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 "Explore"Clear results in following blogs.

The Importance of Vernal Pools

By Kim WellsPosted March 30, 2026
Do you know what a vernal pool is and what animals live there? Vernal pools are important for some species survival. I highly recommend checking out a Vernal Pool Program at a Virginia State Park to learn more about these pools first-hand.
A small pool of water in a forest blanketed with leaves, with eggs floating on the surface

Becoming a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Staunton River State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted March 03, 2026
R.M. Roosevelt recently packed up his pup and headed to Staunton River for a cabin getaway. While checking out the visitor center, Roosevelt spotted a pamphlet about the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, a fun way for dogs to explore Virginia State Parks.
Staunton River State Park

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

Wintertime at Pocahontas State Park

By Kim WellsPosted February 02, 2026
Bundle up and explore Pocahontas State Park! From winter hikes and Jr. Ranger fun to stargazing and archery, there’s something for everyone. Check “Know Before You Go” for updates and make the most of the season outdoors.
Pocahontas sign in the snow

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

How to enjoy Virginia State Parks in winter

By Guest BloggerPosted December 31, 2025
How can we make the most of the winter season? Whether at home or in a park, we can explore nature! By taking a hike, creating a nature craft or playing in the snow, we can experience winter to the fullest.
A branch covered in icicles with a mountain overlook out of focus in the background and a bright blue sky above

Winter Wildlife Adventures at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted December 15, 2025
Wintertime is the perfect time to view wildlife at a Virginia State Park. Enjoy a ranger-led or self-guided program that showcases the birds and wildlife that reside at the park. Bring your binoculars so you can better view these stunning animals.
Tundra Swans at Mason Neck

Great ways to welcome winter at Sky Meadows

By Guest BloggerPosted December 04, 2025
Come to Sky Meadows State Park to enjoy the outdoors, even during the winter months.
Winter at Sky Meadow

An Array of Colors at First Landing State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted November 19, 2025
A morning hike led to this magical discovery in Virginia Beach.
The rainbow swamp at First Landing State Park (image source: Katherine Scott)

Trot the trails this Thanksgiving at Virginia State Parks

By Christen McKeyPosted November 10, 2025
A holiday weekend centered around the gathering of family and friends in gratitude beckons to be spent in the tranquility of Virginia’s outdoors. Trot over to a state park and make a few memories this Thanksgiving!
Cabin at Fairy Stone State Park

Favorite Autumn Hikes in Virginia

By Guest BloggerPosted October 09, 2025
Leaf peepers are always looking for the best place to view the autumn leaves, here are some great suggestions from Virginia State Parks trails.
Experience the fall views from above the lake at Douthat State Park, Va

Grayson Highlands State Park: A unique mountain ecosystem

By Starr AndersonPosted October 09, 2025
Grayson Highlands is the highest state park in Virginia, with elevations topping 5,089 feet. This altitude creates an environment more like what you’d find hundreds of miles north in New England than what’s typical of the southern Appalachians.
The view from Little Pinnacle, the highest peak in Grayson Highlands State Park

An iconic southwest Virginia State Parks road trip

By Shellie LeetePosted October 06, 2025
Consider your next incredible scenic road trip by connecting door to door state parks in Virginia's mountains.
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Top 5 things to do at Fairy Stone State Park this fall

By Guest BloggerPosted October 01, 2025
Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect place to make memories this fall, here is our list of the top five things to make it happen.
Fairy Stone

6 reasons to visit Natural Bridge this fall

By Shellie LeetePosted September 30, 2025
When you think of Natural Bridge State Park, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge. This iconic Virginia landmark is truly awe-inspiring, but if you haven't explored the rest of the park, you're missing out.
Natural Bridge

Experience a Star Party at Staunton River State Park

By Guest BloggerPosted September 09, 2025
Find out what it's like to attend a star party and why you should plan to attend one at Virginia State Parks. Staunton River State Park is one of our four Dark Sky Parks that host star parties that are out of this world.
A nighttime photo with stars shining above an half orange sky as the sunsets over Staunton River State Park

Reel in the fun fishing at a Virginia State Park

By Kim WellsPosted June 06, 2025
Do you want to learn how to fish or experience a refresher course to build your skills? Virginia State Parks provide a wide variety of fishing spots and programs that help you learn the best ways to enjoy your water adventures this summer.
Fishing program at Bear Creek Lake

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

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
Aerial view of Mason Neck State Park

First Master Paddler of Virginia State Parks: Colleen Renderos

By Haley RodgersPosted 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.
Colleen Renderos being awarded her Master Paddler certificate at her ceremony for completing the Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program with Virginia State Parks. Chief Ranger of Visitor Services Hilda LeStrange pictured with Colleen above awarding certificate at Powhatan State Park


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