Occoneechee State Park carries the namesake of the Native American tribe that lived in the area. Nestled along Buggs Island Lake in Clarksville Virginia, Occoneechee State Park has 20 miles of trails, 3 boat launches, campsites, cabins, and a variety of rentable services to enjoy your time at this 48,000 acre lake.

Occoneechee State Park has incredible access points to Buggs Island Lake

October 1-2, 2016 Occoneechee State Park 

We arrived at our campsite around 4 PM in campsite C, spot 13. A great location in the woods, not far from lake views and the nearby bathhouse, but with the buffer of trees to keep surrounding noises to a minimum.

The dense forest of the Tutelo Birding Trail 

We set up camp and headed off on a late afternoon hike as the sun continued closer to the horizon. We picked up the Tutelo Birding trail (1.1 mi) which meandered us through the woods and a dirt packed trail speckled with contrasting bright white Quartz jutting out and exposing itself in the forest. There are two meadows along this trail both towards the beginning and end of the hike which offer a chance to spy on the park’s birds and butterflies. 

The Mossy Creek Nature Trail winds along a woodland stream

We hopped onto the 0.7 mi Mossy Creek Trail next, a gorgeous path along a woodland stream that wraps around to meet the 1.2 mi Old Plantation Trail, an easy walking path that loops through the Terrace Gardens and the property’s original plantation house. Feeling good about our pre-dinner hike, we headed back to our campsite to prepare a meal over the fire and enjoy the quiet stillness of this park in the fall.

We've waited all year to wake up with the morning on a lake

We woke up and left camp before 7 am and made our way to the park's picnic area to enjoy the early morning on the lake and were surprised to see an owl watching us from the tree limbs above. The peaceful stillness of the foggy morning revitalized our souls while cormorants dove in the lake's calm water and fisherman boated past getting a start on their day. 

Foggy morning on Buggs Island Lake

We decided to hike the entirety of the Old Plantation Trail before heading back to the campsite. The old terrace gardens painted a stunning and almost eerie picture of this property's distant past; while many of the plants are long gone, decorative trees linger amongst moss covered grounds and a brick walking path. The trail also cuts into the woods for a beautiful forest hike that we recommend in the early morning.

A beautiful brick lined path takes you through the Terrace Gardens

Overall Occoneechee State Park was the perfect getaway for a peaceful camping weekend.

Guest Bloggers Peter Radlowski and Sarah Sumoski planned to tackle all 37 Virginia State Parks in 2016, as the series continues to be published into the New Year we shall see if they did? Come along on the adventure.

Editor's Note: This Park offers overnight accommodation in 11 cabins, two lodges, 48 campsites for tents and RVs, and 11 equestrian campsites. Water view sites by reservation only. Boat launch is free for campers. Most campsite areas are shaded. More about camping at Occoneechee State Park here, or call 800-933-PARK.