Westmoreland State Park Visitor’s Guide

Located on the banks of the lower Potomac River on Virginia’s historical northern neck peninsula lies Westmoreland State Park.

Conveniently located near several major cities, Westmoreland State Park is approximately 2 hours from Washington D.C., 2 hours from Richmond, Virginia, and about 1 and a half hours from the Norfolk/Virginia Beach areas.

Westmoreland State Park offers beautiful views of the water from the horseshoe cliffs and outdoor activities such as birding, hiking, fossil hunting, fishing, and boating.

No matter how you like to spend time outdoors, you can be sure to find something to love about Westmoreland State Park.

Follow along with our visitor’s guide so you can plan your next adventure!

[Want to see more? Explore some of the best Virginia State Parks in our full guide.]

Marshes at Westmoreland State Park

Westmoreland State Park Information

Address: 145 Cliff Road, Montross, VA 22520

Phone: 804-493-8821

Official Park Website

Westmoreland State Park Entrance Fees

Daily parking and entrance fees for both weekends and weekdays are $7. An annual pass can also be obtained, which is valid at all Virginia state parks.

A day use boat launch is also available for $3 per day. Admission and boat launch fees are waived for overnight visitors of the park.

Fees for overnight amenities vary by accommodation, which we’ll break down later in this guide.

Westmoreland State Park Camping & Lodging

If you’re looking for overnight options at Westmoreland state park, this park has plenty of sites. Cabins, campsites, and camper cabins are available at Westmoreland for various nightly rates.

Overnight options must be reserved ahead of time through www.reservevaparks.com or by calling 1-800-933-PARK. Some overnight options may require minimum stays depending on the time of year.

It’s important to note that at the time of this writing, the Potomac River Retreat Lodge is currently closed due to maintenance issues.

Tent & RV Camping

A total of 74 standard campsites, 42 electric and water sites (EW), and 4 group camp sites are available at Westmoreland.

All sites include a fire ring, picnic table, and are within walking distance of campground bathhouses. EW campsites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet and are equipped with 20- or 30-amp current hookups.

Nightly rates for standard campsites are $25, or $35 for EW sites, and $80 for group sites for Virginia residents. Nightly rates are slightly more for Virginia non-residents. Group sites must be reserved by contacting the park office.

Cabins

A total of 26 cabins are available to reserve at Westmoreland State Park. All cabins require a 6-night minimum stay during peak season and include a full kitchen, heat, air conditioning, a full bathroom, and beds. Be aware that linens are not provided.

Cabins at Westmoreland are either one or two bedrooms. One-bedroom cabins are $99 per night and can sleep up to 2 people. Two-bedroom cabins can sleep 4 or 6 people depending on the cabin and are $113 per night.

Camping cabins are also available at Westmoreland State Park for $47 per night. Camping cabins do not have a kitchen, running water, heat, or air conditioning but do have electricity.

Things to do in Westmoreland State Park

The open water that can be explored and the many sights and sounds of nature on the hiking trails make the recreational possibilities limitless at Westmoreland.

Hiking Trails

Seven hiking trails rated as easy or moderate difficulty are accessible from Westmoreland State Park. Expert and beginner hikers alike can enjoy the gentle terrain, views of the Potomac, and a see variety of birds and wildlife.

Only the Conservation Corps Fitness Trail permits biking, all other trails are for foot traffic only. The parks longest trail is the Laurel Point Trail at 1.4 miles with a moderate difficulty rating.

Also popular at Westmoreland State Park is to walk the beaches in search for fossils. Fossilized shark teeth are common in the area and many visitors spend hours looking for a collection they can call their own.

Fishing

Fishing on the Potomac River is available at Westmoreland State Park through bank access, a fishing pier, or by boat using the park’s boat launch.

The boathouse at Westmoreland State Park offers ice, bait and tackle, and kayak and paddleboard rentals as well.

Anglers fishing at Westmoreland can catch saltwater species such as croaker, bluefish, white perch, and striped bass.

A valid Virginia saltwater fishing license is required. For more information on Virginia fishing regulations and licenses, visit https://dwr.virginia.gov

Freshwater fishing at Westmoreland is also available at Rock Springs Pond, but a freshwater fishing license is required. Anglers can expect to catch bass, sunfish, crappie, and catfish at the pond.

History of Westmoreland State Park

Westmoreland State Park has a special place in America’s cultural and conservation history. As one of the original 6 Virginia state parks that opened in 1936, Westmoreland is part of the National Register of Historic Places due to its significance in the creation of the state park system.

In addition, it’s location on the famed Northern Neck Peninsula gives it access to many other significant American historical sites. The birthplace of America’s first president, George Washington, is only minutes from Westmoreland State Park.

Also close by is the birthplace of the infamous civil war general Robert E. Lee, the famed commander of the Confederate forces.

Westmoreland State Park FAQ

What are the amp hookups for RV campsites at Westmoreland State Park?

EW sites at Westmoreland State Park can accommodate 20- or 30-amp electric hookups for RVs and camper trailers. Visit www.reservevaparks.com for complete details on each campsite.

Do campers have to pay the boat launch fee at Westmoreland State Park?

No, anyone with an overnight reservation has access to the boat ramp free of charge for the duration of their stay.

Can you find shark tooth fossils at Westmoreland State Park?

Yes, the beach areas are popular spots for fossil hunting at Westmoreland State Park. Shark tooth fossils are common at the park and surrounding areas.

How far is Westmoreland State Park to the George Washington Birthplace National Monument?

Westmoreland state park is just down the road from the George Washington Birthplace! If you’re planning a visit to Westmoreland, be sure to check out the birthplace of America’s first president, only a few minutes drive away.

Explore Other Virginia State Parks

You’re guaranteed to find a beautiful state park nearby wherever you travel in Virginia.

Pochahontas State Park is one of the top visited state parks in the state and full of easy to moderate, flat hiking trails if you’re near the Richmond area. Grayson Highlands State Park, located in far western Virginia, hosts the highest peak in the entire state and First Landing State Park is a great destination for those near the eastern shore.

You can also find guides to additional Virginia State Parks in our list below.