Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

Home > Blogs > Virginia Outdoors

Search "Virginia Outdoors"

results in following blogs.

What's new at Sky Meadows State Park?

By Laura SchliesskePosted March 14, 2025

For a park that has been a part of the Virginia State Parks system for more than 40 years and a working farm for more than 200 years, Sky Meadows State Park is keeping things fresh with a new trail and an addition to the campground.

A trail with yellow-orange trees along a stone wall to the left of the trail and an open pastoral vista to the right under blue sky.

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

5 must-do activities at Claytor Lake State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 12, 2025

Claytor Lake State Park is a go-to destination for water enthusiasts. Its 4,500-acre lake offers roughly 4 miles of lake frontage, including a sandy beach. While the water draws many people in, it's not all this park offers.

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.

A resource management career at Virginia State Parks: Kerry O'Neil

By Amy AtwoodPosted February 11, 2025

Kerry O'Neil serves as the Piedmont Region Resource Specialist with Virginia State Parks. She initially dreamed of various careers but found her passion for resource management through her experiences visiting Virginia State parks.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Program puts the wow in bow wow

By Kim WellsPosted December 10, 2024

The B.A.R.K. Rangers Program is a fun way to enjoy responsible recreation with your dog while creating lasting memories. You also get a reward for completing the program. While rewards vary by park, adventures exist at all locations.

9 hikes for non-hikers

By Christen McKeyPosted September 03, 2024

Do you enjoy being outdoors but find that conquering high-mileage or strenuous trails is not your way to recreate? Let these nine hikes inspire your next outdoor adventure and discover that hiking at Virginia State Parks can be a walk in the park!

A group camping conversation: How to organize a trip that everyone will love

By Christen McKeyPosted August 12, 2024

Interested in planning a camping trip for a large group but not sure where to begin? This conversation with a group leader who recently organized a James River State Park trip may inspire you to pull off an epic outdoor adventure for your group.

5 must-do activities at Staunton River State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted July 11, 2024

Staunton River State Park is a great place to escape to the great outdoors with family and friends. The park is open year-round, and you can make overnight reservations for camping and cabins up to 11 months in advance.