GENERAL INFO: Westmoreland State Park lies within Westmoreland County, from which it takes its name. The park extends about one and a half miles along the Potomac River, and its 1,299 acres neighbor the former homes of both George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The park’s Horsehead Cliffs provide visitors with a spectacular view of the Potomac River. In addition to the scenic beauty at Westmoreland, the park offers hiking, camping, cabins, fishing, boating and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the park’s vacation cabins as well. The visitor center, open during summer, gives an informative historical and ecological perspective to an important natural area on the coastal plain. Westmoreland also offers the Murphy Hall Conference Center and the Potomac River Retreat, which is an upscale overnight accommodation.

LOCATION: Facing the Potomac River, the park is six miles northwest of Montross and 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

Click here for a Google Map.

PARK MAP: Click here (PDF).

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.

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

Cabins: Weekly rentals start Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

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, bodywash/soap, board games or cards. No dishwasher, telephone, TV, washer/dryer.
• Living area: Sofa and dining table
• Bedrooms: Beds and night stands
• Fireplaces
• 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 to get the needed access code.
• Cabins 6 and 25 and the Potomac River Retreat are handicapped 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, 12; Two-bedroom Cinderblock, 3; Potomac River Retreat, 1

Site type:

One-room Log Efficiency - double beds

One-bedroom Log - two single beds

Two-bedroom Log - one double bed and two single beds

Two-bedroom Frame - one double bed and two single beds

Two-bedroom Cinderblock - one double bed and two single beds

Potomac River Retreat - only one available, sleeps 16

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 16 people, adults and children included, and is located in the park on the main road near pool parking lot (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 (master bedroom bathtub has whirlpool jets).

There are five bedrooms (one is partially accessible for persons with disabilities):

1. Master: one queen size bed
2. Handicap accessible (door): one double bed
3. Bedroom: two twin beds
4. Bedroom: two twin beds plus two twins (bunks built into wall)
5. Bedroom: one queen bed

All bedrooms have closets, chests, dressers and night stands.

Additional sleeping accommodations can be used in combination with the bedrooms not to exceed maximum occupancy of building: two queen sofa beds (in living room), two loveseat type chairs in master bedroom that open into twin beds, two living rooms with sofas, loveseats, occasional chairs, coffee tables, end tables, display cases, TV/VCR.

Large common area (for use as a conference room or social gathering space) faces the Potomac with many windows and sliding glass doors onto the deck; available with 20 chairs for auditorium style seating ($40 fee for tables and chairs), flip-chart, audiovisual equipment, etc. There is an extra charge for audiovisual and flip-chart equipment ($10 each a day).

Camping

• 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.
• 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.

Site type:

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

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

• 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

CABINS / CAMPING: Click here for park fees. Rental rates for cabins and camping vary by season, offering and park. Rates are subject to verification by DCR's state parks reservations staff (1-800-933-PARK). First determine the season, which varies by park, then the rate.

SWIMMING: The pool is open from Memorial Day 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. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances. Swimming is not allowed in the Potomac River here.

TRAILS: Hiking and one bicycle trail; no bridle trails. Seven trails, including self-guided interpretive trails, cover six miles. 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. Swimming is not allowed from the park's shoreline.

FISHING, BOATING: Fishing in the saltwater of the Potomac River is available throughout the year. A valid Maryland or Virginia saltwater fishing license is required when fishing from a boat. If fishing from the pier or shore, no fishing license is required. Striped bass, spot and bluefish are among the most common sport fish found in the river. Rock Spring Pond boasts a variety of fish including catfish, bream, bass and crappie.

Power boats are permitted, and a boat ramp is available along with a boathouse that sells gas, ice, bait and other fishing supplies. Paddleboats and motorboats can be rented Memorial Day through Labor Day. Purchase an annual boat launching fee by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

HUNTING: None.

HORSES: None.

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

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP: Exhibits include marine, bird and other wildlife displays. A collection of sharks’ teeth is also on display. It's open on weekends from noon until 5 p.m. during May, September and October as well as Wednesdays through Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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. Come Home to Westmoreland State Park, early September. Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

Kayak Below the Cliffs. Destination: A beach with ancient sharks' teeth and other fossils. Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Horsehead Cliffs in a flat-water kayak. Includes basic instruction, guided tour of the shoreline and a search for fossils. It's easy for beginners and only $16 per single kayak and $22 per double kayak. Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. through noon in season, and first and third Saturday at 10 a.m.-noon May through October. Pre-register by calling 1-800-933-PARK up to one day prior to the trip. Thereafter only on-site park guests may pay to register at the contact station. Refunds will be given only when the trip is cancelled because of small craft advisories or thunder/lightning storms. Click here for photos taken on a tour.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: None.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Stratford Hall (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 Council, Westmoreland Travel and Tourism and Colonial Beach sites.

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

Amenities: Both shelters have a grill, picnic tables and access to a restroom.

Shelter 1: This shelter, the larger of the two, is near the pool. The shelter has a handicapped accessible ramp and is atop a hill. It accommodates 32 people under its room; there's seating for another 60 people on the deck surrounding the shelter. The picnic area as whole is not reserved, and the general public is permitted to use the other tables around the shelter.

Shelter 2: This shelter, the smaller of the two, is a distance from the parking area along Potomac. No vehicles allowed. All guests will need to walk there. (One vehicle is allowed access for only drop-off and pick-up. A pass from the contact station is required for access.) The shelter accommodates 32 people under the shelter. The picnic area as whole is not reserved, and the general public is permitted to use the other tables around the shelter.

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

ACCESSIBILITY:

• Cabins #6, #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.
• Camp store: Reserved parking, ramp entrance, restrooms (enter through conference center).
• 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.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Helen and Tayloe Murphy Hall. To reserve this day-use facility, call the Reservation Center at 1-800-933-7275 up to 11 months in advance. Murphy Hall has a large meeting room, an executive meeting room, a kitchen and grounds. The first day rental, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., is $350 plus tax and each additional day is $315 plus tax.

The executive meeting room may be rented separately from main meeting room only within 30 days of event by calling the park at (804) 493-8821. It’s $75 per day, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus tax. Tent rental - $400 per day - is also handled separately by park.

• Facilities: CCC-era, rustic building
• Wireless Internet
• Designated a “green” conference center with recycling receptacles.
• Tables and chairs available (no charge). Various arrangements available; maximum occupancy depends on seating arrangement. Call the business manager at (804) 214-9202 at least two weeks beforehand to finalize arrangements and to obtain, if necessary, a special use permit (some of which may take 30 days to obtain).
• A list of caterers is available from the park on request.
• There is a kitchen clean-up fee of $250 per event, which is waived if the renter cleans facility.
• 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 handicapped persons, are allowed inside.
• The serving of alcoholic beverages requires an ABC banquet license, which the customer must get through the local ABC office or at www.abc.state.va.us/licensing. Allow two weeks to get the license and notify the park at least two weeks prior to event date.
• Decorations are permitted but they may not be attached to painted surfaces and 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.
• Equipment rentals – call the park for per day prices: Two 32-inch televisions with DVD-VCR; two multimedia projectors; laptop computer with presentation navigator (no charge with projector rental); overhead projector; dry erase and paper pad easel; podium or lectern with microphone and speakers (no charge).
• 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, a wall-mounted dry erase board and pine flooring. Maximum occupancy is 138; various seating options are available.
• There’s as glassed-in porch and terrace that measures 46 by 11 fee. 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 several 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. Stored therein are thirty-five 18 by 60-inch folding tables, twenty 30 by 72-inch folding tables, two 60-inch round tables and 130 upholstered chairs, all available with the rental.
• The executive board room is 18 by 22 feet. It features a cherry boardroom table with eight upholstered executive chairs as well as another 18 upholstered chairs set up along the walls. There’s also a table for refreshments or meeting materials. The room holds up to 26, is carpeted and has a ceiling-mounted projection screen, an electric pencil sharpener and an electric stapler.
• The wooden porch and terrace measure 46 by 16 feet. No overhead covers the deck by the area is shaded.
• There’s a wooden platform stage, 16 by 16 feet, that has electrical outlets. 
• The fenced-in lawn behind the building is flat and well drained. Grounds behind the building lead to a bluff overlooking the Potomac River.

Cancellation Policy: Reservations must be paid in full within 14 days of the date the reservation is made. There’s a $20 fee for cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the reservation arrival date. For cancellations made within 30 days of the arrival day, a fee of 30 percent of total charges – which vary according to the number of days and equipment rentals – will be charged. (For a one-day rental of $350, the 30 percent cancellation fee would be $105. For a two-day rental of $665, it would be $199.50.) Note: A $25 per hour fee is charged by staff when necessary for use beyond the reservation period.

CONCESSIONS: Snack bar, camp store and Osprey Boat House in-season (at park office in off-season)

LAUNDRY: Facilities in Campground A.

RESTAURANT: None.

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. Located on the Northern Neck Peninsula, the park is just minutes away from George Washington’s birthplace and Stratford Hall, the birthplace Robert E. Lee.