Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Leesylvania State Park

2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22191; Phone: 703-730-8205; Email: Leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov

Latitude, 38.589344. Longitude, -77.263498.
Location of Leesylvania State Park in Virginia

About this park ...

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Latitude, 38.589344. Longitude, -77.263498.

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The Park Office will be temporarily closed from 3/13 - 3/20/2024 due to maintenance. Annual passes can be purchased online or in the Visitor Center.

This content takes priority over any other information provided on this park's webpage.

The park opens at 6 a.m. and the gates close at sunset. After the gates close, visitors will have 30 minutes to exit the park. Sunset time changes depending on the season. For more information on the closing times please contact the Park Office at 703-730-8205.

The Park Office is open 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Please call 703-730-8205 for more information.

Overnight boating and late-night fishing run from March - October. Overnight boating is offered daily while late-night fishing is offered every Friday during these months.

Please be prepared to stop to pay for parking at the self-pay station with cash, a check, or a credit card if the contact station is closed. Parking fees are required at all times to avoid a ticket. 

The visitor center is open daily 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Starting in April the visitor center will close at 5:00 p.m.  Please call the visitor center for more information at 703-583-6904.  

The Potomac Place: Aquatic Nature Center, formally known as the Breakwater Store, is closed for the season.   

Large picnic shelter reservations are available by calling 800-933-7275. Shelters are available first-come, first-served when not reserved. 

Paddle craft rentals are not available until later in the spring season.

General Information

Leesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating. A universally accessible fishing pier, playground, boat launch, boat storage area, and Potomac Place: Aquatic Nature Center (open during the peak season), visitor center and gift shop are available. A 20-station fitness trail is available. Paddle craft rentals done at the Potomac Place are not available until later in spring.

Hours

See below - Gates close one half hour before closing time to give visitors time to exit the park before closing.

Location

Leesylvania State Park is in the southeast area of Prince William County, about 25 miles from Washington, D.C., and Fredericksburg. From I-95, take Rippon Landing Exit 156, then go east on Dale Blvd. to U.S. 1. Jefferson Davis Hwy. Turn right on Jefferson Davis Hwy., and then turn left onto Neabsco Rd. (Route 610) east for about two miles.

Its address is 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22191-4504; Latitude, 38.589344. Longitude, -77.263498.

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

Hours

The park opens at 6 a.m. and the gates close at sunset. After the gates close, visitors have 30 minutes to exit the park. Sunset time changes depending on the season. For more information on the closing times please contact the Park Office at 703-730-8205.

 

Park Size

556 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

A small, tents-only primitive campground is available for groups. Four tents-only primitive campsites are available only for visitors arriving by canoe or kayak. Group camping reservations are required and must be made through the park's office. Paddle-In camping reservations must be reserved online or call 800-933-7275. For information on the availability of other parks' overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, reserve online or call 800-933-7275. Click here for park fees.

Recreation

TRAILS

The park has five hiking trails passing through rich natural and historical features of the Potomac River. The park also includes a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. The park boasts many scenic overlooks of the Potomac including one on the remains of a Civil War Confederate gun battery at Freestone Point.

SWIMMING

There are no designated swimming areas. Swimming is hazardous because of swift currents, sudden drop-offs and unseen obstructions.

FISHING, BOATING

The Potomac River is an excellent largemouth bass fishery. The river is tidal here, and the water considered fresh. Other sport fish include catfish, perch and striped bass. A Virginia or Maryland freshwater fishing license is required, and the park also honors Potomac River Fisheries Commission licenses. The park has a 300-foot accessible fishing pier.

The park has a popular boat launch area with two ramps, sailboat hoists and parking for 186 cars or trailers. Motorboats are allowed, and there's no horsepower restriction. There's a cartop launch for smaller boats, such as canoes and kayaks, on Powells Creek. The park also rents sailboats through a concessionaire, the Northern Virginia Sailing School.

From March - October, overnight boating is offered every day of the week, while late-night fishing is available every Friday. Overnight fishing and boating require a permit that must be obtained during normal park operating hours. Boat storage is available year-round. Call the park office for information and pricing.

HORSES

Horses are not permitted.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Download (external link for use with Avenza App) the geo-referenced map

Download the geo-referenced map for this park

Nearby Attractions

Use this interactive map, complete with photos and locations, to find things to do near Leesylvania State Park.

Prince William County has many places and activities for the whole family: Manassas National Battlefield Park, The Manassas Museum, Prince William Forest National Park, Weems-Botts Museum, Occoquan National Wildlife Refuge, Splashdown Water Park, several golf courses, minor league baseball and Potomac Mills, which is the largest outlet mall in Virginia.

Picnic Shelters

Four large picnic shelters are available for rent. To reserve, call the Reservations Center at 1-800-933-PARK. Per car parking fees are not covered in the rental (see "parking/admission" above). Click here for park fees. Shelters can be rented from 8 a.m. to sunset (all day). Due to over capacity and parking issues,no shelters can be reserved on Saturday or Sunday between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. These shelters are available first come, first served when not reserved.

A special use permit is required if you plan to use the shelter for something other than just picnicking - e.g., a worship service, special event or wedding. (Shelter 4, if available, is recommended for weddings.) Visitors planning such events should call the park before renting the shelter to see if a special use permit is required. Each guest will still need to pay the parking fee upfront at the Contact Station even with a Special Use Permit or a shelter reserved. There is not a way to pay the fees all at once before or after the event.

The permit details how the shelter can be used and when. These permits take at least 30 days to process and are obtained by calling the park directly.  It may prove impossible to process requests made fewer than 30 days in advance in time. Once the shelter capacity is reached, visitors beyond that number must be turned away by park staff.

State law permits alcohol use only in private areas or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Events with alcohol must receive prior park authorization through the special use permit process. Also, amplification equipment, including megaphones, is not allowed in Leesylvania State Park.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

Shelter 1, Freestone Point - The shelter, which is near the river and universally accessible, accommodates 100. It is about 225 feet from the nearest restroom, 400 feet from the parking lot and 100 feet from the river. There's a large parking area near this shady shelter, which features a large grill, electricity and a water spigot.

Shelter 2, Fairfax Landing - This shelter, near the river, accommodates up to 100 and is ideal for kids. It's near the playground and has level area for games. It's about 185 feet from a restroom, 140 feet from the parking lot and 103 feet from the river. It features a water spigot, a large grill and electricity.

Shelter 3, Potomac Beach - This shady shelter has a nice view of the river, which is only 135 feet away, and is near the sailboat parking lot. Parking is about 100 feet away, with the nearest restroom about 300 feet away. The shelter has a water spigot, a large grill and electricity.

Shelter 4, Lee's Landing - This shelter is octagonal and has picnic tables with benches. This shelter accommodates up to 100 and has restrooms, a small kitchenette, water and electricity available. Parking is nearby, adjacent to the sailboat launch area. The shelter, which offers a splendid view of the Potomac River, is completely universally accessible.

Click here for pricing details (select "Picnic shelters"). Please call the park for more detail.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

This park's visitor center has a small meeting room.

PARK OFFICE

The park has an office where all special use permits, boat storage, group camping and general information is given out. Annual passports are sold here.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

The park has a large visitor center featuring historic and nature displays, live animals, an environmental education classroom and a gift shop. Annual passports are sold here.

THE POTOMAC PLACE: AQUATIC AND NATURE CENTER

The Potomac Place: Aquatic and Nature Center, formally known as the Breakwater Store, is open Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It has snacks, ice cream, cold drinks, bait and tackle, t-shirts, hats and souvenirs, nature displays, live animals and will offer paddle craft rentals. Annual passports are sold here.

RESTAURANT

Many nearby. The Visitor Center and the Potomac Place offers snacks, ice cream and sodas for purchase.

LAUNDRY

None at the park.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

The park participates in Virginia’s State Parks: Your Backyard Classrooms, a 40 activity curriculum guide for use by teachers of grades K-12.

SPECIAL FEATURES

None at this park.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY:

  • Park office, public restroom: Parking space (one each), bathroom (sinks, toilet), sidewalk (concrete), wheelchair clearances in the building.
  • Park store, public restroom: Parking spaces (six each), sidewalks (concrete), ramps to store and store deck, deck tables (two each), bathrooms (sinks, toilet, shower) and wheelchair clearance in the building.
  • Boat launch: Piers at the launch ramp, parking spaces for vehicle/boat trailer (four each), parking spaces for fishermen at the bulkhead, public phones.
  • Visitor center: Parking spaces, sidewalks (concrete), wheelchair clearances in building, bathroom (sinks, toilet), accessible exhibits.
  • Picnic areas: Lee's Landing - Parking spaces, picnic area restroom, sidewalks, bathroom (sinks, toilet). Freestone Point Area - Parking spaces, picnic area restroom, sidewalks and trail, bathroom (sinks, toilet), parking spaces (three each), public phone. Picnic Shelters, connection trail, tables.
  • Fishing pier: Parking spaces (three each), gravel connection trail, concrete ramp to the pier, wheelchair accessible rail space.
  • Amphitheatre: Parking spaces, gravel connection trail (steep grade), sidewalk.
  • Potomac Trail: Accessible grade and gravel surfacing through the picnic area along the waterfront.
  • Bushey Point Trail - This 1-mile gravel trail's accessibility has recently been improved.
  • Playground: Parking spaces, asphalt connection trail, chair accessible equipment.
  • Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, electric wheelchairs and electric scooters that meet the federal definition for wheelchairs are allowed to enable people with disabilities to use the trails.

SPECIAL USE PERMITS

A special use permit is required for any commercial enterprise that takes place on park property – e.g., photoshoots or equipment rentals. A special use permit is also required if you plan to use the beaches, picnic area, or shelters for an event other than a family picnic - e.g., a worship service, baptism, baby shower, or wedding. Each guest will still need to pay the parking fee upfront at the Contact Station even with a Special Use Permit or a shelter reserved. There is not a way to pay the fees all at once before or after the event.

State law permits alcohol use only in private areas or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Events with alcohol must receive prior park authorization through the special use permit process.

Special use permits take at least 30 days to process and can be obtained by calling the park office directly at 703-730-8205 or visiting the park office in person.  

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Canoe tours, guided historic and nature walks, children's fishing tournaments, Junior Ranger day camps, historical programming and Junior Ranger summer camps (June through August). Click here to view the park's events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

THE POTOMAC PLACE: AQUATIC AND NATURE CENTER
The Potomac Place: Aquatic and Nature Center, formally known as the Breakwater Store, is open Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It has snacks, ice cream, cold drinks, bait and tackle, t-shirts, hats and souvenirs, nature displays, live animals, and will offer paddle craft rentals. Annual passports are sold here.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA SAILING SCHOOL
The park also offers sailboat rentals through a private concessionaire, the Northern Virginia Sailing School.

HISTORY

Leesylvania State Park opened in 1989, and more facilities were added in 1992. In 1978, noted philanthropist Daniel Ludwig donated the land to the state for a park. The Society of Lees of Virginia, a national historical society, was instrumental in securing the donation. Locally the area is known as "Freestone Point," referring to the sandstone early settlers took from the property for building. Henry Lee II lived on the property from 1747 until he died in 1787. His wife died five years later, and both were buried at the family grave site, which is still on the property. Their mansion burned soon after Mrs. Lee died. Eight children were born at Leesylvania, including Henry Lee III (Light Horse Harry), a cavalry colonel in the revolution, governor of Virginia (1791-1794) and father of Robert E. Lee. In 1825 the property was sold to Henry Fairfax. His son John, later an aide to CSA Gen. James Longstreet, inherited the property in 1847. The Fairfax house burned in 1910, shortly after John's death, but many remnants, including a large chimney that has been restored, remain on the site. In addition, Freestone Point was the site of a Confederate force and gun emplacement during the Civil War.

FRIENDS GROUP

The Friends of Leesylvania State Park helps the park serve visitors and protect the park's natural resources. The group raises money and supports park programs such as the Junior Rangers, Free Kids Fishing Tournaments and Fall Festival. They also help guests and promote the park's unique nature and history, fishing, boating and more. Members have many interests and various backgrounds. There are several membership options. Feel free to email Friends of Leesylvania at friendsleesylvania@gmail.com or visit its website to learn more. It meets every third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. down the road at the A.J. Ferlazzo Building.

MASTER PLAN

Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here for this park's master plan.

 

At a Glance

The pictographs directly below show park offerings. Mouse-over the image for a short text description or view a legend in which each pictograph's meaning is expressed.
AmphitheaterBoat LaunchCamp Store/Gift ShopCanoe AccessEnvironmental Education Center, Nature/Cultural Programs, Visitor CenterGroup CampingHikingMarinaMotor Boats PermittedParking feePicnic Shelter Rentals, Picnic TablesPier, ShorePlaygroundsRestroomsShowersSnack BarUniversally Accessible
Amphitheater, Boat Launch, Camp Store/Gift Shop, Canoe Access, Environmental Education Center, Nature/Cultural Programs, Visitor Center, Group Camping, Hiking, Marina, Motor Boats Permitted, Parking fee, Picnic Shelter Rentals, Picnic Tables, Pier, Shore, Playgrounds, Restrooms, Showers, Snack Bar, Universally Accessible