What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
June
Happy Great Outdoors Month! June is the perfect time to explore Virginia State Parks. Kick off the month with purpose by joining us for Trails Day/Clean the Bay Day on June 7. Don't miss the chance to celebrate Virginia State Parks' 89th anniversary on June 14 during History and Culture Day. Additionally, we will have programs to commemorate Juneteenth at various parks. There are so many activities planned for this month. Check out the details below. We look forward to seeing you in the great outdoors!
Events sampler:
June 7, 2025
Multiple parks
Celebrate with us by doing your part to help keep our park trails clear of litter and invasive species.
June 7, 2025
Multiple parks
Sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, this day is an ongoing effort to create a clean and healthy Chesapeake Bay.
June 5, 2025. 7:30-9 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Join us for an evening exploring the diversity of Virginia's native nocturnal wildlife.
Erin Shibley, Program Coordinator with the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, will present an interactive program about the behavior and ecological benefits of bats and other nocturnal animals.
June 8, 2025. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Find your muse at Caledon as you draw, paint, or photograph the world around you. Join the Fredericksburg Center for Creative Arts at Caledon State Park for a truly unique artistic experience.
Wild Cave Tours at Pannell Cave and Bolling Cave
June 1, 6, 7, 15, 21, & 29, 2025.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Have you ever wondered what lies under your feet? At Pannell Cave experience unique rock formations such as stalactites and stalagmites and walk the rim of a waterfall. We will visit, but not disturb, the homes of cave critters such as salamanders, crickets, and snails. At Bolling Cave we'll get down and dirty to view the archive room, stalactites and columns.
June 14, 2025. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
York River State Park
From the Colonial Era thru today, black watermen have been a part of the Chesapeake Bay seafood industry in all levels. Discover the communities built on harvesting fish and shellfish giving African Americans financial freedom even in the Jim Crow years.
June 14, 2025. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
Please join us for a very special afternoon with Carl “Gump” Blair and Gene Dunford. Gene and Carl have a fascinating connection to the Austinville area and will provide a personal account of their experience working in the mines and the mining operations, as well as a view into their family ties to the area. They are very knowledgeable and gifted storytellers; you won’t want to miss out on this unique program.
June 14-15, 2025.
James River State Park
Experience life in the early 19th century with live music, blacksmiths, cooking, period camp, boats, and much more. This event will focus on two important parts of history from this area that had a profound influence on transportation and music in America: “batteaux and banjos.”
June 15, 2025. 3-6 p.m.
Green Pastures Recreation Area
Join us in celebrating 85 years of history, community, and resilience at Green Pastures. Enjoy a lively afternoon featuring performances by local musicians, a reading of a children’s book about Green Pastures, and a demonstration of historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) tools in action.
June 20-21, 2025. 7-11 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Look down from High Bridge and witness the spectacle of a galaxy of starry fireflies flashing in tree tops in the Appomattox River Valley below. (Tickets must be bought in advance and are limited.)
June 21, 2025. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
In observance of the 161st anniversary of the battle here at Staunton River Battlefield State Park, several programs will be set up just outside of the Clover Visitor Center. These include a showcase of weapons and equipment used, a presentation on medicinal plants and a Civil War camp scene.
June 28, 2025. 6-10 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Take a lantern lit chairlift ride down to the naturally made tunnel. Visit one of Scott County's oldest buildings, the Carter Cabin. Once there, listen to stories about the Wilderness Trail given by the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association. Head out to the mouth of the tunnel to view the sheer limestone rock walls at night. Entertainment will get your toes tappin' and your hands clappin'.
June 28-29, 2025.
Sky Meadows State Park
Your annual family favorite camping experience is back! Don't miss your chance to camp out in the beautiful Historic Mount Bleak backyard. See all that Sky Meadows has to offer through activities beginning at noon on Saturday and running until noon on Sunday.
- Father's Day events - bring dad to a park to enjoy this day.
- Nature and Outdoor focused events - nature hikes, bird identification, owl prowls and more
- Arts and Crafts events
