Virginia Screen-Free Week, occurring from April 13-19, 2025, encourages individuals and families to unplug from screens and explore Virginia's state parks.

Spring is in the air, and adventure is calling! After the quiet of winter, Douthat State Park is coming back to life, offering visitors beautiful views, fresh mountain air and a range of outdoor activities.

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.

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.

Located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Natural Tunnel State Park is a hidden gem. Many people come here for the 100-foot-tall Natural Tunnel, but they discover quickly that the more than 1,000-acre park has much more to offer.

Ever wonder what activities your kids or grandkids may enjoy during a Virginia State Parks visit? Hattie (age 12) and Cam (age 11) share their favorite experiences over the years. Spoiler alert: there are fun opportunities for all ages!

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grayson Highlands State Park is a true gem. It's adjacent to two of Virginia's highest mountains, Mount Rodgers and Whitetop, so it offers unforgettable views, challenging trails and a serene atmosphere.

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.

Bats aren't as spooky as many make them out to be. Learn more about the only mammal to conquer flight and why they're so important to our ecosystems.

Ranger Shelly is a red-eared slider turtle residing at Douthat State Park. Her journey to becoming part of the park's family is filled with twists, turns and multiple owners, culminating in her perfect role as a Virginia State Park resident.

Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park offers so much more than just a history lesson. This location is perfect for enjoying plants, flowers and viewing birds and wildlife as well as taking in the many programs and events offered throughout the year.

Whether you're exploring the historical Martin's Station, hiking through beautiful trails, picnicking with family or friends or camping under the stars, Wilderness Road State Park promises a memorable experience.

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.

Don't let the rain, extreme heat or cold hinder your plans to visit a Virginia State Park. Here are five great ways to stay entertained at the park's indoor exhibits.

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.

Virginia State Parks are full of history and Staunton River Battlefield is no different, but this park offers so much more than just a history tour. Located along the Staunton River, this location provides visitors with many recreational activities.

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!

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.

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.

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.