Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 09, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov
Austin Peightel named new park manager at Staunton River State Park
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Park Manager Austin Peightel)
SCOTTSBURG, Va. – Virginia State Parks has announced Austin Peightel as the new park manager at Staunton River State Park. Peightel succeeds James Wright, who is now serving as park manager of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Peightel brings extensive experience in Virginia State Parks to his new role. He began his career in the Park Ranger Career Development Program, completing his first year at Staunton River State Park and his second year at Fairy Stone State Park.
He went on to serve as a law enforcement ranger at Staunton River before moving into leadership roles as chief ranger of law enforcement at both Bear Creek Lake and Occoneechee state parks. Most recently, he served as assistant park manager at Occoneechee State Park.
Peightel holds a bachelor’s degree in botany, field biology and environmental science from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
“Austin has a proven track record of leadership and a strong commitment to resource protection and visitor experience,” said Virginia State Parks District Manager Andrew Philpot. “We are excited to welcome him back to Staunton River State Park in this new role.”
Staunton River State Park, located in Halifax County, is one of Virginia’s original six state parks, opening in 1936. The park is nationally recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, offering stargazing opportunities, cabins, camping, trails, fishing and access to the Staunton and Dan rivers.
“Staunton River State Park has always held a special place in my career, and I’m honored to return as park manager,” said Peightel. “I look forward to building strong connections with our local community, supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers and ensuring the park remains a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.”
The park is hosting an open house on Thursday, Sept. 25, at picnic shelter 1, from 2 to 4 p.m., to give the community a chance to meet Peightel. Light refreshments will be available. To learn more about the open house, please call 434-572-4623.
For more information about Staunton River State Park, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/staunton-river.
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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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