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

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Welcome spring at Douthat State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 31, 2025
Spring is in the air, and adventure is calling! After the quiet of winter, Douthat State Park is coming back to life, offering visitors beautiful views, fresh mountain air and a range of outdoor activities.
Green Pastures

Commemorating the 160th battle anniversary: Q&A with the chief historic weapons safety officer

By Christen McKeyPosted March 31, 2025
Assistant Park Manager Lee Wilcox shares what visitors can look forward to during the 160th battle anniversary events. These programs will commemorate Civil War history at two state park locations that played a crucial role in ending the war.
Sailor

4 women in law enforcement at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted March 28, 2025
DCR's law enforcement rangers go beyond traditional policing; they serve to protect people and Virginia's natural and cultural resources. Among these professional are women breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated field.
Amanda Bishop

A state park wedding: Naturally beautiful, naturally budget-friendly

By Christen McKeyPosted March 26, 2025
Get an inside look into a state park wedding as Courtney Raihall shares insights from her special day. Whether it’s a simple outdoor elopement or an elaborate event, Virginia State Parks offer breathtaking backdrops for any style or budget.
Forest backdrop at the Pocahontas State Park wedding

5 must-do activities at Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 24, 2025
Shenandoah River State Park is a hidden gem. With stunning river views, diverse trails and a variety of educational programs, this 1,600-acre park is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all ages.
Kayaking on the Shenandoah River

6 ways to spend Earth Day

By Haley RodgersPosted March 20, 2025
Get inspired to give back on Earth Day! Virginia State Parks are hosting events across the commonwealth for you to attend.
 Monarch butterfly on butterfly milkweed in Kiptopeke State Park’s Native Plant Garden

Fishing at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted March 20, 2025
Whether you prefer fishing in lakes, rivers, creeks, oceans or the bay, there are plenty of places to cast your line at a Virginia State Park. To enjoy more time on the water be sure to book your stay in a cabin, campground, yurt or lodge.
Kayak fishing at Bear Creek Lake

5 must-do activities at Natural Bridge State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 19, 2025
While many visitors come to Natural Bridge State Park to see the bridge for themselves, they quickly learn that this 1,635-acre park has much more to offer, from Dark-Sky programs to hikes with stunning mountain views.
Natural Bridge

A "heronious" point of view: great blue herons are nesting

By John GreshamPosted March 18, 2025
March is prime time for viewing great blue herons as they are rebuilding their nesting colony on Woodstock Pond.
An active "heronry"

5 parks to explore within an hour of Roanoke

By Starr AndersonPosted March 17, 2025
In addition to its own opportunities for connecting with nature, Roanoke provides you with easy access to five Virginia State Parks: Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Smith Mountain Lake and Natural Bridge.
Virginia State Parks


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