Merchandise sales locations will be closed state-wide for the required annual inventory beginning Wednesday, April 15 and will reopen when completed on April 16. 

Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

Read Our Blogs

How to make the most of a yurt stay at Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted March 13, 2024
Staying in a yurt is a unique experience. At Virginia State Parks, we offer them as an alternative to camping, to immerse yourself into nature while enjoying some comforts of a cabin – some call this glamping.
Yurt #1 at Machicomoco State Park in the fall. Photo by Haley Rodgers.

How to have the best stargazing adventure in Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted February 22, 2024
Looking for the best places to stargaze in Virginia State Parks? A good place to start is to visit one of our four state parks that are designated as International Dark Sky Parks. Let us give you tips to make it a great experience!
A dark black sky filled with stars and a dense spot in the middle that glows orange

A conversation with James, The Ethnic Explorer

By Haley RodgersPosted February 15, 2024
James, The Ethnic Explorer, joins us for a conversation about diversifying the outdoors, Black history, his favorite Virginia State Parks and more!
A collage of three pictures showing 1) a Black man on a mountain biking going through a trail full of fall foliage, 2) a Black man facing the camera on a long bridge wearing a black sweater that says Virginia, and 3) a camper van open showing the set up and a paddle board leaning against the van.

What does a Virginia State Park Interpretive Ranger do?

By Kim WellsPosted January 24, 2024
Being a Virginia State Park interpreter ranger is so much more than just guiding programs and interacting with the public, but it is a big part of the job. If you are passionate about conservation and enjoy working outside, consider this job.
Ranger and volunteers inspect oyster cages.

A Legacy Fulfilled: Sky Meadows receives funding to make Lost Mountain Trail more sustainable.

By Laura SchliesskePosted January 10, 2024
The Friends of Sky Meadows Trail Legacy Campaign has been an ongoing fundraiser since 2019. We have reached the goal of raising $28,000 to make trail improvements that will reduce erosion so that our trails can be enjoyed by future generations.
Four smiling park rangers showing thumbs up and presenting a sign that reads "Friends of Sky Meadows Trail Legacy Campaign" with a painted picture of a red thermometer topped up at $28,000

Winter Hiking Tips: Enjoying the off-season at Virginia State Parks

By John GreshamPosted January 09, 2024
Hiking offers challenges and opportunities to enjoy the off-season at Virginia State Parks!
Winter at Virginia State Parks

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

5 things to do at Chippokes State Park

By Kim WellsPosted October 17, 2023
Chippokes State Park is a beautiful location and contains the oldest continually farmed land in the country. The rich history and lovely views of the James River make for a perfect day visit or an overnight getaway.
Chippokes in the fall

Top 5 things to do at Seven Bends State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted September 28, 2023
Find five fun activities for you to enjoy at Seven Bends State Park, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Seven Bends State Park aerial image showing the river, mountains and farmland surrounding it

Remembering Hurricane Isabel

By Annette BarefordPosted September 22, 2023
A look back at how Hurricane Isabel affected Virginia State Parks.
Westmoreland Picnic Area

Follow the Fall Foliage Report

By Maggi TinsleyPosted September 15, 2023
In our annual Fall Foliage Report you'll find information about leaf color changes that participating parks share each week in October.
Fall foliage at Fairy Stone State Park

Hungry Mother State Park builds new mountain bike trail system

By Starr AndersonPosted September 07, 2023
Mountain bikers have a new riding opportunity in Southwest Virginia. Hungry Mother State Park has opened 3 miles of its new Raider's Run Mountain Bike Trail System. The remaining 2 miles are under construction and will open in the spring of 2025.
Hungry Mother State Park

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park celebrates 75 years

By Starr AndersonPosted August 14, 2023
Since 1948, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park has been telling the story of Southwest Virginia, from its geologic genesis to its rich and storied culture.
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

Youngest Master Hiker to complete Trail Quest

By Kim WellsPosted July 19, 2023
At only 4 months old, Ezra Hernandez is the youngest person to earn his Master Hiker certificate for completing the Trail Quest Program. His mother Kaylee used her maternity leave to bond with her newborn son through outdoor experiences together.
Kaylee and Ezra with park staff and certificates

5 must-do activities at New River Trail's Foster Falls

By Starr AndersonPosted July 12, 2023
There is no shortage of activities for visitors at New River Trail. The 57-mile linear park has more than 10 different access points; however, the Foster Falls area serves as a great activity hub no matter your interest.
Foster Falls Picnic Table

Natural Tunnel becomes first in state to install special viewfinder for colorblind visitors

By Starr AndersonPosted July 07, 2023
We are proud to be the first location in Virginia to offer the EnChroma colorblind viewfinder. It's equipped with special lenses from EnChroma designed to help those with red-green Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) experience colors.
Ethan Howes

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

2 Virginia State Parks complete phase 1 of cabin renovations

By Starr AndersonPosted May 31, 2023
Douthat and Fairy Stone State Parks have reopened 29 cabins to the public after completing the first phase of their nearly three-year renovation project.
Civilian Conservation Corps

Q&A with creator of Wandering Waters program - Sammy Zambon

By Haley RodgersPosted May 24, 2023
As of May 2023, Virginia State Parks has a new program called Wandering Waters (Paddle Quest)! Hear from the creator of this program, Visitor Experience Specialist Sammy Zambon, to learn more.
Sunrise on the water at Staunton River State Park, with orange glow in the sky and on the water. A logo overlays the photo in the middle showing a silhouette of a paddler and the words WANDERING WATERS - PADDLE QUEST - VIRGINIA STATE PARKS.


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