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

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Category "Community"Clear results in following blogs.

Livelihood in the Fort

By Emily PricePosted March 24, 2026
Reenactors at Wilderness Road State Park built a fort structure using authentic 18th-century tools and methods, showcasing daily life, craftsmanship and the volunteers' deep dedication to preserving history.
Working on the fort

New trail to explore at High Bridge Trail State Park

By Kim WellsPosted March 11, 2026
High Bridge Trails State Park opened a new trail at the beginning of the year that gives guests a unique look underneath the majestic High Bridge.
First Day Hikes at HBT

What's new at Culpeper Battlefields State Park

By Kim WellsPosted February 24, 2026
Visit Virginia's 43rd State Park and see why this land is important to preserve for future generations. Whether you are a local or have to travel to this location, this park is definitely worth the visit to experience history and nature in harmony.
Culpeper Battlefields State Park Fleetwood Hill

Where to wander this winter

By Kim WellsPosted January 19, 2026
Wintertime is here and Virginia State Parks have numerous things for you to do despite the cold weather. Check out the many activities you can do solo or with friends and family to enjoy this winter season.
Winter view at a Virginia State Park

Give your Christmas tree a second life

By Guest BloggerPosted December 30, 2025
Hungry Mother and Fairy Stone state parks can help you get rid of your live Christmas tree after the holidays and help the fish!
Live Christmas tree to be recycled

Eight great lakes at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted October 16, 2025
Fall is the perfect time to check out these stunning lakes across the Commonwealth. See the colorful reflections of the trees, enjoy a nice hike around the lake or maybe do some fishing. Go have your next fall adventure today!
Buggs Island Lake at Occoneechee

New River Trail State Park one year after Hurricane Helene

By Starr AndersonPosted September 22, 2025
This September marks the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, a storm that brought heavy rains and strong winds across Virginia and left lasting marks on New River Trail State Park.
New River Trail Following Hurricane Helene

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

Becoming a law enforcement ranger with Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted September 03, 2025
Virginia State Parks are places where families make memories, history is preserved and nature is protected. Ensuring the safety of visitors and the conservation of these lands is the responsibility of a a dedicated team of law enforcement rangers.
Virginia State Parks Ranger

The importance of keeping your dog on a leash

By Kim WellsPosted August 25, 2025
If you have a dog, then you should understand how important it is to have them on leash. It's not just for their safety, but for the other park guests as well. Whether you have a calm dog or a reactive dog, the rules must be followed.
Dog on leash at Kiptopeke

Camping and paddling at Machicomoco State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted June 30, 2025
Ralph Heimlich is an experienced paddler and member of Chesapeake Paddlers Association who is sharing his adventures during his trip to Machicomoco State Park. He and his group camped at the park and enjoyed some time on the water.
Camp site with bathhouse in background

Camaraderie on the trail with Girls Who Hike Virginia

By Kim WellsPosted May 27, 2025
Hiking can be more enjoyable with larger groups, and the Girls Who Hike Virginia demonstrated this while completing the Trail Quest program. Achieving Master Hiker status after visiting all the state parks is one of many milestones for this group.
Master Hiker Ceremony at Pocahontas State Park

What's new at Holliday Lake State Park

By Kim WellsPosted May 20, 2025
Holliday Lake State Park has undergone a few changes over the past year. These changes are positively noticeable, and it is worth taking a trip to the park to see what's new. You can camp here or stay at a nearby park to enjoy the area longer.
Holliday Lake

5 ways to experience High Bridge Trail State Park

By Kim WellsPosted April 30, 2025
High Bridge Trail State Park follows an old railroad bed with little incline which makes it perfect for walking, biking and horseback riding. There are several trailheads to start your journey through numerous towns and across Central Virginia.
Farmville entrance to High Bridge Trail State Park

6 ways to spend Earth Day

By Mary BishopPosted March 20, 2025
Get inspired to give back on Earth Day! Virginia State Parks are hosting events across the commonwealth for you to attend.
 Monarch butterfly on butterfly milkweed in Kiptopeke State Park

Fishing at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted 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.
Kayak fishing at Bear Creek Lake

High Bridge Trail State Park completes extension into Pamplin

By Kim WellsPosted April 24, 2024
High Bridge Trail now connects to Pamplin City after many years in the making and DCR is excited to be a part of the town's story. This new western terminus is a great place to start your trek on High Bridge Trail State Park.
Ribbon cutting at High Bridge Trail new extension

What does a Virginia State Park Maintenance Ranger do?

By Kim WellsPosted January 10, 2024
Consider a job at a Virginia State Park such as maintenance ranger and you might be surprised at much you love it! These hardworking rangers face different adventures each day while gaining knowledge and building skillsets along the way.
Rangers doing trail maintenance

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


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