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Water safety at Virginia State Parks
Posted May 23, 2025
Virginia State Parks offer many opportunities for water recreation. Follow these water safety guidelines to get the most out of your experiences!
Fishing at Virginia State Parks
Posted March 20, 2025
Whether you prefer fishing in lakes, rivers, creeks, oceans or the bay, there are plenty of places to cast your line at a Virginia State Park. To enjoy more time on the water be sure to book your stay in a cabin, campground, yurt or lodge.
5 parks to explore within an hour of Roanoke
Posted March 17, 2025
In addition to its own opportunities for connecting with nature, Roanoke provides you with easy access to five Virginia State Parks: Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Smith Mountain Lake and Natural Bridge.
5 must-do activities at Claytor Lake State Park
Posted 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.
5 must-do activities at Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Posted February 26, 2025
Smith Mountain Lake State Park has something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. From water sports to peaceful nature trails, its array of adventures makes it a perfect destination for families, couples and solo explorers.
What it’s like to do an adventure race at a Virginia state park
Posted February 04, 2025
Park regulars participated in an all-women’s adventure race at Occoneechee State Park. Read what an adventure race is, what it's like to participate, what you get out of it and how it helps you explore the park system.
5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2025
Posted December 26, 2024
If your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time outside this year, look no further than Virginia State Parks. With 43 unique parks from the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless.
First Master Paddler of Virginia State Parks: Colleen Renderos
Posted 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.
4 Virginia State Parks within 1 hour of Charlottesville
Posted September 10, 2024
Whether you enjoy hiking, boating, biking, fishing or simply relaxing, Bear Creek Lake, James River, Lake Anna and Powhatan state parks are all within an hour’s drive of Charlottesville, making them perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.
5 must-do activities at Occoneechee State Park
Posted July 31, 2024
Located along the shores of Buggs Island Lake, Occoneechee State Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The park offers a diverse range of activities that cater to nature lovers, explorers and those just looking to unwind.
December Kayaking at Fairy Stone State Park
Posted 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.
5 must-do activities at New River Trail’s Foster Falls
Posted 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.
Broken Bridge is Broken No More
Posted September 24, 2019
A great spot along The Lakeshore Trail for fishing and so much more at Holliday Lake State Park.
Two More Unforgettable Experiences Under Two Hours from Williamsburg
Posted August 20, 2019
If you like to fish, bike, bird watch or beach comb then read on to see two more parks to explore on Virginia's beautiful waterways.
Ain't She Sweet: Cabin 11 at Occoneechee State Park
Posted June 04, 2019
Lovely cabin 11 at Occoneechee State Park will knock your socks off. This is part of a fun cabin series that will give you some inside information on a specific cabin at a specific park.
Where can you swim at Virginia State Parks?
Posted May 14, 2019
Virginia State Parks offers places to cool off in more ways than one.
Life is Full of Options: Top Reasons to Choose Virginia State Parks
Posted May 08, 2019
Many of you might be new to Virginia or may have just discovered Virginia State Parks and are wondering what to do there. You've come to the right place!
Why Kids Love Virginia State Parks
Posted March 06, 2019
There isn't enough paper in the world to contain the stories of the fun found over the generations at Virginia State Parks. Don't just take our word for it, find out for yourself why kids love Virginia State Parks.
Why You Need to Visit One of Virginia's Most Bountiful Fishing Lakes
Posted January 29, 2019
The secret is out, one of Virginia's most amazing fishing lakes is the John H Kerr Reservoir, commonly known as Buggs Island Lake.
Kiptopeke's Breakwater
Posted January 03, 2019
Learn more about the concrete fleet at Kiptopeke State Park.