Great Parks to Spend Spring Days in Virginia

Are you ready for an adventure in Virginia's State Parks? Get ready to explore the natural beauty that awaits you!

Whether you're into fishing, nature trails, or interactive programs, there's something for every nature lover. But for those seeking a true connection with nature and history, camping awaits in Virginia's State Parks.

Discover Virginia's hidden gem — a state park system boasting 40 breathtaking parks, managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Don't miss out on these natural wonders, often overshadowed by national parks.

Virginia's State Parks offer endless adventures for those seeking an escape. With more than 500 miles of trails, visitors can explore cozy cabins or rugged campsites. Experience rich history and culture, indulge in festive celebrations and nature programs, and shop for unique souvenirs. Sandy beaches and picturesque picnic shelters are available for those who prefer relaxation or dining. Virginia's State Parks provide the ultimate outdoor getaway in the United States whether you're going for spring break, or hosting a special event, any of these will become your favorite park.

VA State Parks Near D.C.

Also, explore the state parks surrounding Washington, D.C. for an ultimate outdoor adventure. These parks offer serene forests in Northern Virginia and hidden gems worth discovering. Make sure to include them in your itinerary.

Witness the beauty of nature and escape the busy city life at Mason Neck, False Cape State Park, First Landing, and Grayson Highlands. Plan a day trip, weekend getaway, or week-long vacation to experience the adventure you've been craving.

Mason Neck State Park

See the natural features and lesser-known gems of Mason Neck State Park at 7301 High Point Road in Lorton, VA an undiscovered location.

Traveling from Washington D.C. will take you 30 miles to your destination, which can be reached in approximately 45 minutes by car.

Mason Neck State Park, located less than an hour away from the nation's capital, provides an abundance of activities for a pleasant day trip away from the city's commotion.

Check out the nine miles of hiking and multi-use trails, including elevated boardwalks, that provide stunning views of the marsh and its waterfowl for a day filled with adventure.

Visitors can rent or unload bikes or kayaks to explore the beautiful surroundings and keep an eye out for bald eagles during their adventure.

Also, experience boating and fishing activities for entertainment and enjoyment. From April to October, visitors can rent canoes and kayaks at the visitor center. The public boat launch is open to individuals who have their watercraft, but note the park does not have any trailer boat ramps available.

You may obtain a fishing license from either MD or VA and catch your meal from the bay and creek waters, producing a satisfying and delicious catch of the day.

The Mason Neck State Park Visitor Center also provides relief from the summer heat and offers opportunities for exploration and adventure. Visitors can participate in guided canoe trips or view interactive exhibits showcasing natural habitats. Additionally, a small gift shop is available for souvenir purchases.

Leesylvania State Park

The location can be found at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge, VA serving as a gateway to adventure. Located just 30 miles and a 45-minute drive from Washington, D.C., is this hidden spot

Near Washington, D.C., Leesylvania State Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat along the scenic tidal shores of the Potomac River.

Here see five exciting trails along the Potomac River for a beautiful experience. Take in breathtaking views from scenic overlooks on the trails. Visit the historic Freestone Point to see remnants of a Confederate gun battery from the Civil War. Immerse yourself in nature's wonders by spending time in this stunning park.

The fitness trail consists of 20 stations that aim to test your physical strength and endurance.

Fishing enthusiasts can cast off the 300-foot pier or launch their boat with a freshwater fishing license. The park is abundant with largemouth bass, perch, and catfish. Sailboat rentals are also available for those without a boat, allowing you to fish as you sail on the shimmering waters.

Discover a world of possibilities at the park from the visitor center to the playground, from the snack bar to the picture-perfect picnic areas, it offers everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. And for the ultimate thrill-seekers, the four basic camping sites are only accessible by kayak or canoe, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience you won't find anywhere else.

Sky Meadows State Park

Explore this lesser-known location located at 11012 Edmonds Lane in the charming town of Delaplane, VA. Sky Meadows, State Park is close to Washington, D.C. and only 60 miles away, and can be reached in just over an hour.

Get ready to be enchanted by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains at Sky Meadows State Park, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and discover the hidden areas of the Mount Bleak Farm House.

Sky Meadows is a 1,860-acre park with 22 miles of hiking trails, 10 miles of horseback riding trails, and nine miles of biking trails. It's a great spot for Appalachian Trail beginners and experts alike. Get ready to start your adventure with a hike, horseback ride, or bike ride. Lace-up your boots and let's go!

In addition to other amenities, the park provides an area for fishing and designated picnic tables for visitors.

The Hadow Trail offers an opportunity to explore the wilderness and stay at primitive campsites near the parking lot. Enjoy a night under the stars and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. It's a memorable overnight experience in nature.

Shenandoah River State Park

This park is at 350 Daughter of Stars Drive in Bentonville, VA, and is a potential place for you to explore this spring.

And Washington, D.C. is located 78 miles away and Shenandoah River State Park can be reached by a 90-minute drive.

The park is situated on 1,600 acres along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. It has over five miles of shoreline and offers a stunning view of Massanutten Mountain and Shenandoah National Park.

The Shenandoah River offers various activities for visitors, including floating, wading, fishing, and launching canoes or kayaks from nearby car-top launch sites. Additionally, there are 24 miles of scenic trails available for exploration. However, swimming is not allowed. You can also camp at Shenandoah River State Park.

There's a variety of accommodations for visitors, including tent sites, campsites with hookups, yurts, camping cabins, and year-round cabins with multiple bedrooms. Visitors can enjoy a day of adventure followed by a peaceful evening by the river and a delicious meal.

Seven Bends State Park

Visit this park at 2111 South Hollingsworth Road, Woodstock, VA which is a true treasure trove of fun. This hidden gem offers an exciting adventure and is a great destination for your next outing.

By traveling 100 miles from Washington, D.C., you can reach your destination in under 2 hours.

Seven Bends State Park is a day-use-only park located on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. It has two boat launches suitable for kayaking, canoeing, or floating down the river on inner tubes.

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful river drift followed by an adventurous eight-mile hike or bike ride on the beautiful trails for a perfect day.

The Talus Trail is a hiking path that links to the Massanutten Trail in the George Washington-Jefferson National Forest, offering a picturesque outdoor adventure.

The Shenandoah River section is a viable spot for catching smallmouth bass on the East Coast. It can be accessed from the river or boat and requires a valid VA freshwater fishing license.

The park includes picnic tables, a picnic shelter, and restrooms.

Muse Vineyards is situated close to the state park, which makes it a practical location for wine tasting and light refreshments if you did not bring your food.

Widewater State Park

This fun park is at 101 Widewater State Park Road in Stafford, VA, and is approximately 45 miles from Washington, D.C., and can be reached in around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Widewater State Park offers launch areas and boat rentals for those interested in canoeing or kayaking through Aquia Creek, Long Pond, or the tidal Potomac River. The rentals available are stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes.

Visitors have access to a playground, picnic area, visitors' center, and two-mile-long hiking trails for those who prefer to stay on land.

The Long Pond Trail and Holly Marsh Trail are two hiking routes available, with different features such as looping around the visitors' center and providing views of the Potomac.

Campsites designed for individuals who arrive by canoe and set up tents are offered.

Caledon State Park

Located at 11617 Caledon Road in King George, VA escape the chaos of city life and immerse yourself in the captivating wilderness of Caledon State Park. Just 60 miles from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C., this natural wonderland boasts an enchanting ancient forest and is a haven for avid bird watchers and majestic Bald Eagles alike. Get lost in the splendor of Mother Nature and discover the hidden gem that is Caledon State Park.

The park offers 14 trails for visitors to discover the marshes and woodlands. Among these trails, the "Hole Trail" is popular, stretching for two miles and leading to the Potomac River.

Explore the park's lush greenery with a picnic and get up close and personal with majestic Bald Eagles at the visitors' center's fascinating exhibits.

Stuart's Wharf offers six primitive campsites that can be reached by hiking or paddling. The campsites are located three miles from the visitors' center.

Ready to reel in some big catches? The park's pier and offshore breakwaters offer year-round fishing, with bass, crappies, and catfish just waiting to be caught at Rock Spring Pond (just don't forget your freshwater license!). And if you're feeling adventurous enough to take on the mighty Potomac, make sure to snag a saltwater license first. It's time to cast your line and make some memories!

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the park provides rental options for standup paddleboards, kayaks, and paddleboats, as well as access to the boat ramp for those with boats.

Dive into the Olympic-sized pool or sunbathe on the sandy beach and for the adventurous souls, take a stroll along the Potomac River and discover hidden fossils that unveil the secrets of American history.

In addition to American Bald Eagles see Great Blue Herons, and ospreys at the park, and don't miss Horsehead Cliffs with its amazing view of the Potomac River.

This park offers the option to rent a cabin or a site at the campground for visitors interested in enjoying recreational activities. The campground is open from March's first Friday to December's first Monday.

The available accommodations include 133 campsites with various hookups, 23 efficiencies and cabins of varying sizes, and a retreat center.

Lake Anna State Park

Lake Anna State Park in Virginia offers various outdoor activities including relaxing on the beach, fishing, biking, horseback riding and hiking on 15 miles of trails. The park has 11 trails, eight of which are rated as easy.

The beach at Lake Anna offers public amenities including lifeguards, a bathhouse, and a snack bar. These amenities are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day during the summer.

The visitors' center is a popular spot for families and offers various programs. Visitors can learn about gold mining and arrange a guided tour of the Goodwin Gold Mine.

Fishing is permitted from the banks or public boat ramp, with Largemouth bass, bream, and crappie being commonly caught at the lake. A Virginia fishing license is mandatory.

Visitors have the option to reserve accommodations at the 46 campsites, six-bedroom lodges, two-bedroom cabins, bunkhouses, or yurts for a night or two.

Experience the ultimate camping getaway with stunning water views available at select cabins, and for added convenience, electric and water hookups are also offered at some of the campsites.

Pocahontas State Park

Located in Chesterfield, VA escape to the serene wilderness of Pocahontas State Park, nestled just south of Richmond, where you can reel in a big catch of bass, bluegill, or catfish or soak up the sun while splashing around in the AquaticCenter's refreshing pools and thrilling water slides.

Get ready for an epic adventure at the Nature and Heritage Centers where you can trek through 80 miles of trails on foot or bike, or splash around in the water with a paddleboat, kayak, paddleboard, or rowboat. There's no shortage of aquatic fun to be had.

Step into the ultimate adventure at the Nature and Heritage Centers, where 80 miles of trails await your hiking or biking exploration. Take a break from the action and rent a paddleboat, kayak, paddleboard, or rowboat to soak up some sun on the water. Plus, the amphitheater puts on nature programs and entertainment all summer long. And don't forget to stroll over to the spillway for some truly breathtaking scenery.

There are a total of 129 campsites available with water and electric hookups, as well as four yurts and six cabins that can be reserved. The campground also welcomes your pets for an additional fee.

Chippokes Plantation State Park

Located in Surry, VA Chippokes Plantations is a historical site located across the James River from Historic Jamestowne, dating back to before the Civil War. Mansion tours, garden strolls, and antique plantation equipment viewing are available for visitors at the center.

There are various amenities available during your stay including a swimming pool, beach area, 12 miles of hiking trails, Chippokes Farm, and Forestry Museum. Additionally, the visitor center hosts educational events throughout the season.

Embark on a scenic adventure along the College Run Trail, a 1.2-mile trek that takes you straight to the doorstep of the historic visitors center. But wait, there's more: Cast your line and reel in some fish from either the College Run Creek bridge or the picturesque riverbanks of the freshwater James River.

Chippokes Plantation is a popular camping destination in Virginia with 49 sites offering water and electric hookups, a group site for four tents, and three yurts. It is also a working farm and living history site.

Natural Bridge State Park

Located in Natural Bridge, VA Natural Bridge State Park offers a variety of attractions, including historical significance due to its recent establishment.

The area was surveyed by George Washington and privately owned by various individuals, until 2016 when it was designated a National Historic Landmark and Virginia State Park.

The natural land bridge that towers 215 feet above Cedar Creek is a popular attraction for visitors to the area, but the park also provides additional activities and sights.

The Cedar Creek Trail, which is 8/10 of a mile long, includes a natural bridge that can be passed under while walking.

Also, the Monacan Indian Living History Village is a Native American exhibit in Virginia that offers insight into their way of life. Visitors can explore the garden and listen to interpreters explain how the Monacans created tools, baskets, and pottery. The exhibit is open from April to Thanksgiving weekend.

Discover the rich history of the Monacan tribe at the visitor center's first floor, where a replica wigwam and fascinating information await eager visitors even during the off-season.

Leave the village and get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning 30-foot Lace Falls. Brace yourself for the adventure of a lifetime as you explore over six miles of winding trails, including the enchanting Cedar Creek Trail, and discover a world of natural wonder that will leave you speechless.

Douthat State Park

Located in Millboro, VA, Douthat State Park, in the Allegheny Mountains, is one of Virginia's original state parks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park features picturesque mountain scenery and a 50-acre lake where visitors can participate in popular activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.

In addition to lake activities, visitors can partake in various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding along 40 miles of trails. The interpretive center also offers opportunities to learn about nature, and there are programs available for participation.

Embark on a journey through Allegheny Highland's breathtaking scenery and discover the most photographed spot that will leave you in awe and an 80-foot waterfall nestled beside Highway 220 just outside Covington, VA. But first, prepare to conquer a three-mile hike and witness the majestic Blue Suck Falls and Falling Spring Falls. Trust us, it's worth every step.

The kids will love fishing just downstream of the spillway in the “Kids' Fishing Area.” Be sure to look over the side of the spillway to find all the bullfrogs hiding on the creek banks.

Immerse yourself in nature's beauty at the campground, boasting 87 campsites some even with serene lake views! Bathhouses offer hot showers to refresh you after a long day of exploring. Each campsite is equipped with everything you need for a cozy night under the stars: a grill, fire pit, picnic table, water, and even a lantern post.

Step into nature's embrace without any of the hassle in its 35 cozy cabins and three luxurious lodges offer the perfect getaway for those seeking an outdoor adventure.

First Landing State Park

In Virginia Beach, VA do pay a visit to Virginia's most beloved state park, which over 1 million visitors flock to annually. Nestled on the northeast corner of Virginia Beach lies 2,888 serene acres, boasting 19 miles of trails for hiking and biking, picturesque unguarded beaches, and an educational center brimming with activities to keep you entertained all day long.

Set sail on a thrilling marine expedition right from the mainland and its boat launch area provides easy access to the majestic Chesapeake Bay and the boundless Atlantic Ocean, guaranteeing an unforgettable aquatic odyssey.

Get ready for a jaw-dropping journey through enchanting forests and stunning salt marshes as you step into the 64th Street gateway where the Cape Henry Trail stretches over six miles and the Long Creek Trail boasts five miles of pure, picturesque bliss.

This area of First Landing also has a little beach called “The Narrows.” It is also a terrific place to paddle board since it is usually pretty flat water.

Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the history of English colonists at First Landing State Park. This coastal paradise offers 205 campsites, 20 snug cabins, and four one-of-a-kind yurts, all nestled along 1.25 miles of breathtaking Chesapeake Bay shoreline.

Discover the perfect camping spot for your next adventure with 205 campsites to choose from, some offering electric and water hookups and others providing a true back-to-nature experience, there's something for everyone. Plus, don't miss out on the amazing group sites, perfect for up to three tents!

This is the ultimate outdoor oasis where you can immerse yourself in nature with four charming yurts. Experience the thrill of a fire-lit evening, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the deliciousness of s'mores by the fire ring. Unwind on the lovely deck and relish in the simple joys of life. Just remember, this rustic paradise doesn't come with all the bells and whistles, no water, electricity, or fancy heating/AC systems. But fear not, with ample space for four, you'll have plenty of room to snuggle up and bask in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Cabins are complete with a fully equipped kitchen, cozy fireplace, and modern amenities like AC/heat and a private bathroom with a shower. Just don't forget to pack your linens!

More Virginia State Parks to Explore

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Belle Isle State Park

Breaks Interstate Park

Claytor Lake State Park

Clinch River State Park

Fairy Stone State Park

False Cape State Park

High Bridge Trail State Park

Holliday Lake State Park

Hungry Mother State Park (+ 108-acre reservoir)

James River State Park

Machicomoco State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park

New River Trail State Park

Occoneechee State Park

Powhatan State Park

Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historic State Park

Shot Tower State Park

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

Staunton River State Park

Staunton River Battlefield State Park

Twin Lakes State Park

Wilderness Road State Park

York River State Park

Get Going

As you can see there's plenty to see and do this spring in Virginia's many wonderful state parks to keep you and yours busy. Spring is the perfect time to pay a visit or even consider relocating to this state where so much awaits.

If you're thinking of visiting and/or relocating to the area hire a professional Realtor who can help you with all your needs.

Check out Blog.thedigitalrealtors.com, the Digital Realtors blog where we share everything going on inside the real estate world. And if you're having a hard time finding a Realtor who knows the ins and outs of the market contact Tein Hlwa who can help you find your dream home, building, or whatever you're looking for in the real estate market.

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