Just a short drive from Martinsville Virginia in Patrick County sits a fantastic 168-acre lake on a park adjacent to Philpott Reservoir, called Fairy Stone State Park.

This beautiful little park has cabins, a campground, group camping, an equestrian campground, a conference center, hiking trails, lake swimming, rowboats, canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, picnicking and two playgrounds, including one in the water. These are just a few of the reasons Dads love Fairy Stone State Park.

1. | PEDDLE POWER

Dads love a paddleboat ride with you around the lake

Although the park sits on 4,741 acres, it feels small enough to explore for the day and is reminiscent of the old-time parks Dad experienced growing up. Everything is centered around the lake, so it's easy to navigate (not that Dad would need to stop and ask for directions, of course). Dads love to race a paddleboat now and again. You can rent one for an hour or so.

2. | SWIMMING BEACH

Invite Dad to the beach. The swimming beach is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, and guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. There's a bathhouse, and also a concession area. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk, click here for park fees.

3. | MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain biking with Dad at Fairy Stone State Park

Bring your bikes and ride the trails with Dad or just have fun on the paved park roads. There's a pretty big hill that leads from the campground down to the swimming beach area, Dad might like the challenge. Here's a map of the park trails.

4. | FISHING FRENZY

Pretty sure Dad didn't photoshop this clunker he caught

Dads aren't shy, they'll be happy to talk about their big catch from the little Fairy Stone lake. You might consider going with him, Dads love proof, and that'll give him bragging rights.

Ample pan fish are just waiting to be caught at Fairy Stone. The lake has some good largemouth bass. bluegill, crappie, catfish and trout. A boat launch is available, you can use an electric trolling motor, but the use of gas-powered boats is prohibited here. 

RENTALS

More fun for Dad, rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard

Boat rentals are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on certain weekends in the fall (call to be sure). Cabin guests can rent boats for 24-hour periods during those months, just contact the park for details at (276) 930-2424. 

Rowboats, paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes may be rented during the summer season.

OVERNIGHT

If you're thinking about taking Dad to Fairy Stone State Park for Father's Day, or a weekend, he might enjoy staying in a cabin, you can click here to learn more.

Or if he likes to camp, then consider the awesome woodsycampground, that also has yurts and a camping bunkhouse for rent, just click here or call 800-933-7275.

 

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Bring Dad to a fun event at a park near you, find them by searching our events database here.