Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.
Read Our Blogs
The importance of keeping your dog on a leash
Posted 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.
A Potomac road trip: Westmoreland, Caledon, Widewater, Leesylvania and Mason Neck
Posted 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.
5 things to experience at Caledon State Park
Posted 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.
Field trip and homeschooling opportunities at Virginia State Parks
Posted 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.
What's going on with South Ridge Trail? A natural resources stewardship story
Posted 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.
A Shenandoah road trip: Shenandoah River, Seven Bends and Sky Meadows
Posted 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.
Christmas in July: Top 5 Virginia State Parks gifts
Posted 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.
Saving the eastern hellbender and how to see one at a Virginia State Park
Posted 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.
Oyster Reefs on the York River
Posted July 14, 2025
There is a growing oyster reef along York River State Park's living shoreline.
Camping and paddling at Machicomoco State Park
Posted 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.
10 Cool Things for Kids to Do This Summer: Tweens
Posted June 20, 2025
Summer is heating up! Check out these cool things for tweens to do during their break at Virginia State Parks.
10 Cool Things for Kids to Do This Summer: Tikes
Posted 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!
Honoring lifelong campers: Johnny and Diane Hottle's love for Douthat State Park
Posted 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.
7 places to park your RV at Virginia State Parks
Posted June 17, 2025
Take your RV to any of these seven Virginia State Parks for a great time!
Reel in the fun fishing at a Virginia State Park
Posted 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.
First B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador Percy models the principles at Machicomoco State Park
Posted 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.
10 Cool Things for Kids to Do This Summer: Teens
Posted 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.
6 trails less traveled
Posted June 03, 2025
Add these six less-traveled trails to your weekday plans for a peaceful outdoor adventure at Virginia State Parks.
Discovering Natural Bridge State Park's visitor center
Posted 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.
Camaraderie on the trail with Girls Who Hike Virginia
Posted 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.
































