Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Mayo River State Park is a newly-acquired Virginia State Park in southwestern Henry County along the Virginia-North Carolina border. The commonwealth has acquired a total of 634 acres of land between the North Mayo River and the South Mayo River, converging just south of the state line in North Carolina. The Virginia State Park will complement the North Carolina Mayo River State Park, which continues 16 miles further downstream.
Map of Mayo River State Park
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In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is directing the preparation of a master plan for this new state park. The purpose of this master plan is to guide the management and development of the park by identifying natural, cultural, and physical resources, as well as to identify park needs and engage with the public.
The purpose of this state park master plan is to create a framework document for the development and operation of Mayo River State Park. This plan defines the park’s purpose, goals, and objectives, and provides direction for the construction, expansion, and operation of the park for the next 30 years. Site development plans and operational recommendations are based on market studies, public input, and a business development plan for the park.
This master plan is in accordance with §10.1-200.1 of the Code of Virginia, which requires all state parks to adopt a master plan following certain standards. These standards include input from the public and an Advisory Committee at key stages; analysis and mapping of existing physical, natural, cultural, and historical resources on site; and a phased development plan for the infrastructure, staffing, and operations of the park, as well as associated costs and operational, and maintenance needs.
The final outcome of this process will be a master plan document approved by the Virginia state legislature, which will be used to guide the development of Mayo River State Park for the following 30 years. The master plan document will include the park purpose statement and goals, a site responsive master plan layout with locations for development, a visitor experience plan, a operations and maintenance plan, a pro forma assessment, and a phased implementation plan with estimated probable construction and operational costs.
Community participation and public input is an essential part of the state park master planning process. Members of the public will be able to offer input and feedback on the design and development of Mayo River State Park at key stages in the process through in-person and virtual meetings, an online survey, public comment periods, and open comments on the master planning website.
As part of the public involvement required in state code, an Advisory Committee has been assembled for the Mayo River State Park planning process. The Advisory Committee is involved at every stage of the master planning process, meeting three times to review and share ideas about park goals, programming, site design, and overall park master planning. The Advisory Committee includes representatives of key organizations and stakeholders in the region, encompassing a wide range of perspectives and representing the general public. Organizations include county and state officials, tourism boards, environmental organizations, civic organizations, neighboring landowners, and indigenous peoples.
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Presentation Slides
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A virtual public comment meeting will be held on March 12, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. to present the draft master plan.
Use this link to join the meeting -
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjNmYTU4YjQtOTEwYS00NjE0LTkzZmQtOTZmMzAwZWI2YjY0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e2472a53-d071-4766-bdaf-a9357a60ff71%22%7d
Meeting ID: 288 397 039 819 7
Passcode: fB6Q8kH7
A 30-day comment period will be available after the meeting. Comments will be received by email and US Mail.
Email us with your comments to PlanningResources@dcr.virginia.gov with “Mayo River SP Master Plan” in the subject line.
The meeting presentation will be made available on this web page after the meeting.
A state park master plan is a guide for the development, utilization, and management of a state park and its natural, cultural, and historic resources. The purpose of the master plan is to establish goals, objectives, and recommendations for prioritizing new, improved, and expanded park facilities and services.
Following the acquisition of land for a new state park or prior to undertaking substantial improvements to an existing state park (valued at $two million or more) that are not already included in that park’s current master plan, the plan must be reviewed and updated at least once every 10 years. The plan recommends and prioritizes improvements at the park for the next 30 years.
The process typically takes about 24 months, although it may take longer in the case of a new park. The public’s role is to provide comments and insights on the park’s needs and visitors’ expectations, particularly by attending public meetings (whether in-person or virtually) and completing the public input survey.
The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. The responses will be used to identify trends regarding visitors’ experiences so that we can plan park facilities and staffing levels, focus on maintenance activities, and tailor operations to better meet park users’ expectations.
Yes! The experiences of the visitors to Virginia state parks are of the utmost importance in planning for new or expanded facilities, enhancing interpretive programming, and meeting the recreation needs of users. The master plan will aim to address the shared needs of visitors, as expressed in the survey responses we receive. Your comments count!
The proposed improvements require funding to be dedicated. Funding for capital development in the master plan is subject to appropriations from the General Assembly and approval of the Governor. Additionally, the General Assembly may authorize general obligation bonds for state park acquisition and development as part of a voter-approved bond referendum that occurred most recently in 2002.
Complete the public input survey and expound on your responses by provided comments as requested in the survey. Give us your honest evaluation of the park and provide feedback regarding your experiences as a visitor.
Check this page frequently for information about upcoming public meetings and to monitor progress toward the master plan’s adoption.
