Posted July 29, 2020 | Updated July 26, 2021

Beat the heat: head toward the water for these adventures at a Virginia State Park near you.

Belle Isle

Paddling along at Belle Isle State Park.

For me, there are few things more enjoyable than an adventurous paddle. Toss all your gear in the canoe and enjoy a leisurely float along picturesque tidal riverbanks at Belle Isle State Park. The Rappahannock River here is steeped in the history of subsistence fishing and a joy to explore.

Belle Isle is offering boat (and bike) rentals this season, making them an obvious pick for multi-modal family adventures. Spend all day exploring the park or turn it into a weekend and stay the night at one of their 28 full-service campsites.

Those looking for something more primitive can hike, bike or paddle out to Brewers Point and spend the night at one of the park's primitive sites.

Bear Creek Lake

A very good dog indeed.

Is it really an adventure if I can’t take my dog? Fur-tunately, doggos are allowed at all Virginia State Parks so long as they remain on a 6’ leash. My good boy enjoys a nice ramble on the Channel Cat Loop at Bear Creek Lake State Park, followed by a dip in their dog-friendly swimming area.

Boat rentals are available, too, weather permitting.

Powhatan

Paddlin' down the Powhatan.

Less than an hour west of Richmond, Powhatan State Park offers a dozen trail miles for horseback, hikers and bikers.

Not feeling a walk? Get in touch with Maiden Voyage Outfitters who offer a 4.5-mile float trip down the James River. You’ll put in at the western edge of the Powhatan State Park and laze your way back to Maiden's Landing. Maiden’s Voyage Outfitters offers tubes, kayak and SUP rentals complete with a shuttle service.

If you've got a boat of your own, I highly recommend Powhatan's paddle in campsites. These primitive sites are tucked under a moderate forest canopy right on the banks of the James.

James River

An ideal campsite along the James River at the Canoe Landing Campground.

Further upriver from Powhatan is James River State Park. Here you can rent a boat at the park’s livery and float 1.8 miles to Dixon Landing boat ramp where a shuttle will conveniently get you and your craft back to where you started. If you’ve got a boat of your own, an 8-mile float can be had from Bent Creek Boat Ramp to the park’s Canoe Landing & Campground.

While the water is an obvious draw, one of the park’s other assets comes out after dark. Recently designated as an International Dark Sky Park, James River offers otherworldly views of the cosmos. Pack a telescope of your own, or keep an eye out for scheduled programs with members of the Richmond Astronomical Society and the Crewe Astronomy Club.

New River Trail

Floatin' down the New!

This Southwest Virginia staple has something for everyone. A rolling, even grade makes for easy walking and sightseeing along all 57 miles from Galax to Pulaski. It’s great as a family-friendly pit stop, yet big enough for adventure seekers. Multiple access points make it easy for frequent visitors to enjoy their favorite stretch; first-timers should stop in at Foster Falls to get oriented.

Here, you can rent a bike or a boat to cover more miles or grab a map and figure it out on your own. Can’t get your fix in a day? The park has three primitive sites to extend your visit.  

Staunton River

Play disc golf at Staunton River State Park.

While I wouldn’t consider a round of disc golf and a hearty match of pickleball an adventure, it’s also not not adventurous.

Regardless, you can let your competitive side get the better of you while you enjoy Staunton River State Park’s new sports offerings.

The park sits at the confluence of the Staunton and Dan Rivers as they pour into the Kerr Reservoir. No boat rentals are available at the park, but a large boat ramp is available, and the fishing is well worthwhile. Bluegill, perch, crappie and bass are all abundant.

Staunton River is also an International Dark Sky Park, hosting regular programs with Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS) and full-on star watching events for celestial observers to get together, share their experiences and crane their heads in wonder.

Before you head out to any Virginia State Park, visit the park’s specific page and be sure to Know Before You Go.