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Category "Outdoor Destinations"Clear results in following blogs.

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

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

6 reasons to visit Natural Bridge this fall

By Shellie AnnePosted 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

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

5 great fall getaways to start planning now: Piedmont

By Shellie AnnePosted September 10, 2025
These amazing fall getaways include incredible nearby attractions like breweries, wineries and unique historic sites to explore.
Cabins are in a wooded location along the shores of Buggs Island Lake at Occoneechee State Park, Va

A Potomac road trip: Westmoreland, Caledon, Widewater, Leesylvania and Mason Neck

By Christen McKeyPosted August 22, 2025
Explore five Virginia State Parks along the Potomac River: Westmoreland, Caledon, Widewater, Leesylvania, and Mason Neck. Enjoy camping, hiking, birdwatching and paddling in these scenic and historic locations.
Campsite at Caledon State Park

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

7 places to park your RV at Virginia State Parks

By Guest BloggerPosted June 17, 2025
Take your RV to any of these seven Virginia State Parks for a great time!
Chippokes State Park campground with an RV at it with trees surrounding it and a sandpad with a bug net on it

Ultimate Father's Day Gift: Virginia State Parks

By Shellie AnnePosted June 02, 2025
Give dad the ultimate gift, time spent together outdoors. At Virginia State Parks, we have great events happening Father's Day weekend to take advantage of!
Hiking

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

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.

4 Virginia State Parks within 1 hour of Charlottesville

By Starr AndersonPosted 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.
Virginia State Parks

5 things to experience at Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park

By Kim WellsPosted August 22, 2024
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.
Hillsman House at Sailor

5 things to do when you visit Staunton River Battlefield State Park

By Kim WellsPosted June 10, 2024
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.
Battlefield view at Staunton River Battlefield

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

How to make the most of a yurt stay at Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted March 13, 2024
Staying in a yurt is a unique experience. At Virginia State Parks, we offer them as an alternative to camping, to immerse yourself into nature while enjoying some comforts of a cabin – some call this glamping.
Yurt #1 at Machicomoco State Park in the fall. Photo by Haley Rodgers.

Winter Hiking Tips: Enjoying the off-season at Virginia State Parks

By John GreshamPosted January 09, 2024
Hiking offers challenges and opportunities to enjoy the off-season at Virginia State Parks!
Winter at Virginia State Parks

Top 5 things to do at Seven Bends State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted September 28, 2023
Find five fun activities for you to enjoy at Seven Bends State Park, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Seven Bends State Park aerial image showing the river, mountains and farmland surrounding it


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