Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Home > Blog > FAQs: Can We Fish all Night at Leesylvania State Park?

FAQs: Can We Fish all Night at Leesylvania State Park?

By Shellie AnnePosted March 02, 2017

Posted Sep 30, 2012 | Updated Mar 2, 2017

This series will focus on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at our Virginia State Parks, part 3 asks the question:

"IS NIGHT FISHING ALLOWED AT LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK?"

Can we fish all night at this park?

Bass Fishing is popular at Leesylvania State Park

View from the marina as the sun begins to set

The park's fishing pier juts out over Maryland waters

Fishing is one of the popular pastimes at Leesylvania State Park

Five hiking trails pass through historic and scenic overlooks of the Potomac River

"CAN WE FISH ALL NIGHT AT LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK?"

Our Visitor Services Specialist explains:

"Overnight boating and the pier fishing are allowed March 1 to Nov. 1. However, you must register your vehicle beforehand during regular business hours. The park also has boat storage year-round, but call the park as prices vary (703) 730-8205. The reason this park can allow overnight boating and fishing is that although this is a day-use only park, there is an electronic gate that allows boater/fishers to exit the park during closed hours."

The Potomac River is an excellent largemouth bass fishery. The river is tidal here, and the water considered fresh. Other sport fish include catfish, perch and striped bass. A Virginia or Maryland freshwater fishing license is required, and the park also honors Potomac River Fisheries Commission licenses.

LAUNCH

Leesylvania State Park also has a popular boat ramp. This area features launching ramps, sailboat hoists and parking for 186 cars or trailers. A car top launch area is located on Powell's Creek for smaller boats such as canoes, kayaks, etc.

RENTALS

Guests may rent canoes, tandem kayaks and stand-up paddle boards at the Breakwater Marina store from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park also rents sailboats through a concessionaire, the Woodbridge Sailing School.

Sailboat school and rentals at Leesylvania State Park

DOCK

The park store and gas dock are also located here. Motorboats are allowed. There are no restrictions on motor horsepower. Click here for park fees (updated 2017).

HISTORY

Leesylvania State Park opened in 1992. In 1978, noted philanthropist Daniel Ludwig donated the land to the state for a park. A national historical society, the Society of Lees of Virginia, was instrumental in securing the donation.

Locally the area is known as Freestone Point, referring to the sandstone early settlers took from the property for building. Henry Lee III (Light Horse Harry)an early American Patriot, who was also the Ninth Governor of Virginia, was born here at what was then Leesylvania Plantation in Colonial America. This Revolutionary War hero would later father the Confederate General Robert E. Lee of Civil War fame.

DRIVE TIME

Northern Virginia, half an hour; Richmond, one and a half hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two and a half hours; Roanoke, four hours, click here for a Google map.

CONTACT

Leesylvania State Park is located at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22191-4504, phone: (703) 730-8205; email here. Learn more about park offerings by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

Another frequently asked question:

"CAN WE CAMP OR RENT A CABIN AT LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK?"

Our Visitor Services Specialist answers:

"No, we don’t have cabins or RV camping here, but we do have small tent only group camping. However, group camping is only for organized groups such as Scouts, troops, church youth groups or special groups like this. You must obtain permission and call our office for more information."

Update: We now have added a paddle-in primitive campground. Four tents-only primitive camp sites are available for guests arriving by canoe/kayak, click here for more info, or call 703-730-8205.

GO FISH

AT VIRGINIA STATE PARKS

Editor's Note: This blog is being replayed for your information, but we also recommend as with all of our blog articles pertaining to fishing that you double check the current fishing regulations with VDGIF.

Posted on Sep 30, 2012 | Updated on Mar 2, 2017

PARKS

Leesylvania State Park