Virginia State Parks are teeming with fun things to do and a chance to get in touch with nature. Depending on where you go, you may find wildlife, exhibits, or just all the makings for a great family picnic, including grilling on the barbeque.
False Cape State Park
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
This park will set you up with nature. It offers four primitive campgrounds, which means no vehicle access. It's tents only at each of these four locations. They do allow camp stoves, but no open fires. Other park activities include trails for hiking, fishing, hunting, nature programs, events, limited picnic shelter access, and much more. One of the major attractions is a ride on the Terra Gator, which is a huge beach transporter that rides you through a wildlife refuge.
Belle Isle State Park
Location: Lancaster, VA on the Rappahannock River
The park features tidal and non-tidal wetlands and marshes. You can catch sightings of bald eagles, turkeys, reptiles, and other creatures. There are overnight accommodations, but you must call to make reservations first. The Bel Air Overnight Area is a popular place for weddings and other large events. Other activities and scenic attractions include the Bel Air Mansion, the Bel Air Guest House, camping sites, hiking trails, equestrian trails, fishing, canoeing, hunting, and access to many nearby attractions.
Pocahontas State Park
Location: Chesterfield, VA
This park is situated on 7,691 acres and is the center of a wildlife management area. As such, you can expect to see a diversity of creatures. Pocahontas State Park is a great family park. There are so many things to do and see, including:
- Camping sites
- Heritage Amphitheater
- Powhatan Dining Hall
- Swimming
- Hiking, bicycling, and bridle trails
- Fishing on Swift Creek Lake
- Hunting in restricted areas of the park
- Nature and history programs and park events
- Playground areas
- Plus much more
There are many nearby attractions as Pocahontas State Park is located just 20 miles from Richmond, VA. And yes, the park is named after the Indian princess, daughter of Chief Powhatan.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Location: Huddleston, VA
While you can expect this park to offer many water activities, along with a clean 500-foot beach, it is also popular for its family environment and other activities, including hiking, camping, picnicking, and park events. Smith Mountain Lake offers overnight facilities in fully furnished cabins or campground spots. There are four hiking trails, fishing, boating, hunting, festivals, and interpretive programs. They even host a Junior Naturalists program for 6-10 year olds, which focuses on nature with arts and crafts.
Sky Meadows State Park
Location: Delaplane, VA
This park is located close to Washington, D.C., but that is not the big news about this park. Here you will find beautiful rolling hills and green pastures on the east side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Overnight facilities include 12 primitive camping sites year-round with reservations required. There are more than 12 miles of hiking trails available at this park, with access to the Appalachian Trail. Other activities include bridle trails, freshwater fishing, park events and festivals, as well as the famous Delaplane Strawberry Festival held Memorial Day weekend. The Historic Mount Bleak House, built in 1843, is open for guided tours during certain times of the year.
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