When the heat is on, it's time to find a place to cool off, and fortunately, we've got a few in mind for summer fun at Virginia State Parks.

Where can you make a splash this summer at Virginia State Parks? Plenty of places, like the splash spray ground at Occoneechee State Park.

This is a great way to cool off this summer at Occoneechee State Park 

Many parks have great places to cool off, grab a snack and enjoy nature's splendor. Even better, guarded swimming is free for overnight guests who camp or stay in our campgrounds.

Pack up the kids, a picnic lunch, some beach towels, then head out to your favorite Virginia State Park.

Twin Lakes State Park has a guarded swimming beach with in-water playground

 

Parks with Popular Swimming Holes

• Pocahontas
• Lake Anna
• Bear Creek Lake
• Smith Mountain Lake
• Fairy Stone
• Hungry Mother
• ALL parks with swimming

When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.

How much does it cost to spend a day in the park and swim? Click here to find out.

These Parks have Pools

• Pocahontas

Splash Spray Ground

Cool off in the splash spray ground at Occoneechee State Park

Chairs, picnic area, playground and restrooms are available at the splash spray ground

When it's hot, then you'll love to cool off at the splash spray ground at Occoneechee State Park.

The spray ground area has playground equipment, two charcoal grills, a picnic shelter, restrooms and 25 parking spaces.

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, it's open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. It’s also open on Saturdays and Sundays in May prior to Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is included in daily parking, camping and cabin fees. 

Children wearing diapers or training pants must also wear rubber pants on the spray ground.

Where can dogs swim?

Fossil Beach at Westmoreland State Park is not a designated swimming beach, so pets are allowed to cool off here if kept under control at all times.

State regulations prohibit pets at designated swim areas, this means on swimming beaches and in pool areas. But they are allowed to make a splash in the water at our larger lakes, bays, rivers and creeks if kept maintained on a leash at all times.

Enjoy water recreation but don't use the water as a tub or swimming pool for your pet. Bear Creek Lake has a designated swim area for pets, and they can also use the southern beach at Kiptopeke, and also swim at First Landing. Check out this article: Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Virginia State Parks with Your Pet.

Hint: Ask a Ranger if there is a place for Fido to dip or wade in the park.

They are also allowed to join you if you bring your own stand-up paddleboard. See our pet policies here.

Rent Something Fun to Paddle

Paddleboat fun at Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia's mountains

It's a lot of fun to make a splash when you're out on the water in a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat. You can also rent hydro bikes at some parks, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and paddleboats. Find out which parks rent these here.

Disclaimer: Parks may close swimming facilities in inclement weather. Be sure to call ahead if swimming or cooling off is the main reason for your visit. 

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