Events in Virginia State Parks

Put away your smartphone and plot a course for adventure with this introduction to the sport of orienteering.

Have you ever been walking along a trail and come across a pile of "meatballs"?

Have you ever wondered what secrets the natural world holds? This drop-in program offers a unique opportunity to meet with Virginia Master Naturalists who will be available to answer all your nature-related questions.

Migrate to the Discovery Center to learn about the fascinating "Fish Hawk".

Ever wonder what the fish are doing when they dive deep under water?

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

The beauty of nature has inspired artists for thousands of years.

Discover your park perspective!

Can you recall taking a break on a hot summer day and sitting under the shade of a maple tree, or swinging on a tire swing hung from a giant oak? Trees provide many benefits including food, shelter, and oxygen, to both humans and wildlife.

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Delve into the world of terrariums, a creative activity that reflects the connection between nature and artistry cherished by campers at Camp Pinoaka.

Join us for a week-long celebration honoring the vibrant history of Pocahontas State Park, specifically highlighting the activities and programs once offered at its formerly segregated side, Group Camp 7, which was opened for use for the first time on July 15th, 1939.

Seine netting is a skill that has allowed countless people over time to enjoy the bounty of the seas.

Fly on over and learn how to make a bird feeder from natural materials which you can keep.

Every Monday evening from May to the first week of September you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

Do you have a passion for nature, environmental education, and wish to make a difference?

Discover your park perspective!

Experience the thrill of archery, a favorite pastime at Camp Johnson.

Join us for a week-long celebration honoring the vibrant history of Pocahontas State Park, specifically highlighting the activities and programs once offered at its formerly segregated side, Group Camp 7, which was opened for use for the first time on July 15th, 1939.

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

The Fairfield Foundation opens the Timberneck house for free walk-in tours every Tuesday.

Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special.

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

This summer, the Junior Ranger program is exploring different biomes, and Week 4 is Forests! Programs run Monday - Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Outdoor and weather appropriate clothing must be worn as we will be exploring the park; getting dirty and wet are both strong possibilities. Closed-toed shoes are required every day. Please don't forget to bring a lunch and a reusable water bottle, as well as apply sunscreen and bugspray before the program begins.

Come across our Ranger outposts stationed at a part of First Landing State Park you may have never visited: the Narrows Beach!

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Is the opossum misunderstood?

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

First Landing is home to many creatures both large and small.

Discover your park perspective!

Animals may be shy, but they leave plenty of clues behind.

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

Spring has sprung.

Ever wondered how you stack up against some of the largest birds in the sky?

Don't judge a book by its cover!

Our beautiful park is the perfect place to pick up a fun new workout routine.

Did you know that people have been using plants to dye fabric for centuries?

Help support the park you love.

Allow the evening to envelop you and enjoy a hay wagon ride with our park guide.

Spend time floating down the Clinch River.

This three-hour class will cover the basics of paddling skills including how to select and fit a personal flotation device (PFD), different types of kayaks, planning and safety, reading the river, identifying river hazards, and proper paddling strokes.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Discover your park perspective!

Yes, you too can canoe!

Join a park ranger on a three-mile hike to the waterfall and back.

Join the Friends of Mason Neck and Fairfax Master Naturalists for a rewarding day of volunteer garden work!

This summer, the Junior Ranger program is exploring different biomes, and Week 4 is Forests! Programs run Monday - Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Outdoor and weather appropriate clothing must be worn as we will be exploring the park; getting dirty and wet are both strong possibilities. Closed-toed shoes are required every day. Please don't forget to bring a lunch and a reusable water bottle, as well as apply sunscreen and bugspray before the program begins.

Take a fascinating hike to learn about the rich history of James River State Park from fossils to the American Civil War.

Whether your child is an aspiring adventurer or simply loves being outdoors, this program is designed to ignite their curiosity and foster valuable skills.

Meet at the Big Water Visitor Center and help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun! .

Meet us at the Terrace Gardens to learn about Occoneechee in the 1800s.

On this hike, stimulate your senses as we immerse ourselves in nature.

Join us at the Big Water Visitor Center to watch us feed our residents in the salt water fish tank.

Craftily sculpt a towering sandcastle, a mermaid, a turtle, your dog, or any other creature, character, or building you can think of to win this sand sculpture contest in honor of Sandcastle Day. All skill levels are encouraged to participate.

What animal inspired a popular children's game?

While most of the adventure on the New River takes place above the water, there is no shortage of things to see below the water!

All aboard the Virginia Dare for a fun-filled and informative lunch cruise.

Come join us for a treat that was highly coveted at Camp Pinoaka.

Let us teach you all the basics you'll need to know to get yourself started with one of our most popular outdoor activities, from tying on your hook and tackle to casting your line.

Join us for a week-long celebration honoring the vibrant history of Pocahontas State Park, specifically highlighting the activities and programs once offered at its formerly segregated side, Group Camp 7, which was opened for use for the first time on July 15th, 1939.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

Discover your park perspective!

Do you want to witness the art of Gyotaku fish printing, an ancient craft where you can create your own fish masterpiece!

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?

Get creative and be inspired by the beautiful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Trees are so important to our environment. They give us air to breathe, homes for animals, wood to build our homes and help control erosion.

Slow down and reconnect with the natural world on a ranger-led hike.

Come find us behind the Visitor Center as we appreciate the view and learn about the history of the lake and the lands that lie beneath it.

Get your feet wet and explore life in the creek.

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets held by the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

Been itching to go fishing?

Whether you're fascinated or a little rattled, snakes are a vital part of healthy ecosystems, and they’re not as scary as they seem.

Come over to picnic shelter #2 and get inspired by the great outdoors.

How can we be more sustainable when practicing our favorite hobbies?

“What does the fox say?” Did you know that there are two different foxes found in Virginia, the red fox and the grey fox?

Hop on over for a hands-on adventure into the world of frogs. Join park staff as we search for some of Virginia’s native frog species and their tadpoles.

The day has been filled with fun activities, but now it is time to wind down with a peaceful paddle on the lake.

Discover your park perspective!

Keep your eyes on the skies and come along as we dive into the art of bird journaling and discover fascinating facts about your favorite feathered friends.

Meet with a ranger and go on a one-mile guided hike along the Oak Hickory Trail.

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

Let’s go on a fun "History Hike" at Staunton River State Park. Our interpretive ranger will lead the hike on River Bank Trail and talk about the exciting history of the Staunton River and our beautiful State Park.

Geocaching combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with nature to provide adventure for 'treasure hunters' all over the world.

Without pollinators, people and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive.

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Energy makes sense; it helps all living things grow but is not always the same.

Join the Rangers on a guided hike through our most popular trail!

Ever wonder how the early bird gets the worm?

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Have you ever wondered what makes an owl such a skilled night hunter?

Celebrate creativity and individual expression with a puppet show party, reminiscent of the plays once popular at Camp Pinoaka.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Join us for a week-long celebration honoring the vibrant history of Pocahontas State Park, specifically highlighting the activities and programs once offered at its formerly segregated side, Group Camp 7, which was opened for use for the first time on July 15th, 1939.

Ahoy Matey!

Want to go on a scavenger hunt in the wilderness? Let’s go on a hike on the Captain Staunton Trail and try to find some of nature’s hidden treasures. All guests will be provided with a list of items to find while we are out on the trail. The first person to find them all will get a prize.   All materials will be provided by the park. There is no fee for this program, but the standard parking fee is required unless you are a cabin or campground guest.

Discover your park perspective!

The batteau was a historically significant boat used in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Want to turn your white shoes brown?