to 11 months in advance. Murphy Hall has a main hall, an executive meeting room, a kitchen and grounds. The rental period is from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tent rental and special-use permits are also handled by the park. Call 804-493-8821 for details. This flier also has details and prices.

• Facilities: CCC-era, rustic building
• Wireless Internet
• Designated a “green” conference center with recycling receptacles.
• Maximum occupancy depends on seating arrangement. Call the special events coordinator at 804-493-8821 at least 30 days beforehand to finalize arrangements.
• A list of caterers is available from the park on request.
• No smoking indoors. Ash cans are outside for smokers’ convenience.
• The parking fee for up to 45 cars is included. All other cars will be charged the daily parking fee.
• No pets, apart from those trained for disabled persons, are allowed inside.
• Those wishing to serve alcoholic beverages must get an ABC banquet license, which is available through the local ABC office or at www.abc.state.va.us/licensing. Allow at least 30 days to get the license and notify the park prior to event date.
• Decorations are permitted but may not be attached to painted surfaces or cause any damage. They must be removed when the event ends. Paint, glue and glitter are prohibited. The group representative is responsible for facility and may be charged for damages.
• A special use permit ($25 fee) in which even details of the event are outlined must be submitted to park staff prior to the event.
• Amplified music is not permitted after 8 p.m. and must be at a reasonable volume.
• Equipment rentals – One multimedia projector; laptop computer with presentation navigator; dry erase and paper pad easel; podium or lectern with microphone and speakers; 70-inch TV.
• Main meeting room is 45 by 27 feet. It has original CCC-era and fluorescent lighting, central heating and air conditioning, a ceiling-mounted remote controlled projection screen and pine flooring. Maximum occupancy is 138; various seating options are available.
• There’s a glassed-in porch and terrace that measures 46 by 11 feet. It’s off from the main room and handy for buffet lines, casual dining and as a meeting support area.
• The kitchen is 19 by 22 feet. It’s used for catering, warming and storage, and has two large stainless steel tables, an icemaker, coffeemakers, a two-door upright refrigerator, an upright freezer, two conventional stoves, a microwave oven, a convection oven, one three-compartment commercial sink, conventional kitchen counters and a hand sink.
• Tables available with the rental include thirty 18 by 60-inch folding tables, eighteen 30 by 72-inch folding tables, twelve 60-inch round tables and 120 upholstered chairs.
• The executive board room is 18 by 22 feet. It has a cherry boardroom table, chairs and a small table for refreshments or meeting materials. The room holds up to 26, is carpeted and has an electric pencil sharpener and an electric stapler.
• The wooden porch and terrace that measures 46 by 16 feet. No overhead covers the deck, but the area is shaded.
• There’s a 16 by 16 foot outdoor wooden platform stage that has electrical outlets. 
• The fenced-in lawn behind the building is flat and well drained. Grounds behind the building overlook the Potomac River.

Cancellation Policy: Reservations must be paid in full within 14 days of the date the reservation is made. Those who cancel reservations 14 or more days before the first day of the reservation will be charged either 10 percent of the total fee or $100, whichever is less. Those cancelling more than 14 before that date will be charged 30 percent of the total fee. Note: A $75 per hour fee is charged by staff when necessary for use beyond the reservation period.

Rent and the cancellation fee for Murphy Hall vary by rental period. One-day rent is $750, and the 30 percent cancellation fee is $225. Each additional day's rent is $350, and the cancellation fee is $105 per day.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round, with extended hours during prime season. Restrooms in the facility are open 24 hours a day. A collection of sharks’ teeth is on display.

RESTAURANT

None. This park has a snack bar in season.

LAUNDRY

Coin laundry available in Campground A.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

The Discovery Center has wildlife and fossil exhibits and interactive displays. Call the park at 804-493-8821 for operating hours.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

• Cabin 6, cabin 25 and the Potomac River Retreat: Parking, ramp entrance, restrooms and showers.
• Campground A: Reserved parking, restrooms and showers.
• Park office: Reserved parking, ramp entrance and restroom.
• Conference center: Reserved parking, ramp entrance, restrooms and dining.
• Visitor center: Reserved parking, ramp entrance.
• Pool: Reserved parking (100 yards from pool, level concrete walkway from parking lot to pool), lift available at pool.
• Pool/picnic area bathhouse: Reserved parking (100 yards from pool, level concrete walkway from parking lot to bathhouse) restrooms and showers.
• Playground: Reserved parking, level grass access to playground.
• 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.
• The half-mile, multi-purpose Rock Springs Pond Trail is paved. It ends at the pond where there's a ramp to the top of the spillway.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Conducted and self-guided walks, evening and children’s programs, Virginia’s State Parks: Your Backyard Classrooms participant. Kayaking, fossil hiking and night hiking programs are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

Kayak Interpretive Trips: The trip includes basic instruction, safety tips, a guided tour of the shoreline and plenty of kayaking. Trips are offered on most Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Guests paddle along part of the park’s natural coast line. Take a walk on Fossil Beach and look for a relic from the past. Guests learn about the cliffs, birds and history of the Potomac River. Kayaks are sit-in and beginner-friendly. Paddles and jackets are provided. Expect to get wet during this 3-mile paddle. Guests should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, water, snacks and waterproof gear. Sign up at the visitor center. Guests with reservations should arrive 10 minutes early. Not all trips sell out so those interested should visit the Osprey Boathouse 15 minutes before the start time to see if slots are available. Capacity is 16 per trip. Children 6 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult in a tandem kayak. Children under 6 and pets are not permitted. Full refunds will be given only when the park cancels the trip because of weather or small craft advisories. It's only $25 per tandem kayak, $20 per solo and $10 for those who bring their own kayak. Call 804-493-8821 for available times.

Click here for a list of all state park events.

CONCESSIONS

A snack bar is open every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Osprey Boathouse is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. mid-April to Memorial Day and Labor Day to mid-October, depending on the weather. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the boathouse is open weekdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on holidays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kayaks and paddleboats are rented up until 90 minutes before the boathouse closes.

HISTORY

Westmoreland State Park is one of the six original state parks opened in June 1936. The park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The project created numerous jobs during a period of great hardship. Most of the roads and trails found in the park were originally dug by hand. On the Northern Neck peninsula, the park is minutes from George Washington’s birthplace and Stratford Hall, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee.

FRIENDS GROUP

Friends of Westmoreland State Park is a nonprofit citizen group whose mission is to help conserve the park’s natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources. It also helps provide various recreational and educational opportunities and promotes environmental stewardship. It supports several annual events, including Music on the Cliffs during the summer and the Gobble Wobble 5k Trail Run/Walk in November. To join or learn more about the friends group, email westmorelandfriends@gmail.com or write to Friends of Westmoreland State Park, 145 Cliff Road, Montross, VA 22520.

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.