Shared by Crystal Hughes, Virginia State Parks Community Engagement Coordinator, as Guest Blogger.

Staunton River State Park

South Carolina resident R.M. Roosevelt recently packed up his pup, Oliver, and headed to Staunton River State Park for a cozy cabin getaway. While checking out the visitor center, Roosevelt spotted a pamphlet about the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, a fun way for dogs (and their humans) to explore Virginia State Parks while learning a few pawsitive rules. 

Park rangers were excited to share all the details, from the B.A.R.K. Ranger guidelines to the best spots for adventures with your furry friend. Oliver wasted no time hitting the highlights: the EnChroma viewfinder (located at every Virginia State Park), the Dark Sky Observation Field and a scenic overlook of the Dan River. 

After completing the park’s B.A.R.K. Ranger challenges, which vary by park, Roosevelt and Oliver earned a certificate and scored 50% off a B.A.R.K. Ranger tag from the visitor center.  

Oliver with his B.A.R.K Ranger tag 

Roosevelt summed up the experience perfectly: “Staying at Staunton River and completing the B.A.R.K. Ranger program was a very enjoyable experience that let me traverse the park in a playful way.” 

Their favorite spot? The riverbanks. Oliver even turned cleanup into a game, sniffing out trash while Roosevelt helped collect four small bags along the shore. Together, they finished the challenge in two days, though Roosevelt says you could easily do it in one if you’re up for it. 

To top off their adventure, they rented a Newtonian-reflector telescope, donated by the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society. The rental includes the telescope, two lenses, a star map, printed instructions and a hands-on tutorial from park staff. 

Roosevelt and Oliver had such a great time, they’ve already made plans to book a cabin again next year.  

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly adventure with a side of stargazing, Staunton River State Park might just be your next destination. Start planning your visit today at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/staunton-river. 

What does it take to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Staunton River State Park? 

1. Follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger rules: 

• Bag Your Pet's Waste  
• Always Leash Your Pet 
• Respect Others  
• Know Where You Can Go 

2. Grab a B.A.R.K Ranger Bingo Card from the visitor center and start exploring the park. Some of the places you can visit to get B.A.R.K. Bingo include:  

• Campground 
• Visitor center 
• EnChroma viewfinder 
• Dan River 
• Parkitecture sign 
• Bird box 
• Observation field 
• Captain Staunton Trailhead 
• Trail marker  

3. Return to the visitor center with you completed B.A.R.K. Ranger Bingo Card to receive your official B.A.R.K. Ranger Certificate and 50 percent off a Staunton River State Park B.A.R.K. Ranger tag.