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 "Wildlife20Viewing"Clear results in following blogs.

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

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

5 things to experience at Caledon State Park

By Kim WellsPosted August 05, 2025
Caledon State Park is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet just outside of Northern Virginia. The trails are ideal for hiking, biking and birdwatching and the scenic overlook of the Potomac is something you will want to experience.
Caledon aerial

Field trip and homeschooling opportunities at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted August 05, 2025
Virginia is home to a diverse array of state parks, each offering unique natural landscapes, rich history and hands-on educational experiences, making them perfect extensions of the classroom.
Douthat State Park

What's going on with South Ridge Trail? A natural resources stewardship story

By Laura SchliesskePosted July 30, 2025
There have been some changes to the landscape on the South Ridge Trail over the past couple of years. Learn how intentional natural resource management tools are used to enhance, not just the trail, but wider the ecosystem.
The Historic Area Overlook on South Ridge Trail

A Shenandoah road trip: Shenandoah River, Seven Bends and Sky Meadows

By Christen McKeyPosted July 29, 2025
With the Shenandoah River as a centerpiece and three state parks within an hour’s drive from one another, there are many reasons to make a trip to this northwestern part of the state. Learn how to enjoy all three of these state parks.
View from Cullers Overlook

Christmas in July: Top 5 Virginia State Parks gifts

By Starr AndersonPosted July 29, 2025
Christmas in July is the perfect time to beat the heat and get a head start on your gift list. Whether you're shopping for the outdoorsy type, a parks superfan here are our top 5 gifts at Virginia State Parks.
Virginia State Parks outline design

Saving the eastern hellbender and how to see one at a Virginia State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted July 14, 2025
The eastern hellbender is North America's largest salamander. Unfortunately, the future of the this aquatic giant is uncertain due to habitat loss from damming, sedimentation from logging and mining, agricultural runoff, pollution and flooding.
Hellbender

Oyster Reefs on the York River

By John GreshamPosted July 14, 2025
There is a growing oyster reef along York River State Park's living shoreline.
Reef ready oysters

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

10 Cool Things for Kids to Do This Summer: Tweens

By Christen McKeyPosted June 20, 2025
Summer is heating up! Check out these cool things for tweens to do during their break at Virginia State Parks.
Pocahontas State Park

10 Cool Things for Kids to Do This Summer: Tikes

By Christen McKeyPosted June 20, 2025
Virginia State Parks have a variety of fun programs and amenities to keep your little ones busy this summer. Check out this list of cool things to do for tikes, age 7 and under, and start making plans!
Beach fun at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Honoring lifelong campers: Johnny and Diane Hottle's love for Douthat State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted June 18, 2025
As one of the original six Virginia State Parks to open in 1936, Douthat State Park has long been a go-to destination for nature lovers, families and thrill seekers. Among its most loyal visitors are Johnny and Diane Hottle.
Johnny and Diane Hottle

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

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

First B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador Percy models the principles at Machicomoco State Park

By Kammie LeePosted June 05, 2025
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a self-guided activity that encourages visitors to safely explore parks while protecting the natural environment. Learn about Machicomoco's first ambassador, Percy.
The Machicomoco dog tag

10 Cool Things for Kids to Do This Summer: Teens

By Christen McKeyPosted June 04, 2025
School break and graduation are here, so let's find some cool things for young adults to do this summer at Virginia State Parks. This is part 2 and we'll explore fun stuff to do for teens, age 13-18.
Stand-up paddleboarding at Lake Anna State Park

6 trails less traveled

By Christen McKeyPosted June 03, 2025
Add these six less-traveled trails to your weekday plans for a peaceful outdoor adventure at Virginia State Parks.
Bushey Point Trail at Leesylvania State Park

Discovering Natural Bridge State Park's visitor center

By Starr AndersonPosted May 27, 2025
Located just 2 miles off Interstate 81, Natural Bridge State Park draws visitors from near and far. While the iconic limestone bridge and breathtaking scenery are the main attractions, the visitor center is an essential part of the park experience.
Natural Bridge State Park

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


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