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

Holliday Lake State Park is recognized with Virginia Green Travel All-Star Award

By Kim WellsPosted April 25, 2023
Holliday Lake State Park has been recognized with the prestigious Virginia Green Travel award for its cigarette butt recycling program. It is very important to recycle and eliminate excess waste that ultimately hurts the environment and wildlife.
Meggan Saul at Virginia Green Conference with award presenters

3 state parks to see in south central Virginia

By Haley RodgersPosted March 30, 2023
An itinerary for you to see three state parks in three days in south central Virginia: Occoneechee, Staunton River and Staunton River Battlefield State Parks. Find out the best way to experience these parks and get closer to completing Trail Quest.
Photo collage of Staunton River trailhead with tall pines in background, a standup paddleboard at the shores of Buggs Island Lake at Occoneechee State Park, and a view of the Staunton River Battlefield Bridge while standing at the end

Slowing down to see the signs of spring

By Adam DanielPosted March 16, 2023
Spring break is a great time to get outside and see the returning wildlife. Hike a few trails and see what life is budding outside at a state park.
Hike with friends during spring break

How to be prepared outdoors when severe weather happens

By Kim WellsPosted March 07, 2023
Camping and hiking are fun recreational activities on any regular day, but do you know how to stay safe when severe weather happens? Here are some safety tips that can help save your life if you encounter bad weather during your travels.
Wear long pants and long sleeves when hiking to protect yourself from ticks and other insects.

Getting Ready for the Frozen Foot Adventure Race at Sky Meadows State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted February 13, 2023
Sky Meadows State Park hosted an Adventure Race in the 2023 Virginia State Parks Adventure Series. Learn what it takes to prepare and hear from a participant on their experience in this blog.
The Virginia State Parks Adventure Series includes races of varying difficulty for beginners and experienced racers alike.

Hiking Through the Eyes of a City Girl

By Jolie DavisPosted February 10, 2023
Growing up in the city gave me a different perspective on nature and the great outdoors. I didn't go hiking or even want to be outdoors, but joining the Americorps program at a Virginia State Park changed that perspective.
High Bridge Trail State Park runs through downtown Farmville.

The Rails of Legacy Live On

By Emily PricePosted October 20, 2022
We often think about legacies, the things we will leave behind. Check out the story of Bruce Wingo and the legacy that he left behind for park goers to enjoy.
Norfolk Southern Engine crossing over the High Bridge

Rebellion & Refuge: Maroons of the Great Dismal Swamp

By John GreshamPosted October 11, 2022
Learn about the stories of courageous conspirators and runaways who overcame the challenging terrain of Tidewater Virginia to elude their oppressors.
A refuge for runaways

Fall Activities at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted October 06, 2022
Festivals, pumpkin painting, tree decorating, birdwatching, stargazing, water adventures and many more activities are available at Virginia State Parks this fall. Get some new ideas on how to make the most of your park visit.
Kids painting pumpkins at a fall festival

Seven Stroller Friendly Places to Walk

By Kim WellsPosted August 31, 2022
Seven stroller-friendly places to walk in a Virginia State Park that provide a nice outdoor adventure for you and your family. Short and long scenic walks are available, and all strolls are a great way to connect with nature and the family.
Mulberry Creek Boardwalk at Belle Isle State Park

Visit 32 Bridges, 4 Counties, 2 Tunnels at New River Trail – Part 1

By Maggi TinsleyPosted August 17, 2022
New River Trail State Park's 57-mile length makes it worthy of three separate blog posts. First up, the southern section that runs from Galax to the midpoint of Foster Falls.
view from a bridge on the New River Trail

Virginia State Park Rangers Going Above and Beyond

By Haley RodgersPosted August 11, 2022
Enjoy five short stories about Virginia State Park rangers who deserve a shout out for going above and beyond at Sailor's Creek Battlefield, Hungry Mother, Wilderness Road, Westmoreland, and Fairy Stone State Parks.
A collage of pictures, the far left picture is of Ranger Lee Wilcox in his uniform smiling, top right is of the Hillsman House at sunset, and bottom two right are indoor Hillsman House shots.

5 day itinerary to explore the Farmville Five

By Kim WellsPosted August 04, 2022
There are five Virginia State Parks located in Farmville and each one offers a unique look at the area while providing a variety of recreational activities that can be experienced in a fun 5-day trip.
Sign of Historic Farmville Train Station with blooming flowers underneath

Two Unforgettable Experiences All Within an Hour of Williamsburg

By Shellie LeetePosted May 03, 2022
Two parks just a short drive from the Williamsburg area, offering hours of family fun, outside.
A nice composition of the sandy shoreline of the river at York River State Park, Virginia

Sailor's Creek Battlefield history and the connection to Dr. Moton

By Guest BloggerPosted February 15, 2022
The Civil War is the main history Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park is known for, but there is a new finding that reveals that Dr. Robert Russa Moton was born here. Learn more about happenings at Sailor's Creek in our blog.
Hillsman House on Sailor

Wildlife Surviving Winter

By Guest BloggerPosted January 11, 2022
Have you ever wondered how our favorite little creatures survive winter in the wild? Guest blogger Monica shares her findings with us and invites you to Virginia State Parks to learn more.
Chipmunk searching for food

Making the Most of Our Trail Quest Adventure

By Guest BloggerPosted December 28, 2021
Debra Ryder shares her experiences of completing Trail Quest with her partner RJ Meade. They started 2021 by going on a First Day Hike which kicked off their journey to visiting all 41 Virginia State Parks in under one year.
Debra Ryder and RJ Meade hiking at Belle Isle State Park.

5 Fun-Filled Features of the Children's Discovery Area

By Laura SchliesskePosted September 01, 2021
If you're looking for a fun diversion to go along with your family picnic or school field trip, the Children's Discovery Area has fun learning opportunities for all ages.
First Certified in 2018, The Children

The Southwest Virginia Museum Gardens

By Martha WileyPosted August 22, 2021
Explore the unique beauty of the smallest Virginia State Park.
Museum in the spring

AT Hikers: Sky Meadows State Park is a Great Place to Stop (Or Start)

By Laura SchliesskePosted August 02, 2021
It's thru-hiker season at Sky Meadows State Park. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is encouraging long hikes and use of this iconic trail.
Hikers at Sky Meadows State Park have the opportunity to walk on the iconic Appalachian National Scenic Trail


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