What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
July
Happy Independence Day! In addition to this national holiday, the whole month of July offers fun activities for people of all ages. We’ve got camps for kids, conservation events, cave tours and opportunities to explore the night sky. Do not miss the many upcoming concerts and other music events! Everyone can find something to enjoy in a state park this month.
Events sampler:
July 1, 15, 22 & 29, 2025. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special. In this adventure, you will have the opportunity to see unique formations and animals that only exist in caves (and maybe even animals that are found NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH). View the "starlight room" and what makes it sparkle, stalagmites and stalactites, rimstones and flowstones, as well as other unique cave formations.
July 8, 2025. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Clinch River State Park
Join Ranger Diego Riffle and Ranger Sarah King for the Let's Go Guided Paddle Program! This program will include a 2 hour-long paddle, with a brief safety review at the beginning. We will provide kayaks, PFDs, and paddles. We recommend that participants bring water, a change of clothes or a towel, and wear closed toed shoes. The age requirement is 10 years old and up.
July 12, 2025. 9 a.m.-12p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Join us for a guided birding tour - on the river! Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, and Osprey are just a few of the birds you'll likely see along this 2.2-mile kayak float. Your guide will go over birding basics, the phenomenon of migration, and the significance of birding as a form of citizen science. The float will be roughly 2 hours long, depending on river conditions. Kayaks, PFDs, and binoculars will be provided.
July 16, 2025. 12-2 p.m.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
All aboard the Virginia Dare for a fun-filled and informative lunch cruise and tour down the lake to the dam. On the return trip enjoy a presentation from our park interpretive ranger about the wildlife that call Smith Mountain Lake home. We'll even cruise close to several Osprey platforms on the lake.
July 11, 18 & 25, 2025. 10-11 a.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Color your world while developing your creative skills through watercolor painting at this weekly outdoor program led by a recognized local artist. The sessions are open to those sixteen years old and older. All skill levels are welcome. In addition to skills enhancement, you’ll learn something about the life story of the nature subject you choose.
July 3, 17 & 24, 2025. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
False Cape State Park
Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife. Enjoy magnificent sunsets and listen for nocturnal wildlife. No experience needed; all equipment is provided. Reservations are required in advance
July 19 & 25, 2025. 8-9:30 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Experience the beauty and serenity of High Bridge Trail State Park under the glow of the moon during this ranger-led evening hike. The walk begins at High Bridge Station, the park's visitor center, and follows the full length of the historic High Bridge. As moonlight casts a silvery glow over the Appomattox River Valley, you’ll discover the bridge’s fascinating history and surrounding natural landscape in a whole new light.
July 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2025.3-4 p.m.
James River State Park
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.
July 19, 2025. 6-10 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Pocahontas Premieres once again is having its Mini Bluegrass Festival. This 2025 concert brings back some performers from the past as well as some new groups performing for the first time at Pocahontas State Park.
July 20, 2025. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Sweet Run State Park
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Virginia Master Naturalist Anne Ellis at the Sweet Run State Park for a leisurely walk in search of butterflies. We will explore the meadows and the pollinator plantings. This is an excellent opportunity to learn to identify some of the 50+ species we see in summer.
July 26, 2025. 1-1:30 p.m.
Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland State Park invites you to learn about the different fossil types that you can find here along the shoreline, and why, as you create your very own shark tooth necklace keepsake. All resources are provided for this program including shark teeth.
July 4th Events
July 4, 2025. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
The Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, leaving ties to the English crown in ruin and the North American colonies in an open state of rebellion. Join Captain Martin as he examines his copy of the declaration and determines how the actions of those in Congress will impact the lives of those settled on the frontier.
July 3, 2025. 8-10 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
You are invited to celebrate Independence Day away from the hustle and bustle and under the peaceful night skies of the park. The park's open meadows make an ideal place to view Goochland County's fireworks show from a distance, especially for folks with audio sensitivities or mobility impairments. Bring your camp chairs, blankets, and snacks to get comfy to watch the fireworks from afar!
July 4, 2025. 1-2 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Do you have a bike and want to celebrate the birth of our nation? If you do, bring your bike to Burson Campground and we will supply decorations to make it red, white, and blue to show of your national pride. Then we will parade around the campground to celebrate the 4th of July with lots of noise and excitement.
July 4, 2025. 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Matural Tunnel State Park
Celebrate the Fourth of July by decorating your bike with red, white, and blue decorations. Once everyone’s bikes are decked out in patriotic flair, a ranger-led bike parade will ride throughout the campgrounds.
July 4, 2025. 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Machicomoco State Park
Join our rangers for a Fourth of July campfire. Learn how to start a fire with various methods, and feel free to bring marshmallows, hot dogs, or other campfire treats to cook on it!
July 3, 2025. 10-11:30 a.m.
New River Trail State Park
The cycling route is an out-and-back ride suitable for all skill levels, taking about 1.5 hours to complete. The Fincastle Resolutions, adopted on January 20, 1775, by thirteen elected representatives of Fincastle County in the Colony of Virginia, were a precursor to the Declaration of Independence. This 4th of July, ride through a bit of history.
July 4, 2025. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Kiptopeke State Park
Join us for a celebration at our picnic area from 10am-2pm. Visit our Nature Nook to see and touch bones, shells, and furs to learn about the creatures that call Kiptopeke home. Stop by Art in the Park to learn the ancient art of Fish Printing and make a souvenir to take home. Ranger Parker Red Fox will be there to meet everyone and take pictures from 10am until 12pm! Fun for all ages.
