When it's warm outside, everyone loves randomly sprayed cool and refreshing water. Occoneechee State Park already offers boating and water related recreation, now there's a new kid in town, the Splash Spray Ground.

Cool off this summer in the new Splash Spray Ground at Occoneechee

The spray ground area has playground equipment, two charcoal grills, a picnic shelter, restrooms and 25 parking spaces. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in May prior to Memorial Day and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Admission is included in daily parking, camping and cabin fees.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours; Roanoke, two and half hours.

See the video below:

ABOUT

This park is named for Native Americans who lived in the area for hundreds of years, Occoneechee is on the John H. Kerr Reservoir, better known as Buggs Island Lake, and is popular with anglers and boaters. Facilities include cabins, campsites, an equestrian campground, picnic shelters, an amphitheater, a playground, boat ramps, and a private concession offering boat rentals and snacks.

The park also has 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. There a neat visitor center with museum that introduces visitors to Native American history and the indigenous Occoneechee people, and is great for kids to experience.

Occoneechee State Park provides 24-hour access Virginia’s largest lake, three boat ramps open the door to 48,000 acres of fishing, boating and aquatic recreation. Forty-eight campsites are available for tent and RV campers. Some sites are right on the shoreline (and very popular), providing easy fishing and boating access. The park also has 13 lovely housekeeping cabins and lodges that allow guests to enjoy the comforts of home as well as beautiful views of the lake. There is a nice equestrian campground with 11 sites and 11 covered horse stalls offering easy access to the park’s trail system.

Occoneechee also has picnic areas near the lake and playground.

RENT A PONTOON, STANDUP PADDLEBOARD, OR KAYAK

Pontoons, single and double kayaks, and paddle boards, including safety equipment, may be rented from Clarksville Marine Rentals at the main boat ramp. On weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it's open 6:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. and by appointment at all other times during the year. Call 434-374-2525 or 434-374-2755 to make reservations.

BOATING

Available year-round. Motorboats are allowed. Three boat launching ramps are available for access to Buggs Island Lake for both motorized and non-motorized boats. Call 800-933-PARK to purchase an annual boat launch passport. Click here for park fees.

PROGRAMS

Bring the family out for the day and enjoy nature based programs at the park. Click here to see a listing of upcoming programs and activities.

OVERNIGHT

Learn more about overnight accommodations at Occoneechee State Park here, or call 800-933-7275 to inquire.

#ThinkOutside