If we're really honest, we would have to say that dogs are our number one fans at Virginia State Parks.

Sure, we love to camp, bike, fish, swim, and paddle our parks, but dogs are the ones who really sniff out the best parts of the park, from the ground up, and we're just fortunate enough to tag along. Here's a list of five proven beloved parks by dogs.

1. | A Walk in the Woods: Twin Lakes State Park

A quiet walk in the woods at Twin Lakes State Park.

Twin Lakes State Park has about 6 miles of trails through hardwood forests and along the lakes. The trails provide excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. In the heart of central Virginia, this 548-acre, historic park offers many cultural, environmental and recreational activities.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three to four hours; Richmond, one to one and a half hours; Tidewater/ Norfolk/ Virginia Beach, two and a half to three hours; Roanoke, three hours. More about Twin Lakes State Park with directions here.

You may also enjoy: HIKING WITH DOGS: YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE.

2. | Relax in a cabin: Natural Tunnel State Park

Relax in one of our cabins at Natural Tunnel State Park.

Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. William Jennings Bryan called it the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Other scenic features at Natural Tunnel State Park include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or "chimneys." Your dog will sleep like a baby after exploring the park.

Drive Time: Northern Va., 8 hours; Richmond, 6 hours; Tidewater, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 8-9 hours; Roanoke, 3.5 hours; Winston-Salem, 3 hours; Charlotte, 4 hours; Raleigh, 5 hours; Knoxville, Tenn., 1.5 hours; Lexington, Ky., 2.5 hours. More about Natural Tunnel State Park with directions here.

3. | Row Your Boat Ashore: Bear Creek Lake State Park

Dogs like to go wherever you go at Bear Creek Lake State Park.

Canoes, rowboats, trolling motors, paddleboats, paddleboards and kayaks are for rent at Bear Creek Lake State Park. Boat rentals are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. All trails within the park allow only hiking. The park also provides access to the Willis River Trail, a 16-mile long trail winding through Cumberland State Forest. Dogs are not allowed on the swimming beach.

Drive Time: Northern Va., three hours; Richmond, one hour; Roanoke, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours. More about Bear Creek Lake State Park with directions here.

4. | Feel the Freedom: First Landing State Park

Free to run on the sandy shore at First Landing State Park.

Feel the freedom as this park has ten trails total about 20 miles, including bike and fitness trails. Trail walks are conducted by interpreters in-season, and trail guidebooks are available in the Trail Center. First Landing State Park is very popular due to its proximity to Virginia Beach, we recommend you go early, and don't miss the bay side or bald cypress swamp boardwalk. 

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 20-30 minutes (this facility is in the area); Roanoke, five and a half hours. More about First Landing State Park with directions here.

5. | Let Your Hair Down: Pocahontas State Park

Pocahontas State Park has miles of trails to explore. (Photo: C. Summers)

Let your hair down on Pocahontas State Park's 64 miles of trail that are available for users of all skill levels. Hiking - A total of 5.5 miles of trail for only hiking, including a paved spillway trail for those with disabilities. Standalone forest roads provide roughly 12 miles of additional opportunities. Explore the wildlife habitat in and around the park's three lakes.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, two hours; Richmond, half an hour; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two hours; Roanoke, three hours. More about Pocahontas State Park with directions here.

Bonus: Obstacle Fun

A natural obstacle course is fun along the beach at Chippokes State Park.

Any park that has a waterway will fast become a favorite park for your dog. You can see a list of parks here, and search by amenities like boating, fishing, marina to locate parks on waterways.

Events

Some parks host special pet friendly events, or events just for pets, Natural Bridge State Park.

Your dog may like to participate in a park event like a dog jog, just click here to find one near you, enter the search term dog and specify the park or dates desired. 

Pet Policies

One of the great things about Virginia State Parks is that you can bring your four-legged loved ones along. Fido can come too but, of course, there are limits. State regulations prohibit pets at designated swim areas and require pets to be confined or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and kept under supervision while in the park.

Pets are also not allowed in public facilities (bathhouses, visitor centers, park offices, restaurants, etc.) and you must clean up after your pet. Pets are not allowed in yurts and you cannot bring them with you and keep them on the deck or in your vehicle. See all of our pet policies here.

Our dogs love us, and we're lucky they like to drag us along for the ride. Obey your dogs: come, sit and stay for the day at a Virginia State Park.