Once a vital tool for survival, the bow and arrow have become one of the oldest art forms and continue to be practiced as a sport today. Archery can be a fun and useful skill, and Virginia State Parks offers a variety of options for learning and practicing. Whether you are interested in just taking a shot at it or looking for a group to join, check out these parks that hit the bull’s-eye with archery opportunities.

Archery fun at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Parks with ranges

For those who already possess the skills, Bear Creek Lake and Occoneechee state parks offer archery ranges for guests to enjoy during their visit.

Bear Creek Lake State Park’s 10-lane archery range is a combination of paper or mesh targets and 3D targets, with lanes varying between 25 and 45 yards in length. Archery equipment rentals are available at the park office on a first-come, first-served basis, and include a bow, four arrows, a quiver, and an arm protector. Rentals must be made by 11:30 a.m. and are available for 4 hours. The range is open from the first weekend in March through the first weekend in December.

Occoneechee State Park has a static and 3D target range. Both ranges include 10 targets with lanes varying in length from 10 yards to 30 yards. The static range is open year-round and the 3-D target range is open from March to October. Guests must bring their own equipment and should keep in mind that the targets do not accommodate crossbows.

Additionally, select areas of Pocahontas State Park are open to archery hunting by permit only from early October through December. Details on these hunts are typically posted in mid-September. Contact the park office for information about the hunts, available areas and a permit.

Parks with programs

The archer seeking a basic program or a more advanced club has two options to choose from at Bear Creek Lake State Park. Basic Archery has multiple dates extending into the summer and will provide the necessary skills to shoot safely. Archery Club is held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, from March to October, and welcomes both beginning and intermediate-level archers. Members receive coaching in techniques as well as opportunities for fun competitions and challenges. Both Basic Archery and Archery Club require registration and fees, and equipment is available for use if needed.

Basic archery at Bear Creek Lake State Park

“Two main differences are that Basic Archery is open to those 8 years old and older and is a more beginner-level instructional format. Only standard bull’s-eye targets are used,” explains Chief Ranger Tom Kneipp. “Archery Club is for those 18 and older and provides some tailored instruction and a game or challenge of some sort at each session. The Club also allows cardholders free use of the archery 3D range whenever it is open.”

Groups of eight or more can request a basic archery session of their own at Bear Creek Lake by contacting bcguide@dcr.virginia.gov. The park can also present sessions that meet the badge requirements for scout troops. Weekdays as well as weekend days are available.

Additional archery programs can be found at Widewater, Staunton River Battlefield and Staunton River state parks. On April 19, Beginner’s Compound Bow Archery will be held as an introductory lesson for first-time participants at Widewater State Park. On May 3 and June 7, learn the basics of archery in Introduction to Archery at Staunton River Battlefield State Park. Staunton River State Park will offer Archery 101 on various dates throughout the summer to develop skills and ensure everyone has a safe and memorable experience. Visit the events webpage for details about registration, fees and age requirements.

A woman participates in the Women’s Wood Skills program.

Follow in the footsteps of Virginia State Parks Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Kim Wells, who discovered she wanted to continue learning this skill after experiencing the Women’s Wood Skills the program at Bear Creek Lake State Park.

“The ranger was patient and explained how to hold the bow, load the arrow then shoot it at the target. We were introduced to compound bows and recurve bows, and while each required different skills to operate, both were easy to learn on. With more and more practice, I was able to shoot the arrows closer to the bullseye and could tell that my hand-eye coordination was getting better.” said Kim Wells.

Let’s Go on an Archery Adventure

A fun way to learn new skills while exploring different parks is Virginia State Parks’ Let’s Go Adventures. This series includes Let’s Go on an Archery Adventure where experienced instructors guide participants, who are at least 10 years old, in how to find their draw length, proper safety, shooting techniques and more. Space is limited, so registration is required.

A ranger instructs a participant on how to use the bow and arrow.

Ready to pick up a bow and learn? Find Let’s Go on an Archery Adventure at the parks listed below.

First Landing State Park

• April 20, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• April 20, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Douthat State Park

• April 26, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• April 26, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Machicomoco State Park

• May 30, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• May 30, 2025. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Oct. 4, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Oct. 4, 2025. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Hungry Mother State Park

• July 13, 2025. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• July 14, 2025. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Are you age 55+ and interested in archery? Join peers at Caledon State Park for Senior Rangers: Let’s Go on an Archery Adventure on May 21.

Ready, aim… make plans!

Start making plans to learn a new sport or sharpen your skills at Virginia State Parks. These archery opportunities are fun, educational and on target with outdoor adventure!