Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., now through April 30. Learn more.

Read Our Blogs

2024 Volunteer of the Year Awards

By Amy AtwoodPosted April 23, 2025
Virginia State Parks received 154,000 hours of time from more than 8,000 volunteers in 2024. Every year parks have the opportunity to nominate volunteers for the annual Volunteer of the Year awards.
Friends of Caledon State Park

Mother and daughter become Virginia Master Hikers and Master Naturalists together in 1 year

By Guest BloggerPosted April 22, 2025
Kelly and her daughter decided to take on Trail Quest with a goal of completing it in one year. Along the way they decided to both become Master Naturalists, too. Learn about their adventurous year, how they planned it out and her recommendations.
Left: Mother and daughter pose with their Master Hiker certificates after completing Trail Quest. Right: Daughter lays in between all their trail maps and car tags from park visits.

Douthat’s Lakeview Camp Store & Grill: A one-stop shop with a view

By Starr AndersonPosted April 21, 2025
Longtime visitors to Douthat may remember the Lakeview Restaurant. It offered guests home-cooked meals and beautiful views. The restaurant may look a little different today, but it still serves delicious meals with a gorgeous view.
Lakeview Camp Store & Grill

Protecting Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks from light pollution

By Starr AndersonPosted April 21, 2025
Virginia is home to five International Dark Sky Parks, four of which are state parks. They earned their designations from DarkSky International for their exceptional quality of starry nights. However, light pollution is a growing concern.
James River State Park

Aiming to learn or sharpen a fun skill? Archery at Virginia State Parks

By Christen McKeyPosted April 16, 2025
Virginia State Parks offer a variety of options for learning and practicing archery. Whether you are interested in just taking a shot at it or looking for a group to join, check out these parks that hit the bull’s-eye with opportunities.
Archery fun at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Celebrating Daniel Boone’s trailblazing journey at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted April 14, 2025
This spring, history enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Daniel Boone's journey through the Appalachian frontier.
Ceremonial axe forged and hafted by staff and volunteers at Wilderness Road State Park 

Spend Virginia Screen-Free Week at Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted April 11, 2025
Virginia Screen-Free Week, occurring from April 13-19, 2025, encourages individuals and families to unplug from screens and explore Virginia's state parks.
Family hiking at Sky Meadows State Park

Join Sky Meadows for an evening of Stars & Guitars to celebrate Earth Day and Astronomy Month

By Laura SchliesskePosted April 09, 2025
Join Sky Meadows for the inaugural Stars & Guitars event on Saturday, April 19. What better way to celebrate Earth Day and Global Astronomy Month than an evening of music under the stars surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors?
Dark Sky at Sky Meadows

Exploring the new additions to New River Trail State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted April 07, 2025
New River Trail State Park has expanded its offerings with two exciting new features: the Ivanhoe Birding Trail and the Foster Falls Self-Guided Tour.
Ivahoe Birding Trail

5 must-hike trails to overlooks at Sky Meadow State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted April 04, 2025
Sky Meadows State Park is known for its panoramic vistas of the surrounding pastoral landscape and offers several hiking trails that take you to some of these famous overlooks.
Sky Meadows


Older posts →

By Park