Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals.

Explore some of the coolest little critters that fly in our amazing world of the night sky above. Join an interpreter on Wednesdays this summer to learn about bats and what they mean for our ecosystem.

This nature walk and talk is about the textures and aromas of three native forest species and their role in developing special relationships between plants and humans.

On this hike, all 5 of your senses will be stimulated as we immerse ourselves in nature.

For ages 10+.

Join a Virginia Master Naturalist and enjoy a one hour stroll on easy terrain looking for wildlife and plant life.

Join us at the Big Water Visitor Center for a feeding frenzy.  You will be able to observe a variety of animals in our saltwater fish tank while they eat.  Learn how to identify the different animals and what they all like to eat.  Great for all ages!   .

Fishing can be as easy as tying your shoes.

What animal inspired a popular children's game?

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

Have you ever wondered what owls look like, what they eat, or where they live?

Bear Creek Lake is a modest 40 aces in size yet has a many-faceted story to tell.

Do you want to witness the art of Gyotaku fish printing, an ancient craft where you can create your own fish masterpiece!

Pollinators are more than just bees.

Get your feet wet and explore life in the creek.

Every animal has unique features and traits that make them special and suited for their natural environment.

Do you think you have what it takes to build a shelter that will withstand the wind and the rain?

What's a benthic organism and how do they survive in the creek?

Like them or loathe them, snakes are important to our ecosystems.

Frogs, turtles, and fish, oh my!  Explore the life that exists in the pond while learning about the abundance of animals that call this ecosystem home.  Join a park ranger and learn how you can help protect these fascinating creatures.  For more information, please call the Visitor Center at (703) 583-6904 or send an email to leesylvaniavc@dcr.virginia.gov.

Come along on a hike through Kiptopeke's trails to learn about the nature in our park.  Meet at picnic shelter #2.  The hike is roughly 2 miles long.  Great for all ages!

Hop on over to learn the calls and search for some of Virginia's native frog species.

Kayak through the sunset on Swift Creek Lake.

Practice your netting skills to find out what lives in the Bay using techniques dating back to ancient times!

The day has been filled with fun activities, but now it is time to wind down with a peaceful paddle on the lake.

Join us down by the RV campground for a campfire!

What is wet, muddy, has lots of plants and animals, and kind of stinks?

Paddle your way around the park’s unique ecosystem.

This is an easy and fun ride for cyclists of all skill levels that covers 12 miles out and back and takes about 1.5 hours.

Join rangers at the park for a fun nature reading session.

From woodlands to wetlands, fields and pastures, let's investigate the plants, animals and history of farming at Sky Meadows State Park.

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

Want to go on a scavenger hunt in the wilderness?

From the ashes of the old Fossil Beach has arisen a new, dynamic ecosystem.  The living shoreline between the rip-rap and water’s edge is attracting interesting estuarine and marine creatures and plants.  Discover them and how living shorelines enhance and protect our waterfronts.

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

Meet local 'shellebrity' Ranger Myrtle, the Red-eared Slider turtle, as she suns herself in her enclosure behind the concession building.

Geocaching combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with nature to provide adventure for treasure hunters all over the world.

Come across our Ranger outposts stationed at a lesser-known part of First Landing State Park: the Narrows Beach!

Have questions about the shells you find on the beach?

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

Join us by stopping by our table to learn about trash and it’s impact on the beach, and how we can help prevent it from damaging our environment!

Celebrate Independence Day and show off your creativity with a patriotic themed craft, fun for the whole family!

The Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, leaving ties to the English crown in ruin and the North American colonies in an open state of rebellion.

Bring the family by the Discovery Center to play fun field games!

Have you ever touched bear fur or looked at the teeth of a beaver?

It is July 4th and we are bringing the BLING!

Join us as we explore the wonders of nature.

Join us at the beach to celebrate our nation’s independence by playing some field games.

Enjoy a fun paddling adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek!  Watch majestic bald eagles and ospreys soar above, a heron hunting along the shore, and turtles basking in the  sunshine.

Are all snakes venomous?

Have you ever heard an owl sing at night?

Bring the family out to the Campground Field and join us for an afternoon of games.

Have you ever thought about where the railroad at Natural Tunnel goes and what it has been used for through the years?

Co-Op Trail offers stunning views of Swift Creek Lake.

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals.

It's time for Hungry Mother's favorite competition.

Did you know owls don't chew their food?

Bodies of water attract wildlife; therefore, they are great places to look for animal tracks.

Need a break from your long trip and have a little fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see at our Visitor Center.

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

What's under that rock?

There are many different wildlife that call Leesylvania State Park their home.

Stop by the ranger's tent on the way to the pool for fun a peek at some critters and a cute craft.

Ahoy Matey!

Celebrate Independence Day with us down by the river by painting fireworks!

The Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, leaving ties to the English crown in ruin and the North American colonies in an open state of rebellion.

Let's beat the heat and make some homemade ice cream in a bag.

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

Leesylvania State Park is part of many different watersheds, some large and some small.

Not all bees live in hives.

Head down to the fishing pier and celebrate Independence Day by having your picture taken with Ranger Parker Redfox-the Virginia State Parks Mascot! Great for all ages!

It starts with an "s" and ends with a "t." It comes out of you, it comes out of me.

Tie-dye wasn't the brainchild of American hippies during the 1960s.

Have you ever wanted to see one of the park’s many reptile residents up close?

Come show off your stars and stripes by participating in a campground parade.

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

Join our instructors who will teach the basics of archery safety and technique on recurve and compound bows.

Join the Rangers for an all out trivia battle!

How many crabs can you grab?

Bring your family and friends and join a park ranger for a campfire on the water’s edge at the beach amphitheater.

The Chesapeake Bay provides visitors with some of the most stunning views of the sunset and sounds of the waves.

Join our ranger in some night fishing!

Other than the fireworks bursting in the distance, there are many cool critters calling in the night.

You are invited to celebrate Independence Day away from the hustle and bustle and under the peaceful night skies of the park.

Explore some of Machicomoco’s best views during golden hour while stopping in to talk with a Ranger about some of their favorite park topics.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Join Yoga instructor, Kelly Blevins, to experience the calming benefits of yoga in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Let us teach you all the basics you'll need to know to get yourself started with one of our most popular outdoor activities, from tying on your hook and tackle to casting your line.

Do your kids enjoy gardening?

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Hot diggity dog, the Friends of False Cape are having a FUNdraiser!

A future president looked out over the edge of the 200-foot tall arch and marveled at the beauty of the natural world; he knew then that generations to come had to be able to feel the same awe he did in the face of the "most sublime of Nature's works." July 5th, 2024 marks 250 years since Thomas Jefferson's purchase of the Natural Bridge, setting the stage for the Bridge to be preserved in its natural state for all to experience.

Mussels play a huge part in our watershed.

What would your shell say about you if you were a box turtle?

Explore the beautiful wetlands with us.

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own interpretive guide!

Learn the essentials of basic target archery, a skill that, thanks to artifacts found at the park, we know humans have been practicing here for thousands of years.