Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

Family kayaking at Claytor Lake state park

Media Center


Welcome to the Virginia State Parks media center.

Here, you can request to connect with a representative from the Public Communication and Marketing Office, read our recent news releases and sign up to receive our latest announcements via email.

Virginia State Parks is one of six divisions operated by the Department of Conversation and Recreation.


Recent News Releases

March 10, 2026
Smith Mountain Lake State Park hosts Osprey 10k and 5k Race
HUDDLESTON, Va. – Smith Mountain Lake State Park will once again welcome runners and walkers for the Osprey 10k and 5k Race on Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m. This annual event offers participants the opportunity to enjoy beautiful lakeside views while challenging themselves on the park’s scenic roadways. 
Read More

March 05, 2026
Virtual public comment meeting to be held for Virginia's future Mayo River State Park
HENRY COUNTY, Va. — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation invites the public to participate in the virtual Master Plan Public Comment Meeting for Virginia’s future Mayo River State Park. 
Read More

March 05, 2026
Shenandoah River State Park hosts 3rd annual Bluebell Festival
Bentonville, Va. – The highly anticipated Bluebell Festival will return to Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park on April 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This special event welcomes spring with a stunning display of Virginia bluebells carpeting the park’s scenic trails along the Shenandoah River. 
Read More

March 04, 2026
Smith Mountain Lake State Park hosts third installment of Winter Lecture Series
HUDDLESTON, Va. – The Winter Lecture Series will return to Smith Mountain Lake State Park on Sunday, March 8, from 3 to 4 p.m. This is the third installment of the four-part series and will feature Virginia Master Naturalist Nora Cox. 
Read More

March 03, 2026
Virginia's longest and oldest adventure triathlon returns to Wythe County for 26th year
MAX MEADOWS, Va. – Athletes from across the Mid-Atlantic region will convene at New River Trail State Park on Sept. 19 for the New River Trail Challenge Triathlon, presented by Dominion Energy.  
Read More

View all news releases.

News release archives

2025 |2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021
Overlook at Shenandoah River State Park

Media Inquiries/Image and Video Requests


Please fill out the form here if you would like to be contacted by a Public Relations Specialist.

Media Kits

Adventure Series Media Kit

Caledon State Park – Lake Caledon Addition Media Kit

Hayfields State Park Dedication - Oct. 20, 2025

Culpeper Battlefields State Park Dedication - June 8, 2024

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Contacts

Dave Neudeck
Communications and Marketing Director
804-786-5053, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov

Kim Wells
Eastern State Parks PR & Marketing Specialist
804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Starr Anderson
Western State Parks PR & Marketing Specialist
540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Web inquiries, contact:

Mary Bishop
Web Manager
804-786-3334, mary.bishop@dcr.virginia.gov

 



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