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Virginia birds in "The 12 Days of Christmas"

By Guest BloggerPosted December 23, 2025
Winter is a great time for birding in Virginia. Participate in the Christmas Bird Count or simply go looking for winter wildlife on your own. Find out which Virginia birds you should be on the look out for this time of year.
A medium size bird on a dead tree, surrounded by pine trees. It

Winter Wildlife Adventures at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted December 15, 2025
Wintertime is the perfect time to view wildlife at a Virginia State Park. Enjoy a ranger-led or self-guided program that showcases the birds and wildlife that reside at the park. Bring your binoculars so you can better view these stunning animals.
Tundra Swans at Mason Neck

Planning a winter getaway to James River State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted December 08, 2025
Whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking a peaceful escape, James River State Park has something to offer everyone during the winter months. So, bundle up, pack your sense of adventure and head to James River.
Tye River Overlook

Winter fishing and more at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted December 03, 2025
When you think of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, you probably think of summer boating and swimming. But the fun doesn’t stop at this 1,248-acre park just because it’s winter.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Fishing Pier

15 fall festivities at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted September 11, 2025
With cooler temperatures approaching, this is the perfect time to enjoy the foliage and fall festivities at a Virginia State Park. There are numerous events throughout the Commonwealth for the whole family to enjoy. Get outside and enjoy the season.
Pawpaw Festival at Powhatan State Park

5 things to experience at Caledon State Park

By Kim WellsPosted August 05, 2025
Caledon State Park is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet just outside of Northern Virginia. The trails are ideal for hiking, biking and birdwatching and the scenic overlook of the Potomac is something you will want to experience.
Caledon aerial

Oyster Reefs on the York River

By John GreshamPosted July 14, 2025
There is a growing oyster reef along York River State Park's living shoreline.
Reef ready oysters

7 places to park your RV at Virginia State Parks

By Guest BloggerPosted June 17, 2025
Take your RV to any of these seven Virginia State Parks for a great time!
Chippokes State Park campground with an RV at it with trees surrounding it and a sandpad with a bug net on it

Reel in the fun fishing at a Virginia State Park

By Kim WellsPosted June 06, 2025
Do you want to learn how to fish or experience a refresher course to build your skills? Virginia State Parks provide a wide variety of fishing spots and programs that help you learn the best ways to enjoy your water adventures this summer.
Fishing program at Bear Creek Lake

Mosquito Fish: Natural Pest Control

By John GreshamPosted May 15, 2025
The mosquito fish is a native and natural means of controlling pesky mosquitoes. They are also related to popular aquarium pets.
Caught mosquito fish

5 things to experience at Mason Neck State Park

By Kim WellsPosted March 13, 2025
Located in Northern Virginia with recreational access to the water as well as seasonal programs. This park is perfect for adventure or for a quiet getaway from the daily grind
Aerial view of Mason Neck State Park

Colorful winter woods at Virginia State Parks

By Guest BloggerPosted February 24, 2025
Master Naturalist Kelly Roach encourages you to embrace winter on the trail, challenging you to look for color along the way. Learn what evergreen plants to look for, what marcescence is, colorful birds you may see and why the sky is bluer in winter.
Rainbow swamp at First Landing State Park by Katherine Scott.

First Master Paddler of Virginia State Parks: Colleen Renderos

By Haley RodgersPosted December 04, 2024
We asked the first person to complete our Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program to tell us about her experience wandering the waters of 31 Virginia State Parks. For completing the program, Colleen Renderos received her Master Paddler certificate.
Colleen Renderos being awarded her Master Paddler certificate at her ceremony for completing the Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program with Virginia State Parks. Chief Ranger of Visitor Services Hilda LeStrange pictured with Colleen above awarding certificate at Powhatan State Park

5 things to experience at Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park

By Kim WellsPosted August 22, 2024
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park offers so much more than just a history lesson. This location is perfect for enjoying plants, flowers and viewing birds and wildlife as well as taking in the many programs and events offered throughout the year.
Hillsman House at Sailor

5 things to experience when visiting Holliday Lake State Park

By Kim WellsPosted July 24, 2024
Holliday Lake State Park is a hidden gem in Appomattox that offers a variety of activities and scenery for all to enjoy. Whether you want a self-guided adventure or ranger-led activity, this park is a must visit destination.
Fishing at HL

Birds nesting in unexpected spots at Machicomoco State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted July 10, 2024
Machicomoco State Park provides the perfect location for birding. AmeriCorps member Grayson Nelson shares his experience seeing birds and their nests in unexpected places at the park.
Eastern Bluebird. Photo courtesy of Cornell Lab

5 things to do when you visit Staunton River Battlefield State Park

By Kim WellsPosted June 10, 2024
Virginia State Parks are full of history and Staunton River Battlefield is no different, but this park offers so much more than just a history tour. Located along the Staunton River, this location provides visitors with many recreational activities.
Battlefield view at Staunton River Battlefield

December Kayaking at Fairy Stone State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted December 12, 2023
Guest blogger Glen Mitchell shares the view from his kayak during a trip to Fairy Stone in December, 2019 with his wife.
Otter

5 things to do at Machicomoco State Park

By Kim WellsPosted October 24, 2023
Machicomoco State Park is Virginia's 40th state park and is truly a special place to visit. The park has a unique history and is surrounded by diverse wildlife habitats that provide a perfect place to anyone to enjoy.
Algonquin words on bench at Machicomoco

Where to play disc golf at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted June 23, 2023
If you're looking for a fun way to explore a park, check out our disc golf courses at Natural Bridge and Staunton River State Parks. They both offer a unique terrain and a different set of challenges for players of all skill levels.
Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail


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