General Park Rules and Regulations
We want your visit with us to be as relaxing and trouble-free as possible. Before you arrive, please become familiar with these few simple facts about Virginia State Parks. Observe the rules and regulations while staying at your park.
Natural surroundings: Help preserve your park. It is illegal to remove, destroy, cut down, scar, mutilate, injure, deface, take or gather in any manner any tree, flower, fern, shrub, rock or plant, historical artifact, or mineral in any park unless a special permit has been obtained for scientific collecting. Edible fruits, berries, fungi or nuts may be collected for personal or individual use only and under certain conditions. Contact the park for further information.
Wastewater, litter and garbage are unsightly, attract and injure animals, and are an environmental hazard. Please use the trash dumpsters if available or pack all trash out in our trash-free parks. The releasing of balloons is not allowed. Decorative balloons must be deflated and disposed of as trash. Portable showers that do not drain to wastewater storage tanks are prohibited by state law. Collected wastewater must be disposed of properly.
May I bring alcoholic beverages? State law permits alcohol use only in private areas (inside a cabin or camping unit) or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings and within 25 feet of their entrances. It is also prohibited in all cabins, lodges and meeting facilities. Smoking is not allowed in snack bars, amphitheaters, pool complexes and all beach areas, even those not designated for swimming. Guests should properly dispose of cigarette butts.
Trails: Help prevent trail erosion. Walk along designated trails only. Mountain bikes are permitted only on roads and bike trails, not hiking trails. Our trails will take you to the most scenic areas of your park. Please don't create your own trail.
Fireworks: Fireworks are prohibited.
Fishing: Where permitted, valid Virginia fishing licenses are required. Remember, saltwater and special trout waters require licenses too. Please call your park in advance for help or details.
Photography: A special use permit is required for commercial photography at parks. This includes photos taken by a professional photographer, where a fee is charged for the photo session or photography taken to be used in marketing materials or to sell.
Speed Limits: Interior park roads are generally posted at 25 mph or lower. Helmets are required when operating motorcycles.
Metal detectors: Metal detectors may be used only on designated man-made beaches and only with a DCR special use permit. Such a permit may be obtained from the park's manager. Virginia State Parks have small man-made lakes at Bear Creek Lake (Cumberland County), Douthat (Clifton Forge), Fairy Stone (Patrick County), Holliday Lake (Appomattox County), Hungry Mother (Marion), and Twin Lakes (Prince Edward County).
Special Use Permits for Events: In order to host any type of individual, family or not for profit event in our parks (weddings, reunions, car shows, sporting events), a special use permit is required. For all commercial activities such as photography, equipment rentals, food trucks, classes, guided hikes or any other enterprise or business activity, a commercial use permit is required. Fees vary depending on the event details. Please contact the park directly to discuss your event and obtain the necessary application.
Golf Carts, Utility Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles: In general, the operation of golf carts, utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles in state parks and natural area preserves is prohibited by law. Park staff and volunteers are allowed to use the vehicles. Here are details.
Drones and other aircraft: Drones, other unmanned aerial vehicles including remote control aircraft, and aircraft in general cannot be flown in state parks pursuant to 4VAC5-30-400. Detailed policy on drones.
Research and collecting: Individuals, educational institutions and research agencies must have a completed and approved Research and Collecting Permit (online application) to research and collect on state park property. DCR does not typically require the permit for unobtrusive observation, but some parks restrict these activities to protect sensitive resources.
Anything illegal elsewhere in Virginia is generally illegal in a state park. Here are some specific park regulations in the Virginia Administrative Code.