Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., beginning Feb. 15 through April 30, per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.
Boating
Virginia’s waters offer a diversity of environments to explore by boat. Regardless of watercraft - a one-man kayak, a 16-foot canoe or a powerboat - boaters find plenty to do at Virginia State Parks.
There are 30 parks with boating access, 27 have ramps (car-top, slide, standard concrete), 19 parks rent boats and some with marina services. Parks access Virginia's most popular waterways, including Buggs Island Lake, Claytor Lake, Clinch River, the Chesapeake Bay, the James River, Lake Anna, the Potomac River, the Rappahannock River, Shenandoah River, Smith Mountain Lake and the York River.
Check out our fishing page for insights on where you can find the catch you are looking for.
Parks with boating access
Protect against the spread of invasives with boats:
- Five Ways to Protect Our Waters | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)
- Invasive Species : BoatUS Foundation
Learn more about boating at the Department of Wildlife Resources.
