SUPERB SUNSETSFalse Cape State ParkTake a wild ride on the TERRA GATOR to view spectacular sunsets over Back Bay in one of the few undeveloped coastal areas.

Kiptopeke State ParkWhile fishing with the kids on the pier, enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Chesapeake Bay.

PURE NATURECaledon Natural Area View one of the largest concentrations of Bald Eagles on the East Coast.

Fairy Stone State ParkThe park is named after a unique crystal. Have fun hunting for the “perfect” fairy stone.

Natural Tunnel State ParkMore than 850 feet long and 10 stories high, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge.

EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES James River State ParkThis gem offers scenic trails overlooking the river, and equestrian visitors can stable their horses and camp.

Grayson Highlands State ParkAt the rooftop of Virginia, the park offers both equestrian camping with stables and scenic trails.

New River Trail State ParkThis 57-mile-long trail parallels the scenic New River, offering a great ride, but also has its own stables with guided trail rides.

FANTASTIC FISHING Leesylvania State ParkThe park has a large modern boat ramp facility on the Potomac and is home to many bass tournaments.

Smith Mountain Lake State ParkThis vacation destination is one of the premier striped bass lakes in the state.

Occoneechee State ParkThis park is a popular place for its campground or cabins overlooking the lake. Enjoy outstanding fishing, boating and water sports.

NATURAL GATHERINGSHungry Mother State ParkThis park is a great place for meetings, weddings and family reunions due to its beautiful res-taurant, Hemlock Haven Confer-ence Center, cabins, camping, and a swimming beach.

Twin Lakes State ParkThis park is home to the Cedar Crest Conference Center, which caters meetings, weddings and family reunions.

Pocahontas State ParkThe park has two large dining halls available to rent for various functions, along with a great campground.

Claytor Lake State ParkThis vacation destination park recently opened the Water’s Edge Meeting Facility and added several more waterfront cabins.

Westmoreland State ParkThis park has it all including, camping, cabins, Olympic sized pool, and the newly renovated Murphy Hall meeting facility on the Potomac River.

Bear Creek Lake State ParkThis park’s new Meeting Hall, includes, a kitchen, fireplace, patio with grill and room for 65 guests.

DISCOVER HISTORYWilderness Road State ParkThe park features the reconstructed Martin’s Station fort, an outdoor living history museum depicting life on Virginia’s 1775 frontier.

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State ParkThe lovely Victorian four-story mansion depicts the exploration and development of Southwest Virginia and Big Stone Gap.

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State ParkNearly a quarter of Robert E. Lee’s retreating army were killed, wounded or captured on April 6, 1865 at this site, leading to Lee’s surrender 72 hours later.

Staunton River Battlefield State ParkThis Civil War site is where a ragtag group of 700 Confederatesand young boys held off an assault of over 5,000 Union cavalry on a strategically important railroad bridge.

TRANQUIL CANOEINGMason Neck State ParkKeep your eyes open for Bald Eagles while canoeing up Kane’s Creek.

Bell Isle State ParkExplore a wide variety of tidal wetlands and over 7 miles of shoreline while canoeing this Northern Neck beauty.

Holliday Lake State ParkJust minutes from where Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, the park’s 150-acre lake is a great place for a quiet paddle.

Shenandoah River State ParkFloat 5.2 miles down one of the most scenic rivers in Virginia and camp at one of 10 riverfront campsites.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHESFirst Landing State ParkEnjoy camping and cabins at this full destination park on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, where the Jamestown settlers first landed in 1607.

Lake Anna State ParkBesides having a well-groomed beach, the park has modern new cabins, camping and the opportunity to strike it rich by panning for gold.

HEAVENLY HIKESHigh Bridge Trail State ParkVirginia’s newest state park will feature more than 30 miles of trails from Burkeville to Pamplin City in central Virginia. The famous High Bridge spans the Appomattox River Valley with breathtaking views.

Sky Meadows State ParkThe park has a hike-in camp area and 14 miles of trails climbing the mountain and connecting with the Appalachian Trail.

Staunton River State ParkSituated at the confluence of the Dan and Staunton Rivers, it offers 11 miles of scenic multi-use trails.

Exciting articles and info for exploring Your Virginia State Parks today!

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Who knows your state parks better than the people who maintain and enjoy them? Here, park staff offer their top destinations for a wealth of recreational activities and natural wonders.

Douthat State Park

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RANGERs’Recommendations

While all our state parks are spectacular, my favorite is Douthat. I go to this mountain park in the winter to stay in one of the original CCC cabins almost every year.

Tom CervenakVirginia State Parks

Grayson Highlands State Park

Wilderness Road State Park

The Best Green GearG E A R

Gear companies are doing their part to preserve natural resources by offering eco-friendly products. Here are just a few of the innovations you can use for your state park adventure.

Solar Lite HybridThis solar-powered flashlight holds a single charge for more than 3 years. It uses a super-bright 1 Watt LED; an 8-hour charge provides 16 hours of burn time. The back-up battery has a 7-year shelf life. And if that’s not cool enough, it’s 100% waterproof. $24.95; www.hybridlite.com

Mountainsmith HikerMade partially from recycled plastic bottles, this daypack is designed with sustainability and essential convenience in mind. The ideal day use pack, the Hiker comes with an air mesh back panel for added comfort. Use this pack for extended day trips and short hikes. $89; www.mountainsmith.com

CleanWell Natural Hand Sanitizers Most hand sanitizers are made with alcohol and petroleum products. Not CleanWell. This nontoxic, natural germ killer is chemical-free, kid safe, biodegradable and kills 99.99% of germs. $2.99 (1oz bottle); www.cleanwelltoday.com

SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier & Solar Charging CaseWhether you’re camping, backpacking, or traveling abroad, a reliable water purifier is a must. SteriPEN is a chemical-free alternative to messy drops and iodine tablets. Best of all, you can charge it using the solar powered case. $149.95 (set); www.steripen.com

Coleman PVC Camp ShowerCompact and lightweight, this 5-gallon bag uses solar energy to heat water for all your washing needs. Convenient features include a strong handle for easy hanging and carrying and a handy on/off valve connected to the shower head. The compact design is great for backpacking. $12.99; www.coleman.com

Klean KanteenMany hard plastic reusable water bottles contain potentially harmful BPA and phthalates that can leach into water or into landfills. Not Klean Kanteen. Made of stainless steel, which is durable, toxin-free and non-leaching, Klean Kanteen is available in various sizes, including a sippy cup style for kids. $17.95; www.kleankanteen.com

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A visit to in Surry, Virginia is a unique experience. The park is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country dating back to 1619. Tour the historic Mansion and its formal gardens of boxwood and crepe myrtle, or visit the Farm and Forestry Museum (open seasonally). Campsites, cabins, and a seasonal Olympic-size pool are available.

in Williamsburg is just a short trip from Chippokes and includes a scenic ride on the car ferry across the James River. Enjoy the pristine beauty by canoe or kayak, take a leisurely hike on one of the many trails, or enjoy a day of fishing at Woodstock Pond, or on the 400 foot salt water fishing pier.

On your way to you’ll pass through the heart of the Historic Triangle comprising Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg. Make time to stop and explore using the Colonial Parkway.

For more roadtrip ideas, visit

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Virginia’s 35 state parks are affordable getaways that offer history, culture, and endless recreation, including: cabins, camping, nature programs, festivals, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and biking. By providing a safe, natural and attractive environment, both Virginia State Parks and you play an essential role in Connecting Children in Nature! Learn more at www.virginiastateparks.gov

connecting Families & nature!

Natural Tunnel State Park Sailor’s Creek Battlefield York River State Park

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