Guide to Virginia State Parks

Top Virginia State Parks

Belle Isle State Park

Located in Northeastern Virginia, Belle Isle State Park has diverse habitats and wildlife. With about seven miles of riverfront on the Rappahannock River as well as bordering Deep and Mulberry creeks, this is an excellent destination for recreation and wildlife viewing. Belle Isle State Park features tidal and non-tidal wetlands, marshes, upland forests and more. While exploring these diverse habitats, visitors have the opportunity to see blue herons, hawks, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, squirrels and much more.

Chippokes Plantation State Park

This is a fantastic historic working farm, one of the oldest in the country. Located in Surry County along the James River, this park is a fascinating historic and recreational destination. The plantations's boundaries are the same as they were in the 1600s. There are a wide variety of gardens for visitors to explore, including formal gardens around the mansion and more. Visitors can also stop and explore the Chippokes Farm and Forest Museum to learn about the history of the plantation.

Claytor Lake State Park

This Virginia State Park is located on Claytor Lake. The lake is 21 miles long and is a fantastic spot for enjoying water sports, including swimming and more. In addition, visitors can choose from tent sites and rental cabins. Claytor Lake State Park is also a good spot to enjoy hiking trails, nature programs and more.

Douthat State Park

Douthat State Park is one of the original Virginia state park's and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to this park can enjoy the acres of protected land, which are located in both Bath and Alleghany counties. In addition this park is located within the beautiful Alleghany Mountains, which gives it some incredible scenery. Visitors to Douthat State Park can also enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, biking an dome within the park.

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park is one of Virginia's most visited state parks. Located near the Chesapeake Bay, visitors can enjoy many different activities, including swimming, boating, hiking and much more. The park also offers both tent sites, cabins and hook-ups for RVs. Within the park visitors can enjoy the 20 miles of trails, as well as the nature and history programs offered.

Lake Anna State Park

Lake Anna State Park is a great Virginia destination. Visitors to the park can enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities from swimming and boating to hiking. The park even offers programs including panning for gold and gold mine tours. Visitors can enjoy staying in one of the parks cabins, which are fully equipped, with beds, a full kitchen, charcoal grill and more.

New River Trail State Park

This state park is a great Virginia hiking destination. New River Trail State Park is over 50 miles long and follows a former railroad. In addition, the trail also follows the New River for almost 40 miles. The New River Trail State Park is a great destination for hiking, biking, boating, fishing an much more.

Occoneechee State Park

Located on the shores of the John H. Kerr Reservoir, the largest lake in Virginia, Occoneechee State Park is a wonderful spot for enjoying a relaxing outdoor experience. All along the shores of the lake and throughout the park there are hiking trails, which are also great for biking and more. The lake is also great for fishing, boating and enjoying nature. Occoneechee State Park also has a visitor center which gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the region's Native Americans, as well as the beautiful gardens of the Occonneechee Plantation.

Pocahontas State Park

Pocahontas State Park is the largest state park in Virginia. Visitors can enjoy the park's thick forest, offering visitors excellent access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, swimming and much more. There are two lakes within the park, which are wonderful for fishing as well as wildlife viewing. In addition the park is close to Richmond, making it an easy getaway destination.

Sky Meadows State Park

Sky Meadows State Park is a popular destination for night sky viewing, as well as plenty of day time recreation. The park is located on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its relatively remote location helps to limit the light pollution and accentuate the night sky. At Sky Meadows State Park groups come together to host stargazing events. Even astronomers come here to host presentations on the night sky.Visitors have excellent access to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Trail, and is a good spot for hiking, fishing and more.

State Park Guide | Virginia