We all have them. If I had a dollar for every time I thought, “I wish I knew then what I know now” I wouldn’t be writing this, I’d be sitting on a sunny beach with one of those umbrella drinks in my hand and my toes in the sand. 

My family has camped at Twin Lakes State Park before and we’ve hiked the trails and swam in Goodwin Lake and enjoyed the nice beach. But since I’ve re-discovered Twin Lakes State Park I’ve learned some things I wish I’d known then. But the great part is that it’s not too late for me- or you either! Such as….

I had no idea that there are several geocaches hidden here at Twin Lakes State Park- what a cool, fun FREE thing to do with kids. A real Treasure Hunt! You can check out the GPS units at the park office and they’ll show you how to use them and get you pointed in the right direction. What is geocaching?  Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location usually with a logbook and some cool things in it.

Geocaching at Virginia State Parks

Charcoal grills are near the playground and the beach- that spells ALL DAY FUN. I’m putting hot dogs, graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars on my grocery list.

Grill hot dogs and s'mores at Virginia State Parks

You can check out a set of horseshoes, or volleyball for the volleyball court or even corn hole boards and bags for free from the park office. Click here for corn hole game rules.

Corn hole is family fun!

There are boat rentals too. Paddle boats, row boats, canoes and kayaks. Kings Dominion who?  For the cost of one day at a theme park we can have fun ALL summer long at Twin Lakes State Park.

Canoe and boat rentals at Virginia State Parks

I heard there was an Avalanche at Twin Lakes. When did that happen, there’s no mountains at the park? Should I ask? Am I the only one who doesn’t know? Maybe it’s a slang term for something else. Ok, curiosity got the best of this cat. And according to the park rangers, THERE WAS AN AVALANCHE AT TWIN LAKES! AND it happens frequently in the summer months! It features15 scoops of premium hand-dipped ice cream and if you are brave enough to eat this entire “Avalanche” you’ll get a free t-shirt, your picture on the wall of fame, and your ice cream for free.  Take the challenge!

Yes, there is an avalanche at Twin Lakes State Park!

Since I’ve been talking about Twin Lakes, several friends and neighbors told me all about how great their weddings were here at Cedar Crest Conference Center by the lake and what great memories they have. If only I’d known about that years ago, I could be enjoying a second honeymoon here in a cabin by the lake.

Here comes the bride at Virginia State Parks

And speaking of cabins, did you know they are fully equipped? The beds are made, the coffee pot’s there. Just bring yourself and some food. I’m envisioning packing up the family now. AND, it won’t take long!

Cabins at Virginia State Parks make perfect getaways!

If only I’d known I could have a day at the park with the kids where there’s a playground they wouldn’t get bored on, where there’s picnic spots, public restrooms, not too far to drive to (15 min. from Farmville, 10 min. from Crewe, 20 min. from Blackstone or Amelia) and it won’t break the bank - we would’ve been regulars by now.

A day at the park at Virginia State Parks

And now you know too: The cost of a parking fee at Twin Lakes State Park on a weekend - $4. The cost of family fun and memories to last a lifetime- priceless!

I wish I’d known about this “Perfect Getaway” sooner, but I know now and I’ll see you there! Twin Lakes State Park is near Farmville, about an hour southwest of Richmond. Take U.S. 360 West of Burkeville to Route 613 (Indian Springs Rd.). Then go east on Route 629 (Twin Lakes Rd.).

The address is 788 Twin Lakes Rd., Green Bay, VA 23942-2525.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three to four hours; Richmond, one to one and a half hours; Tidewater/ Norfolk/ Virginia Beach, two and a half to three hours; Roanoke, three hours.