From Labor Day, Sept. 1, 2008, through Feb. 28, 2009, Fairy Stone Lake will be lowered and dredged. The park's boat ramp will be closed, and boat rentals and fishing will be unavailable. The lake will also be less picturesque. Refunds sought due to this condition will not be given. We apologize for the inconvenience this might cause.

GENERAL INFO: Fairy Stone State Park, the largest of Virginia's six original state parks, is home to its namesake "fairy stones." These rare mineral crosses and the park's scenic beauty, rich history and ample recreational opportunities make it a local and regional favorite. The 4,537 acres that make up the park were donated by Junius B. Fishburn, former owner of the Roanoke Times, in 1933. The Civilian Conservation Corps originally created the park, its lake and many structures still in use there.

The Legend of the Fairy Stone: Many hundreds of years before Chief Powhatan’s reign, fairies were dancing around a spring of water, playing with naiads and wood nymphs, when an elfin messenger arrived from a city far away. He brought news of the death of Christ. When these creatures of the forest heard the story of the crucifixion, they wept. As their tears fell upon the earth, they crystallized to form beautiful crosses.

For many years people held these little crosses in superstitious awe, firm in the belief that they protected the wearer against witchcraft, sickness, accidents and disaster. Fairy stones are staurolite, a combination of silica, iron and aluminum. Staurolite crystallizes at 60 or 90 degree angles, hence the stone's cross-like structure. Found only in rocks once subjected to great heat and pressure, the mineral was formed long, long ago, during the rise of the Appalachian Mountains. The stones are most commonly shaped like St. Andrew’s cross, an "X," but "T" shaped Roman crosses and square Maltese crosses are the most sought-after.

The rare staurolite stones are found elsewhere but not in such abundance as at Fairy Stone State Park. For more information, please visit www.stonecrossmountain.com.

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)

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

Click here for a Google map.

PARK MAP: Click here for park map, or here for a map of the park's Stuart's Knob & Little Mountain trail system (PDF).

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.

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

Cabins and Lodge (for information on the Fayerdale Hall Conference Facility, see special offerings)

Weekly rentals start Friday, Saturday or Sunday

Fairy Stone Lodge

• Week stay runs from Sunday to Sunday
• Check-in is 3 p.m.; check-out is 10 a.m.
• Maximum occupancy: 16
• Five bedrooms (one is handicapped accessible); three bathrooms (one bathroom is handicapped accessible)
  • Two bedrooms have queen size beds (one is handicapped accessible)
  • Three bedrooms feature two sets of bunk beds (four beds per room)
• Handicapped accessible: kitchen, dining area, living room, one bedroom and one bath. The other bedrooms and bathrooms are not handicapped 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; keeps pets inside at night.

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, bodywash/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; bring your own grilling utensils
• Picnic table
• Swimming in season and boat launch are free for overnight guests.
• Cabins 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 15, 16 and 22 have a limited view of lake.
• Cabins 10-25 have screened-in porches.
• 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; keeps pets inside at night.

Total sites of each type: 1-room log efficiency, 2; 1-bedroom log waterview, 1; 2-bedroom log, 3; 2-bedroom log waterview, 2; 2-bedroom cinderbock, cedar-sided, 14; 2-bedroom cinderbock, cedar-sided waterview, 2; Fairy Stone Lodge, 1.

Site Types:

1-room log efficiency - One room log cabin, sleeps two only, one double bed

1-bedroom log waterview - One bedroom log waterfront cabin, sleeps two (allows four), one double bed

2-bedroom log - two bedroom log cabin, sleeps four (allows six), one double bed, two singles

2-bedroom log waterview - two bedroom log water view cabin, sleeps four (allows six), one double bed, two singles

2-bedroom cinderbock, cedar-sided - two bedroom cedar-sided (cinderblock), sleeps four (allows six), one double bed, two singles

2-bedroom cinderbock, cedar-sided waterview - two bedroom cedar-sided water view (cinderblock), sleeps four (allows six), one double bed, two singles

Fairy Stone Lodge - five bedrooms, three baths, sleeps 16, handicapped accessible, two queen size beds, six sets of bunk beds

Total cabins: 24 cabins, one lodge

Camping: Campsites have a fire ring that can be used for campfires and cooking. Campsites allow one extra vehicle in addition to the camping unit and all vehicles must be kept on the paved area in the campsite. Additional parking is approximately ½ mile from the campground area and parking fees are charged. Pets are welcome but there is an overnight fee. Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area. Pets must be attended at all times.

The camping lodge described below is a bunkhouse, not the Fairy Stone Lodge described above.

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

Site types:

Yellow sites, up to 30' RVs, pop-ups, tents

Green sites, NO tents; up to 30' RVs or pop-ups only

GrpTent: All sites listed above have electric and water hook-ups, no sewer. They are paved with a sandy area to accommodate equipment as specified; up to 30' trailers; 12' by 14' tent pads on yellow sites only (tents must fit on pads); all sites shaded. No sewer, but there is a dump station.

Note: Upon arrival, the customer checks in at the park office where he or she is given a check-in form printed on paper of the given color. The customer then goes to the campground, and selects and sets up on a site with a wooden marker of that color.

Groups with members wishing to have sites near each other have several options. A member of the group may arrive early and stake other members' campsites, or the guest may call the park, (276) 930-2424, within a week before arrival to make arrangements. We cannot guarantee that group members' sites will be together.

GTNT- All standard tent sites; no hookups; tents only allowed. Must fit tent on 16' x 16' pad. Each has a grill, picnic table and lantern holder.

Group camp: Must rent at least three sites to qualify

• Tents only allowed.
• No water or electricity.
• Rented to groups only. Used as overflow if regular campground is full and group campground has not been rented to a group.
• 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.

Camping Lodge (bunkhouse style): Check-in is 3 p.m., check-out is 10 a.m. Please do not arrive earlier than 3 p.m. The park's only such lodge is available for rent April 1 through Oct. 31. Unlike most facilities, we reserve this lodge beginning January 1 rather than 11 months in advance. No week-long stay requirement.

• It has the same transfer deadline and cancellation and pet fees as those for cabins.
• Linens not provided; mattresses are narrow
• Maximum 14 people; no extra bed rentals
• Two-night minimum
• No bathroom, kitchen, air conditioning or 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 campground bathhouse for bathroom and showers.
• It is near the group campground
• Covered porch the length of the building
• No fireplace
• No indoor cooking facilities indoors
• Picnic table and fire ring grill
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area. Pets must be attended at all times.

SWIMMING: Lake swimming - Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day only. The swimming beach is complete with a bathhouse, concession area and beach toys. Times of operation may vary prior to Mid-June and after mid-August depending on the availability of lifeguards, as the park uses mostly students. Guests may wish to call Fairy Stone prior to making reservation if swimming is important. 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. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.

TRAILS: Most of the park's Little Mountain Falls Trail System, 9 miles, is multi-use. Multi-use trails are open to hiking, cycling and horseback riding. The remaining trails, parts of the Little Mountain Falls system and all of the Stuart's Knob system, are for pedestrian use only.

FISHING, BOATING: Fishing is allowed with a valid Virginia fishing license on the 168-acre lake. 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 at Fairy Stone Lake, but electric trolling motors are allowed. Boats with gasoline engines can be used at the Philpott Reservoir, 20 minutes from the park. Rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks and canoes can be rented during the summer season.

Boats may be rented on weekends, weather permitting, in April, May, September and October.

HUNTING: Approximately half the park's acreage is open to hunting. There's a 5,000-acre quality deer management area next to the park.

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.

PARKS CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP: Features exhibits on local history, mountain culture, indigenous plants and animals, and fairy stones. It is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the summer and sporadically during spring and fall. There's a gift shop in the park office; the shop's hours are seasonal.

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, Junior Rangers, and kids' crafts 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: None.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia Museum of Natural History, Philpott Lake, Reynolds Homestead, J. E. B. Stuart's birthplace, Virginia Heritage Music Trail

Contact the Chamber of Commerce for Patrick County at (276) 694-6012 for details.

PICNIC SHELTERS: Picnic shelters are available for rent by calling the Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK. When not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Adjacent to the beach is a playground for small children. 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. Handicapped 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 handicapped accessible bathrooms.

Shelter 4: Allied Pole Shelter. Accommodates 75 people under the shelter. Handicapped accessible. No bathroom in this shelter, but adjacent shelter (#3) has handicapped 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.

ACCESSIBILITY:

• Cabins 10-25 are wheelchair accessible on the inside and showers have seats. However, the cabins lack exterior access by ramps. Of these, 15, 18, 19, 20 and 25 are fairly level and can be accessed if one large step can be negotiated.
• Lodge: This newly renovated facility has been designed to be 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 handicapped shower and tall commode with handrails. There is a ramp to kitchen area. The living room, dining room and kitchen are handicapped accessible. Other bedrooms are not accessible.
• Office: Features a ramp and doorway for wheelchair access.
• The swimming area and playground are handicapped accessible.
• The conference center is accessible.
• There is a handicapped 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.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Fayerdale Hall Conference Center - To reserve, call 1-800-933-7275. This is a day-use facility.

• Full day (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.): $236
• Wedding/Event Package: Two consecutive days' rental, $315

Facilities:

• Kitchen: electric range, refrigerator, ice machine, microwave. NO cookware, utensils, serving containers, flatware, dishes or paper products are available.
• The serving of alcoholic beverages requires an ABC banquet license, which the customer must get through the local ABC office.
• 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 or any excess cleaning of the facility required after the event.
• Fayerdale Hall guests are exempt from parking fees.
• Equipment Rental (per day - all $10 each): TV with VCR; overhead projector with screen; slide projector with screen; flip chart.
• A podium with amplification is available at no charge.
• Tables/chairs available (no charge). Guests should call the park to arrange needs at least two weeks before the event. There are 15 six-foot rectangular tables; five 48-inch round tables; and 130 chairs. The facility seats approximately 80 for sit-down meal and approximately 130 without tables.
  

Cancellation Policy - 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.

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 office during spring and fall.

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

RESTAURANT: None.

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 Julius B. Fishburn donated the 4,537-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.