Bear Creek Lake State Park

General Information

Nestled in the heart of the Cumberland State Forest in central Virginia, Bear Creek Lake is less than an hour west of Richmond. It's the perfect getaway for the outdoor enthusiast. Activities center on the 40-acre lake with a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and a swimming beach. Other attractions include a meeting facility, cabins, camping, picnicking, an archery range and playgrounds. Guests also enjoy the park's trails and access to the adjoining 16,000-acre Cumberland State Forest, including the 14-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail, which is available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Note:  Wi-Fi is available year-round in the campground and also available by the cabin area's maintenance building, which has ample parking next to it.

Hours

8 a.m. to dusk.

Location

The park is about 4.5 miles northwest of the town of Cumberland. From U.S. Route 60, go west on Route 622 and south on Route 629 to the park entrance.

Note: Those coming from the west and using GPS may be directed through a gravel-covered section of Oak Hill Rd. through the Cumberland State Forest. They should instead continue on Route 60 East through the Cumberland Courthouse area and then turn left on Trents Mill Rd. (Route 622) to reach the park's main entrance.

Drive Time: Northern Va., three hours; Richmond, one hour; Roanoke, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours

Park Size

329 acres; lake size, 40 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

Camping and cabins. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations and particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Reservations are highly recommended.

During prime season, a day of beach swimming per night's stay is free to overnight guests. (Parks will not refund rental fees should guarded swimming be unavailable.) Read more about swimming in the park's Recreation section.

Click here for details on reservation cancellation and transfer policies.

Visit a photo collection of Bear Creek Lake's overnight accommodations.

Cabins | Lodges | Bunkhouse | Camping

Cabins

Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, all cabins and the lodge are rented for a six-night minimum, beginning on a specified start date that varies by cabin. The six-night requirement is reduced to a required four-night stay three months out and dropped to two nights in the last month before arrival. A two-night minimum stay is required for the rest of the year.  Cabins and the lodge are open year-round and may be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Extra beds are unavailable for these dwellings.

Map of cabin locations

Directions for cabin and lodge guests to registration office: Register at the park office near the campgrounds on Bear Creek Lake Road off Route 629. Those arriving late will find check-in information posted outside the park office door.

From Feb. 15 through April 30, a burn ban is in effect from midnight to 4 p.m. No open fires, including charcoal fires, are allowed until after 4 p.m. unless a camp host is on-site.

During prime season, weekly rental for cabins 6 through 9 starts on Friday, cabins 1 through 5 on Saturday, and for 10 through 13 on Sunday.

• Check-in is 4 p.m., and check-out is 10 a.m.
• Maximum two cars per cabin; additional parking is very limited and may not be available. Guests will find an overflow parking area by the linen building. A parking fee is charged for additional cars. 3 bedroom cabins allow 3 vehicles.
• Each cabin has at least one bathroom.
• Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes,  silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, microwave oven, toaster, manual can opener.
• No linens are provided. Guests must bring sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mat, kitchen towels and cloths.
• Bring food, dish detergent, dish towels, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, body wash/soap,  bath towels, books, board games or cards.
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet when they're not in an enclosed area. Pets are not allowed on the beach. Pets may not be left unattended at any time during your stay.
• A fee is charged per pet per night.
• No smoking in cabins.
• No dishwasher, phone, TV, washer or dryer.
• Wood-burning fireplace. The park provides one bundle of complimentary firewood; extra firewood is available for a nominal fee. Firewood is available in a shed at the entrance to the Acorn Camping Loop. Firewood sales support the Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park. Cash payments are accepted. Credit card payments through a QR code are accepted at the firewood shed.
• Living area: Sofa, dining table, chairs and end tables.
• Bedrooms: Bed(s), nightstands, dresser, closet with hangers, clock radio.
• Heat pumps.
• Each cabin has a picnic table, fire ring and a charcoal pedestal grill.
• Wrap-around deck; open porch with rocking chairs and end tables.
• Out of respect for cabin guests, large gatherings and camping are not allowed in the cabin area.
• 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.
• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m. Visitors are charged daily parking and swimming fees; visitors must park in the area designated by the park.
• Cabins 2, 4, 5, 11 and 12 are waterview.
• Cabin 5 has a queen bed, one set of bunk beds and a full-size pullout couch in the living area.
• Cabin 6 has 15 steps leading to the cabin.
• The 3-bedroom cabins, 9 and 11, have two bathrooms. Cabin 9 has one bathroom with a shower/tub combination and one with an ADA-accessible shower. In cabin 11, the two bathrooms include a shower/tub combination.
• The two-bedroom cabins offer a shower amenity in the bathroom.
• Each cabin and the lodge allows for an electric vehicle to be charged. It is 15 amp service.

Lodges

• Check-in is 4 p.m., and check-out is 10 a.m.
• No bed rentals.
• Maximum occupancy is 16.
• Maximum five cars; additional parking is very limited and may not be available. A parking fee is charged for additional cars. Overflow parking is nearby.
• Six bedrooms, one of which is universally accessible, and three bathrooms, one of which is universally accessible. One universally accessible bath is between the master bedrooms; the other two baths are shared by the four remaining bedrooms.
• Two bedrooms have queen size beds.
• Two bedrooms each have two single beds.
• Two bedrooms have two sets of bunk beds (each room sleeps four).
• Universally accessible: Kitchen, dining area, living room, one bedroom and one bath. The other bedrooms and bathrooms are not universally accessible.
• The lodge has 3 bathrooms. One is universally accessible with a shower. The other two bathrooms offer a shower/tub combination.
• No smoking.
• Kitchen-dining-living area has an open floor plan.
• The kitchen is equipped with an electric range/oven, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, drip coffee maker, pots, pans, dishes and utensils.
• The living area includes a fireplace with gas logs. One bundle of wood is provided free of charge for use in the fire ring. Firewood is available in a shed at the entrance to the Acorn Camping Loop. Firewood sales support the Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park. Cash payments are accepted. Credit card payments through a QR code are accepted at the firewood shed.
• The dining room table seats eight, and there are six other seats at the counter.
• Heated and air-conditioned with a heat pump.
• No linens are provided. Guests must bring sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mat, kitchen towels and cloths.
• One porch on the front; a second porch on the back of the lodge.
• Washer and dryer.
• Limited view of the water from the lodge.
• Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area. They are not allowed on the beach. Pets may not be left unattended at any time.
• A fee is charged per pet per night.
• Large gatherings and camping are not allowed in the cabin area to respect other cabin guests.
• Each cabin and lodge allows for an electric vehicle to be charged. It is 15 amp service.
• 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.

Total sites of each type: two-bedroom frame, 6; two-bedroom frame waterview, 4; three-bedroom frame, 1; three-bedroom frame waterview, 1; Bear Creek Lodge, 1

Site Types:

Two-bedroom frame cabin, maximum capacity six, one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds (room sleeps four); no bed rentals; one bathroom.

Two-bedroom frame waterview cabin, maximum capacity six, one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds (room sleeps four); no bed rentals. Cabin 5, which is universally accessible, has a queen bed, one set of bunk beds and a full-size pullout couch in the living area; one bathroom.

Three-bedroom frame cabin, maximum capacity of eight, one queen bed, two single beds in the second bedroom, two sets of bunk beds (room sleeps four) in the third bedroom; no bed rentals; two bathrooms. This three-bedroom cabin is universally accessible.

Three-bedroom frame waterview cabin, maximum capacity eight, one queen bed, two single beds in the second bedroom, two sets of bunk beds (room sleeps four) in the third bedroom; no bed rentals; two bathrooms.

Bear Creek Lodge (aka The Lakehouse) - six bedrooms, maximum capacity 16, three bathrooms, universally accessible, a queen-size bed in each of the two-bedroom, two single beds in two bedrooms, two sets of bunk beds each in two bedrooms (each room sleeps four); no bed rentals.

Bunkhouse

The park rents a bunkhouse that is next to the group campsite and near Chestnut Loop. The bunkhouse is not a full-service lodge. It has two rooms and seven bunk beds, a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a coffee pot, and heating and air conditioning. The bunkhouse also has a charcoal grill and deck outside. Cooking and smoking are prohibited inside the bunkhouse. Five vehicles are permitted with the rental of the bunkhouse; the daily parking fee must be paid for additional vehicles.

This facility becomes available in January each year; unlike most overnight facilities, it is not sold 11 months in advance. Check-in is 4 p.m., and checkout is 10 a.m. The check-in envelope will be posted outside the park office door beginning at the 4 p.m. check in time.

The transfer deadline and cancellation and pet fees are the same as those for cabins, but there is no week stay requirement; there is a two-night minimum.

• No linens are provided. Guests must bring all linens: sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mat, kitchen towels and cloths.
• Maximum occupancy is 14. Guests are responsible for any damage.
• The minimum stay is two nights.
• It has no bathroom, kitchen or fireplace.
• Bunkhouse guests use the bathhouse in Chestnut Loop, which is about 75 yards away. The bathhouse in Acorn Loop, which is about 200 yards away, is available during shoulder seasons.
• A fee is charged per pet per night.
• Cooking and smoking are not permitted inside.
• Electrical outlets are available but limited to 15-amp service.
• No extra bed rentals are available.
• 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.
• The bunkhouse is next to the park's group campsite, which may be rented by calling the Customer Service Center (800) 933-PARK (7275). Large groups should consider renting the bunkhouse and the group camping area.

Please note: The bunkhouse is not Bear Creek Lodge. The bunkhouse is next to the park's group campsite.

Camping

All campsites at the park allow site-specific reservations.
Chart of the campsites
Campsite Map
Photos of the sites.

Camping is available from the first Friday in March until the first Monday in December.

From Feb. 15 through April 30, a burn ban is in effect from midnight to 4 p.m. Open air fires are prohibited during this time unless a camp host is in residence.

• Check-in is at 4 p.m. Check-out is 1 p.m.
• Sites have metal fire rings that may be used for campfires or as charcoal grills.
• Ice can be purchased at the park office.
• Firewood is for sale at the entrance to the Acorn Camping Loop. Firewood sales support the Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park. Cash payments are accepted. Credit card payments through a QR code are accepted at the firewood shed.
• Two vehicles are allowed per site in addition to a camping unit. Some sites, however, can accommodate only one vehicle. Additional vehicles should be parked at the office parking area adjacent to the campground. The parking fee is charged for more than two vehicles per site.
• Guests visiting campers must park in the parking area and leave by 10 p.m. Daily parking fees apply.
• A campground host is available at most times in site 14 next to the Acorn Loop Campground picnic shelter. A host is also available on site 41 in the Chestnut Loop. The host may also help with firewood and ice sales after the office is closed. 
• Acorn, Black Oak and Chestnut loops have campsite-specific reservations. 
• In Acorn Loop, the only campground by the lake, there are 11 water view tent sites (10' x 10' tent pads) with no electric and water hookups. There are also five sites there that offer no view of the water but they have electric and water hookups to accommodate popups and equipment up to 20 feet long.
• Black Oak Loop has 8 sites with water and electric hookups to accommodate pop-ups and equipment up to 20 feet long, and nine sites with such hookups to accommodate equipment up to 35 feet long. (Note: The 35-foot length includes the combined length of the camper and tow vehicle. Those attempting to place equipment with a combined length exceeding 35 feet risk damaging their equipment).
• Reserve campsites through the Customer Service Center - 800-933-7275 option 5 or online.
• Chestnut Loop has 11 electric and water sites. The campground can accommodate tents and small pop-up units. Three of these sites accommodate equipment up to 35ft (Note: The 35-foot length includes the combined length of the camper and tow vehicle. Those attempting to place equipment with a combined length exceeding 35 feet risk damaging their equipment).
• In the Chestnut Loop, most sites are shaded. Sites 41, 43, 45 and 46 provide no shade.
• Sites 41, 43, 45 and 46 provide no shade.
• Site 43 provides a sewer connection and it is handicap accessible. 
• A campground host is available on site 41.
• The Chestnut loop is open through October 31. 
• Please keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed on the beach. Pets must be attended at all times.
• Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• 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.
• Campers will find a check in car pass including their last name posted by the park office door. Maps are provided designating the campsite location.

Number of each site type: EW - 21; RV35 - 12; Waterview TENT - 11; BC Group Site - 1

EW – Electric-water sites; gravel parking area; can hold various equipment up to 20 feet; accepts outlets 20 and 30-amp current.

RV35 – Electric-water sites; gravel parking area; holds equipment up to 35 feet long; accepts 20 and 30-amp current; all in Black Oak Loop.

Waterview TENT - Tents only. No hookups. Gravel parking area; tent pads and natural surface for setting up a tent.

Total: 48 sites

Group Campsite

The park rents a group campsite that has no hookups and is for tents only. It's near Chestnut Loop and next to the bunkhouse. The site accommodates up to 36 people and is near a restroom. It has six picnic tables, a large pedestal grill and a stone fire pit surrounded by three benches. All equipment must be set up on gravel-covered areas. The campsite is available from April 1 through Oct. 31. Group campsite guests use restrooms in nearby Chestnut Loop and Acorn Loop (about 200 yards away). There is a non-refundable transaction fee plus a cancellation fee when reservations for this site are canceled. The fee for canceling any group site that accommodates more than six people is greater than that for single campsites.

• Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Dogs must be attended to at all times and are not allowed on the beach.
• Sites are primitive; no water or electricity.
• One vehicle is allowed per campsite. No more than 6 vehicles are allowed in the group campsite area. Additional vehicles may be parked at the park office, and a daily parking fee is charged.
• Check-in is at 4 p.m., and check-out is at 1 p.m.
• 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.
• A burn ban is in effect from midnight to 4 p.m. from Feb. 15 to April 30.

Recreation

TRAILS

All trails within the park allow only hiking. The park also provides access to the Willis River Trail, a 16-mile-long trail winding through Cumberland State Forest. Also, the 15.7-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail is available for bicycles, horses and hikers (this trail does not loop back to the park and is located in the state forest). Those interested in riding horses or mountain bikes in the Cumberland State Forest must obtain a State Forest Use Permit; call (804) 492-4121 or visit the state forest department's website for details

SWIMMING

Unguarded swimming is available. Guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.

Please check the “know before you go” on the General Information section for swimming updates prior to your visit.

The swimming beach has restrooms and Lakeside Snack Bar, which offers sandwiches, snacks and drinks. There's seating on a deck there. The snack bar is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The snack bar will close if there is not adequate staffing. Click here for park fees.

FISHING, BOATING

A 40-acre lake supports largemouth bass, crappie, bream and channel catfish. The Willis River, a small, slow tributary of the James, winds through the Cumberland State Forest. Those with a canoe or small boat can enjoy fishing there. Two canoe launches with access to the river are in Cumberland State Forest. A boat ramp at Bear Creek Lake is available for non-gasoline-powered boats. The park also has a universally accessible fishing pier.

Boat rentals are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Rentals will be canceled due to inclement weather or lack of staff. Parental supervision is required for all rentals. 

Canoes, rowboats, trolling motors, paddleboats, paddleboards and kayaks are for rent from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rentals may be canceled due to a lack of staff. Call the park for prices and check the “Know Before You Go” in the General Information section for updates. A valid Virginia fishing license is required for fishing. Those 16 and older must have a license with them. A hardware store in the Cumberland Courthouse area sells licenses, and they are available via the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The park has Wi-Fi.

Those interested in fishing outside of the state park in the Cumberland State Forest lakes, including Arrowhead, Bonbrook, Oak Hill and Winston lakes, must obtain a State Forest Use Permit (in addition to a regular freshwater fishing license). Call 804-492-4121 or visit the state forestry department's website for details.

HORSES

None within the park. There is a trailhead to the 15.7-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail, which is popular for horseback riding. It's a day-use-only trail. Those interested in riding horses there should call 804-492-4121 or visit the state forest department's website for details. Riders are required to carry a copy of a negative Coggins report for each horse brought to the park.

HUNTING

Hunting is allowed in nearby Cumberland State Forest. Call the state forest at (804) 492-4121 for specific dates.

ARCHERY

The park has a 10-lane archery range with excelsior bales and 3D targets. The range, managed by the Bear Creek Lake State Park staff, is open from the first weekend in March through the first weekend in December. Call 804-492-4410 for details.

The range design and layout are representative of ranges developed by the NFAA and the International Bowhunting Organization. The ten-lane range is a combination of paper or mesh targets and 3D targets.  The length of the lanes varies between 25 and 45 yards.  In addition, a sighting-in target is in place with distance markers at 20, 30 and 40 yards. The sighting-in lane is closed when archery classes are in session.

Archery equipment four-hour rentals are available at the park office on a first-come, first-serve basis. Any rentals must be made by 11:30 a.m. of the day the rental takes effect. The rental kit includes a bow, four arrows, a quiver, and an arm protector. The rental includes the use of the archery range. Further details are available at the park office.

Archery instruction sessions, overseen by a USA Archery-certified instructor, are offered regularly to the public.

Most of the equipment used is similar to that used by the National Archery in the Schools Program and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Community Archery program.  
                                              
We are able to assist scout groups in meeting ribbon and badge requirements. Other groups may inquire about a session just for their group.  

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Download (external link for use with Avenza App) the geo-referenced map

Download the geo-referenced map for this park

Nearby Attractions

• Cumberland State Forest
• Monticello
• Ashlawn
• Appomattox Court House
• High Bridge Trail State Park
• Holliday Lake State Park
• James River State Park
• Powhatan State Park
• Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
• Twin Lakes State Park
• Old Town Farmville
• Longwood College Visual Arts Center
• Robert R. Moton School Museum

Picnic Shelters

The park offers lakeside picnicking near the swimming beach. Picnic facilities include drinking water, grills and restrooms. Picnic shelters are available by reservation by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-7275 and selecting option 5. Click here for park fees. Shelters can be rented from 8 a.m. to dusk (all day). The shelter is rented from April 1 through Oct. 31; boat rentals and swimming are available Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rentals will be canceled due to inclement weather or lack of staff. Parking is very limited, so carpooling and early arrival are recommended.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before the reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

• The park rents a 20' x 40' (small) shelter. 40 guests are allowed, and it is 250 feet from the swimming beach, fishing pier and boat rental house. Lakeside Snack Bar and bathhouses are about 350 feet away. The shelter features a large pedestal grill and tables but no electricity. There is a drinking fountain nearby. Generators and amplified music are not allowed. Two commercial "play centers" with swings and a volleyball net are also within walking distance, as are trailheads for hiking and a 15.7-mile multi-use trail. Parking and swimming fees are not included in the shelter rental fee.
• A burn ban is in effect from Feb. 15 to April 30. No open fires, including charcoal in the grill, are allowed until after 4 p.m.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING, CONFERENCE, WEDDING FACILITIES

Bear Creek Meeting Hall

Reserve by calling 1-800-933-7275. It's a great place for weddings. This is a day-use facility.

• Please see the table below for prices.
• Wedding/event package: Two consecutive days' rental (discount)
• Maximum 65 people, 25 cars
• Kitchen: Electric range, refrigerator and freezer, microwave and dishwasher; minimal cookware, utensils, serving containers, flatware or dishware
• Customers who wish to serve alcoholic beverages must first obtain a banquet license from the local ABC office. Call 804-213-4400 for details. This is the customer's responsibility, and the process may take up to a month. A copy of the ABC license must be given to park staff prior to the event. All consumption of alcoholic beverages during such events must take place within the meeting room and on the back patio. Those drinking elsewhere in public areas of the park may be charged with Drinking in Public.
• Caterers must provide a certificate of insurance and a valid health department permit. Park staff can provide a list of caterers. Caterers are charged a commercial user’s parking fee. It is recommended that the group contact the park to pay this fee.
• An online rental Terms of Agreement form must be completed and digitally signed before the date of the event.
• Decorations are permitted but may not be attached to painted surfaces and may not damage the facility in any way. Renters are responsible for damages or any excess cleaning of the facility required after the event.
• Those renting the hall are exempt from parking fees (up to 25 vehicles) so long as they identify themselves as such at the contact station. No more than 25 vehicles are allowed.
• No linens are provided.
• No smoking in the building.
• No pets are allowed in this facility.
• Internet access is available; ask park staff for details
• Equipment available: TV for presentations.
• A podium without amplification is available at no charge.
• A burn ban is in effect from Feb. 15 to April 30. 
• Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31, the rental fee includes a 20 by 40-foot tent that covers the back patio. Outside of that timeframe, the tent can be rented. Please provide park staff with a 30-day notice for the tent rental.
• Bear Creek Hall allows for an electric vehicle to be charged. 15 amp service is available. An extension cord will be needed.
• Rentals from October 15 through December 31: please note that the light show plus scaffolding will be set up on the side of the meeting facility. This requires an early set up for the annual Lights at the Lake event.
• The daily rental for Bear Creek Hall is from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. No early arrivals nor late departures are allowed.

Tables and chairs are available at no additional charge. Indoor tables and chairs are not to be used outside. Guests should call the park at least two weeks ahead of time to arrange their event's setup. Many sizes and configurations are available. The facility seats about 40 for a sit-down meal and about 65 without tables. In warm weather, up to twelve 48-inch tables with four chairs each can be set up on the facility’s stone patio.

Cancellation fees

Cancellation Policy:     

61 days and above       50% non-refundable cancellation fee                                      

0-60 days                     100% non-refundable cancellation fee

Prices

• From Nov. 1 to Memorial Day weekend, full-day (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.) - $236
• Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31, full-day (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.) - $350
• From Nov. 1 to Memorial Day weekend, wedding/event package (two-day rental from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily) - $315
• Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31, wedding/event package (two-day rental from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily) - $400
• Equipment: TV
• Equipment at no charge: podium with no amplification and a small easel
• From Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31, hall rental includes a 20 by 40-foot tent that covers the patio. At other times, there is a charge for the tent.

The park also rents family lodges that may be used for small retreats and get-togethers.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

Merchandise can be purchased at the office and snack bar.

RESTAURANT

None but the park's Lakeside Snack Bar is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A small market just outside the park entrance carries a limited supply of grocery items and some camping supplies. The Town of Cumberland, located on Route 60, approximately seven miles from the park, has a post office, convenience stores, a hardware store and three small restaurants.

LAUNDRY

The closest public laundry is 7 miles away in Cumberland Court House.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

Accommodations

• Cabins 5, 9 and 13
• Restrooms at Acorn and Chestnut Campground loops
• Showers in Acorn and Chestnut loops

Facilities

• Park office
• Concessions area, snack bar

Recreation Areas

• Restroom - beach restrooms
• Fishing pier
• Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, power-driven mobility devices for those with disabilities are permitted. Check with park staff to see if your mobility device is suitable for a particular trail.

CONCESSIONS

The Lakeside Snack Bar and boat rentals are available from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Rentals will be canceled due to inclement weather or lack of staff. Please call the park about availability in early June and late August.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Campfire get-togethers, music activities, archery programs, junior rangers programs, history programs, nature hikes, nature crafts, survival skills, canoeing, fishing and many more activities on most days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Programs are offered on weekends during spring and fall. Groups may request special programming any time of year if they provide advance notice and the subject matter is relevant to Bear Creek Lake's natural and historic resources. Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

HISTORY

Bear Creek Lake was built in 1938 as a Virginia Department of Agriculture project through the State Forestry Division. Although this project was undertaken during the closing days of the Great Depression, the 100 men who built the lake were not members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They were simply carpenters, farmers and unskilled laborers seeking jobs. Along with the lake, these men built two pavilions, a concession stand and six fireplaces. The land was given to the Division of State Parks in 1940 and operated as a day-use recreation area. In 1962, the division added campgrounds, and the area's name changed to Bear Creek Lake State Park.

FRIENDS GROUP

Feel like lending a hand? The Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park group is a hands-on volunteer 501c3 organization dedicated to preserving and supporting the park. Email friendsofbearcreeklakesp@gmail.com for more information or to become a member.

MASTER PLAN

Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here for this park's master plan.