Events in Virginia State Parks

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

Get ready for a reel good time.

Do you want to learn more about owls and what they eat?

Discover the “bear facts” about Fairy Stone State Park’s black bears at our ranger-led program. Find out their characteristics, their habits, how to avoid conflicts, and much, much more.

Express yourself on the trail with a stylish and unique hiking stick you designed and decorated yourself.

  This is a fantastic time of year to take-in the beautiful scenery of Southwest Virginia.

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

Come explore the historic town of Fries.

Ever wondered what critters are crawling beneath the surface of a stream? Join us on a fun adventure as we search the stream for interesting, tiny critters: freshwater invertebrates.

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

Can you name some of the fish that inhabit Hungry Mother Lake?

Step into the quiet, mysterious woods of Douthat State Park after dark for an unforgettable experience.

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

Join us along the New River for a FREE hour-long guided yoga flow session, led by a Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor.

Come make your very own bird feeder only using pinecones, bird seeds and peanut butter.

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.

This trail begins on Iron Mine Trail and features an iron mine used by Fayerdale residents and an overlook of Fairy Stone Lake before transitioning into the Upper and Lower Stuart's Knob Trails.

Come drop some line in the water, and soak in some sun!

Get down and dirty with this two-hour wild cave tour.

Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea.

Immerse yourself in nature and experience the calming and health-promoting benefits of the forest.

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

Take a closer look at what swims in the James River.

Pick up a copy of the self-guided Twin Pinnacles Trail brochure at the Park Office or Visitor Center.

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

What does it take to be at the top of the food chain?

Discover the art of journaling in the wild with a ranger.

Can you tell the difference between an elk and a deer?

Black bears are one of the many incredible mammals that dwell in Douthat State Park.

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

How can one trail have so much to offer? Hike with a park ranger down Crostic Forest Trail to discover something new each week.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

The library is hitting the park!

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Create a recycled flowerpot out of newspaper that you can place right in the ground with native flower seeds.

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?

Are all snakes venomous?

Some of Virginia's coolest mammals are rarely seen by humans.

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.

Slither and splash into the world of reptiles.

Join a ranger on for some fishing fun, on dry land!

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

The Bay can hold many secrets.

Discover the “bear facts” about Fairy Stone State Park’s black bears at our ranger-led program. Find out their characteristics, their habits, how to avoid conflicts, and much, much more.

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

Join us for "Turtle Time" at Holliday Lake State Park and meet our beloved turtle, Harrold Holliday!

Paint pretty pictures with prickly pines (try saying that five times fast).

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

Looking for a family-friendly way to extend your summer fun?

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

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.  Participants must be ages 10 and over.

Challenge yourself to identify animals not by what they look like, but by what their tracks look like.

Let nature spark your creativity!

Joining a park ranger for a fun reading adventure!

Think you can stump a ranger?

Get your feet wet investigating the vast array of life in a stream!

Have you ever tried archery or mountain biking or fly fishing?

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.

Learn basic survival skills such as fire staring, basic shelter building, water purification, and more from our rangers.

Holliday Lake State Park is buzzing with life this time of year.

Join us to hear about the impacts of fire, from the habitats it touches to how humans have learned to use it to our advantage throughout the ages.

Ever wondered how the cabins you stay in and the shelters you enjoy were built without modern technology?

Can not seem to get your campfire lit?

End your week with a relaxing paddle along Swift Creek Lake.

The blue crab is one of the most iconic species of the Chesapeake Bay.

Enjoy the sounds of local musicians as you take in our beautiful park.

Come join the party!

Explore some of Machicomoco’s best views during golden hour while stopping in to talk with a Ranger about some of their favorite park topics.

Join our rangers for a bit of fun around the campfire as we welcome you to the park.

What's a camping trip without a campfire?

Watch the last traces of daylight strike the Blue Ridge Mountains on this haywagon ride.

 Fireflies aren't the only species that glow at night.  Did you know several plant and animal species glow under black light?

Join us at the amphitheater for a warm welcome to the park, camping tips, and fun activities!

As twilight fades, step into the shadows of history. Join park rangers for a special Civil War-themed lantern tour across the historic High Bridge.

Welcome to Staunton River State Park!

Join your fellow campers to hear about all of the different trails and activities the park has to offer and discover the history of the park. This is a great chance to ask questions about the park, local activities in the area, and future events at Fairy Stone State Park.

Join our rangers as we hang out in the park after dark!

Welcome to the park, kick off your stay with an unforgettable evening by the fire at the water's edge.

Experience Westmoreland State Park after hours with this enchanting program.

Join us at the Community Fire Ring to relax, enjoy a roasted marshmallow, and get to know your camping neighbors.

Come for the s’mores, stay for the fun!

Join our Park Rangers as they discuss the history, ecology, and culture of the Widewater Peninsula.

Get knee-deep in the Shenandoah during Fly Fishing 101!  During this program, our fly-fishing instructor will go over all the basics to get you catching your first fish on a fly!

Come join a ranger for a beautiful morning forest walk.

Get ready for an amazing adventure this summer at Sailor's Creek Battlefield with our exciting Jr. Ranger Camp!

Experience paddling on one of Virginia's most beautiful and historic waterways: the James River.

Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail.

Come along on a one-mile hike through our trails with a knowledgeable ranger to learn about the plants and animals who live in Kiptopeke State Park. .

Come help us transform an old flower bed into a welcoming habitat for Bernie, our animal ambassador Eastern Box Turtle!

Step back in time and experience the power and precision of Civil War-era firepower during this ranger-led musket demonstration, held within the historic grounds of Camp Paradise.

Archery programs are some of the best recreational activities that State Parks have to offer.

Join certified Forest Therapy volunteer, Tina Hayes, for a relaxing program made to calm the mind.

Become a steward of nature while building your local community and connecting with the people near you that share a passion for the outdoors. Meet with rangers at the Mason Neck State Park Visitor Center for a short talk about conservation and to get supplies to clean up the trash that washes onto the shoreline or is left and scattered along the trails and recreational areas. Clean-Up days are self-paced, so come clean our shoreline for as much time as you can spare to make a difference at the park.

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

Owls, bats, and bugs, oh my!

"Echoes of the Past: Guardians of History" is a park ranger-led program dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of history.

Explore the beautiful wetlands or river with us.

Join us for a guided tour of the Visitor Center at High Bridge Trail State Park, where history and nature come together!

Did you know the park's lakes were built by humans?