Compiling a list of the best Virginia State Parks is challenging, as they’re all worth visiting. With access to Virginia’s major waterways, the Appalachian mountains, the Blue Ridge mountains, and many important historical sites, visiting them all is worth it!
However, some stand out more than others, thanks to the interesting landmarks, beautiful beaches, Atlantic Ocean swimming opportunities, and lakeside camping sites.
Hot Tip: If you plan to visit multiple Virginia state parks, you can save some cash by purchasing an annual pass – it’s $85 and will give you parking and admission to all parks for one year. Visiting every state park once will cost approximately $250 per person, so it’s a great saving!
Most Popular and Beautiful State Parks in Virginia
We’ve rounded up the 16 best state parks in Virginia. Virginia is known for its natural beauty, which you’ll be able to explore when visiting these wonderful parks. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, you’re bound to find a park that piques your interest.
If you’re looking for great hiking trails, rivers, and lakes for kayaking or canoeing, camping sites, picnic areas, majestic mountains, or even a day at the beach, you’ll find a state park to meet all your desires.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park is perfect for those who love adventure and the wilderness. With Appalachian Trail access, bouldering, fly fishing, and a wide variety of hiking trails, you’re guaranteed an amazing time here.
The Grayson Highlands has an elevation of 5000 feet, giving you stunning views of the surrounding mountains from above the treeline. While exploring this beautiful state park, you’ll likely be able to spot some very photogenic wild ponies that stay in the area.
Entrance Fees: $7 – $10 per person
Accommodation Options: Campsites, Bunkhouse, Yurts
Opening Hours:
- Park: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Park Office: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Visitor Center: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Additional Useful Info: There is an annual fall festival in late September, and the park has an additional entrance fee for the festival weekend.
Hungry Mother State Park
One of the most popular Virginia State Parks, Hungry Mother State Park, is known for its beautiful lake, lush woodlands, and sandy beaches. They also have a fishing pier that is universally accessible.
You can rent a variety of boats to explore the lake, or you can hike or bike through the woods. There are also plenty of accommodation options, a great visitors center, and a restaurant.
Entrance Fees: $7 per person
Accommodation Options: Cabins, Lodges, Yurts, Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Discovery Center: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. through Labor Day.
- Camp Burson office/gift shop: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily through Labor Day.
- Guarded swimming and concession stand- seasonal:
- 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (weekdays)
- 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (weekends & holidays)
- Boat rentals – seasonal:
- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weekdays)
- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (weekends & holidays)
Additional Important Info: The lodge and all the cabins have a 1-week minimum stay during the summer.
High Bridge Trail State Park
High Bridge Trail State Park is named after the majestic High Bridge, an old rail bed that is 2400 feet long and 125 feet high, with the Appomattox River flowing beneath. The terrain is mainly flat and is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The full length of the High Bridge trail is 31 miles.
Entrance Fees: $5 per person
Accommodation Options: None – there are options available at nearby state parks.
Opening Hours:
- Park: Sunrise – Sunset
- Parking:
- River Road and Camp Paradise: 8 a.m.
- Others: Sunrise
Additional Important Info: There is no drinking water available in the park, so be sure to pack your own.
Pocahontas State Park
The biggest Virginia State Park, Pocahontas State Park, covers a whopping 7950 acres. From hiking to horseback riding, and picnics to music concerts, this state park has plenty to offer and is one of the best spots for camping near Richmond, Virginia.
The two lakes are great fishing spots and are also great for wildlife spotting. They’re also fantastic for a cooling swim in the summer months. A variety of accommodations, including some great camping sites, are available.
Entrance Fees: $7 – $10 per person
Accommodation Options: Cabins, Lodges, Yurts, Camping Cabin, Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: 7:30 a.m. – dusk
- Visitor Center:
- Monday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday – Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- CCC Museum:
- Friday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Camp Store:
- Monday – Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Park Office: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Boat rentals:
- Monday – Friday: Closed
- Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additional Important Info: Pocahontas State Park is a great base camp for exploring the historical attractions in the area.
Westmoreland State Park
Situated in Westmoreland County, Westmoreland State Park runs along the Potomac river for 1.5 miles. It comprises 1299 acres with a variety of mountains, woodland, and rivers and is perfect for hiking and camping as well as a variety of other activities. The park borders the homes of two previous US presidents – George Washington and Robert E. Lee.
Entrance Fees: $7 – $10 per person
Accommodation Options: Cabins, Lodges, Camping Cabin, Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: dawn to dusk.
- Park office & visitor center: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon. – Fri.
Belle Isle State Park
Belle Isle State Park comprises 892 acres, with various upland forests, tidal wetlands, and agricultural fields. It covers 7 miles of Northern Neck’s Rappahannock River shoreline and has access to both Deep creek and Mulberry creek.
Not only is Bell Isle great for a variety of activities, such as hiking and horseriding, but it is also a birder’s paradise. You’ll be able to spot ospreys, bald eagles, and blue herons, amongst others. There is also a wide range of wildlife present in the park.
This stunning park is also very accessible – with boardwalks and playgrounds on offer, as well as picnic spots. You can also overnight here, in any of their lovely lodges, or choose a cabin or camping site instead.
Entrance Fees: $5
Accommodation Options: Campsites, Bunkhouse, Lodges
Opening Hours:
- Park: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Visitor Center/Park Office: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Camp Store: Wednesday – Monday from 9 a.m. (closed on Tuesdays)
Additional Important Info: Inquire at the Park Office about their wedding venue options.
Kiptopeke State Park
If you’d like to explore the same region that Captain John Smith did in 1608, then visiting Kiptopeke State Park on the state’s Eastern Shore is highly recommended. This park is also a great place to visit if you’d like to observe the unique migratory habits of the birds using the Atlantic Flyway.
You can enjoy 5 miles of hiking and biking trails within the park and swim in the Chesapeake Bay. You can also go fishing, crabbing, or kayaking in the bay. There is also a boat launch for fishing boats.
Entrance Fees: $7 per person
Pier rates: $5 for adults and $3 for kids.
Accommodation Options: Cabins, Lodges, Yurts, Bunkhouse, Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Pier: 24 hours a day April 1 – December 31.
- Park office: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The Camp Store: Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The Big Water Visitor Center: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additional Important Info: Dogs are allowed on some beaches here, provided they are on a 6 ft max leash.
First Landing State Park
Located in North Virginia Beach on Cape Henry, First Landing State Park consists of 2888 acres of beach, swamps, forest, and salt marsh. You can enjoy swimming, boating, biking, hiking, or a picnic while fishing in the bay. This is also one of the best spots for camping in Virginia beach if you’d like to stay overnight in a tent, camper, or cabin.
Entrance Fees: $7 -$10
Accommodation Options: Cabins, Yurts, Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: 7 a.m. to dusk
- The Office/Visitor Center for overnight check-in:
- Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to midnight
- Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- The Trail Center: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
False Cape State Park
With a diverse selection of wildlife, as well as 300 plus species of birds, False Cape State Park is one Virginia State Park that can’t be missed. It is host to a wide variety of terrain, from forest to unspoiled beaches, salt marshes to farm fields, as well as wooded swamps and sand dunes. During the summer season, you can enjoy a tram ride into the center of the park.
Entrance Fees: Free
Accommodation Options: Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: sunrise to sunset
- Visitor center: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
When visiting Virginia State Parks, you can’t miss the Unique Natural Tunnel State Park. This tunnel was carved out of limestone over millennia, is more than 850 feet in length, and is higher than a 10-story building. It also features a wide chasm surrounded by a number of stone pinnacles.
The park also features picnic areas, a visitor center, a historical blockhouse, and even a chair lift to take you to the tunnel’s floor. You can also enjoy canoe trips and cave tours along the Clinch River.
Entrance Fees: $5 per person
Accommodation Options: Cabins, Lodges, Yurts, Cabins
Opening Hours:
- Park: 8 a.m. – dusk.
- Park office: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
- Visitor Center:
- Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The Chairlift: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center: Friday – Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The Blockhouse: Saturday & Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cove Ridge Center: by appointment only.
Lake Anna State Park
Another of the most popular Virginia State Parks, Lake Anna State Park, has a child-friendly and accessible fishing pond, as well as a beach with swimming access to the much-loved Lake Anna. There are also boat launch facilities, picnic spots, and hiking trails.
To learn more about the area’s gold mining history as well as the park’s natural features, be sure to pop in at the visitor center and have a look at their exhibitions.
Entrance Fees: $7 – $10
Accommodation Options: Cabins, Lodges, Yurts, Camping Cabin, Bunkhouse, Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: 7 a.m. to dusk.
- Park office: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Situated on one of Virginia’s major waterways, the Shenandoah River’s South Fork, Shenandoah River State Park comprises more than 1,600 acres. The park runs along a 5.2-mile shoreline.
Camping, riverside picnics, hiking trails, and river access are just a few of the things visitors can enjoy here. Horseback riding is another option, as well as fishing and canoeing.
Entrance Fees: $10 per person
Accommodation Options: Cabins, Lodges, Yurts, Camping Cabin, Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: 8 a.m. – dusk.
- Park visitor center:
- Mar. 1 – Oct. 31: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Nov. 1 – Feb. 28: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Sky Meadows State Park is unique when compared to the other Virginia State Parks in that it focuses on the historical farming techniques that were used to shape its unique landscape. One thousand eight hundred sixty acres in size, this park offers stunning views and features woodland and colonial pastureland.
Not only can you hike, fish and camp at Sky Meadows, but it is one of the few state parks that offers history and nature programs year-round. It’s a great spot for learning about America’s history, as well as exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Entrance Fees: $10
Accommodation Options: Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: 8 a.m. – dusk.
- The Visitor Center/Gift Shop:
- Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Park office: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Additional Important Info: The educational Sensory Explorers’ Trail is suitable for people of all ages and abilities and is 03 miles long.
Occoneechee State Park
Located alongside the 48 000-acre Buggs Island Lake, Occoneechee State Park is perfect for hunting, hiking, fishing, boating, and horseback riding. There are a number of campsites available, for both tents and RVs. Some are right on the shoreline, so you’ll be able to fish from your tent!
Occoneechee also has a number of cabins available for those who prefer their creature comforts. They have wonderful views of the lake.
Entrance Fees: $7 per person
Accommodation Options: Cabins, Lodges, Yurts, Bunkhouse, Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: 8 a.m.–dusk
- Visitor Center: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Douthat State Park
One of the country’s oldest parks, Douthat, has been a family park for over 70 years and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places due to its influence on state park development nationally.
Douthat State Park has some of the most breathtaking scenery out of all the Virginia State Parks and offers a sandy beach with swimming opportunities, a 50-acre lake with trout, plenty of stream fishing, as well as 40+ miles of biking and hiking trails.
Visitors can stay at the campsites, lodges, or cabins and make use of the picnic areas, playgrounds, and restaurants.
Entrance Fees: $7 per person
Accommodation Options: Cabins, Lodges, Camping
Opening Hours:
- Park: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Park office:
- 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday
- 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday & Saturday
- Camp store: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- The Lakeview Camp Store Grill:
- Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
This phenomenal park was owned by Thomas Jefferson and, like Douthat Park, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is famous for the Natural Bridge that was formed by carving out of a limestone gorge by Cedar Creek. The Natural Bridge is 215 feet tall.
However, the bridge is not all that this park has to offer. Like many Virginia State Parks, Natural Bridge State Park features majestic mountain views, lush forests as well as extensive meadows.
This Virginia State Park is a great spot for children, as there are many opportunities to teach them about the local natural history as well as various scientific processes. There are also a number of playgrounds as well as educational programs on offer.
Entrance Fees: $6 – $9 per person
Accommodation Options: None
Opening Hours:
- Park: 9 a.m. – dusk, weather permitting.
- Visitor Center: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Trail Store: 9 a.m. – dusk.
- Base Camp: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on weekends & Holiday Mondays.
Virginia State Park FAQs
What is the most visited Virginia State Park?
Out of all the Virginia State Parks, First Landing is the most visited. This park is centered around the place where the English colonists first landed in 1607.
How many Virginia State Parks are there?
There are 41 State Parks in Virginia. They feature a wide range of activities and landmarks – from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Many of them wind along Virginia’s major waterways, with history tours, hiking trails, fishing spots, and boating opportunities.
What are the six original Virginia State Parks?
Douthat, First Landing, Fairy Stone, Staunton River, Hungry Mother, and Westmoreland are the six original Virginia State Parks and are also some of the most popular.
Are Virginia State Parks free?
The Virginia State Parks are, for the most part, not free, unfortunately. However, the entry fee is often not more than $10.