Pocahontas State Park

General Information

Just 20 miles from Richmond, Pocahontas offers boating, picnicking, camping, camping cabins, 90-plus miles of trails, and nature and history programs. The Aquatic Center, which has a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, three-foot and five-foot-deep leisure pools, an activity pool and two tubular water slides, affords seasonal water-based activities for all. Three lakes offer plenty of fishing. Boat rentals are available seasonally by the 225-acre Swift Creek Lake. The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, dedicated to Depression-era workers who helped build the state park system, is one of a handful in the nation. Two dining halls may be rented for meetings, weddings and special events. Rustic group facilities with primitive overnight cabins (bunkhouses) are available seasonally for larger groups. 

The park's 2,000-seat amphitheater hosts the Pocahontas Premieres series of concerts and family-friendly entertainment.

Pocahontas State Park's location and 90 miles of trails make it particularly popular among bicyclists. See the current trail status here.

Hours

7 a.m. to dusk for general use. Hours for certain facilities, such as the Aquatic Center, main office, boathouse, CCC Museum and Nature Center, vary by time of year. Read further or call the park for details.

Location

In Chesterfield County, about 20 miles from Richmond. It's easily accessible from Interstate 95, Route 288 and Route 360. See below for detailed directions.

Its address is 10301 State Park Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832-6355; Latitude, 37.373973. Longitude, -77.571782.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, two hours; Richmond, half an hour; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two hours; Roanoke, three hours

Directions:

From Interstate 95 south of Richmond: Take exit 61 onto Route 10 west, then left onto Route 655 (Beach Road). Go about four miles to State Park Road, which is on the right.

From Interstate 95 north of Richmond: Take Interstate 295 south to Route 10 west (Iron Bridge Road) to Route 655 (Beach Road) to State Park Road.

From 64 west of Richmond: Take Route 288 south to Route 10 east (Iron Bridge Road) to Route 655 (Beach Road) to State Park Road.

From 64 east of Richmond: Take Interstate 295 south to Route 10 west to Route 655 (Beach Road) to State Park Road.

You may use cash, check or Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express at satellite parking lots and at the main entrance's contact station when it's unstaffed. 

Park Size

7,919 acres. Swift Creek Lake: 225 acres. Beaver Lake: 24 acres. Camp 7 lake: 7 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

A lodge, four three-bedroom cabins, campsites, yurts, and camping cabins may be rented year-round. Pocahontas also rents specific rustic cabins to groups. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Lodge and cabin reservations open June 30, 2021, at 10 a.m., for reservations starting July 2, 2021, and beyond.

Park fees.

Reservation cancellation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for cabin stays.

Cabins | Lodges | Yurts | Camping Cabin | Camping

Cabins

The park offers four three-bedroom cabins for rental. Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, all cabins are rented for a six-night minimum beginning on Saturday. The six-night requirement is reduced to a required four-night stay three months out and dropped to two nights in the last month before arrival. A two-night minimum stay is required for the rest of the year.  Cabins and the lodge are open year-round and may be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Extra beds are unavailable for these dwellings.

Reservation cancellation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for cabin stays.

Directions for lodge guests to registration office: Register at the Contact Station near the Main Office at the entrance off of Route 655 (Beach Rd). Those arriving late will find check-in information posted outside the contact station.

From Feb. 15 through April 30, a burn ban is in effect from midnight to 4 p.m. No open fires, including charcoal fires, are allowed until after 4 p.m. unless a camp host is on-site.

Photos of the cabins

Three bedroom cabins

• Check-in is 4 p.m., check-out is 10 a.m.
• Maximum occupancy is 8; No bed rentals.
• Maximum three cars per cabin; additional parking is very limited and may not be available. Parking on grass or on the side of the road is prohibited. Guests will find a limited overflow parking area by the main office. A parking fee is charged for additional cars.
• A $10 fee is charged per pet per night. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area. They are not allowed at the pool. Pets may not be left unattended at any time.
• No smoking in cabins.
• Each cabin has two bathrooms and three bedrooms. The kitchen-dining-living area has an open floor plan.
• Climate controlled with central heating, air conditioning and a gas fireplace.
• No phone, TV, washer or dryer, or wifi.
• No linens are provided. Guests must bring sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mats, kitchen towels and cloths. Pillows are provided.
• The kitchen is equipped with an electric range/oven, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, drip coffee maker, pots, pans, dishwasher, ice maker, dishes and utensils.
• Bring food, dishwasher detergent, dish towels, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, body wash/soap, bath towels, books, board games or cards.
• Dining area: one table and eight chairs.
• Living area: one sofa, one coffee table, two chairs, two end tables, ceiling fans and lights, and two lamps. There is a fireplace with gas logs.
• Three bedrooms with nightstands, lamps, closet with hangers, clock radio, and pillows:
  • One bedroom has a queen-size bed and a dresser
  • One bedroom has two twin beds
  • One bedroom has two sets of bunk beds (each room sleeps four)
• Each cabin has a picnic table, fire-ring and a charcoal pedestal grill. Firewood can be purchased near the main office.
• Each cabin has a partially covered deck with rocking chairs and a view of the water.
• There is a recycling bin in each cabin; a recycling and dumpster station is located in the campground. There are no outside trash cans or pick-up service. Guests will be asked to take their trash and recycling to the dumpsters at the end of their stay.
• Out of respect for cabin guests, large gatherings and camping are not allowed in the cabin area.
• State law permits alcohol use only in private areas (inside a cabin or camping unit) or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m. Visitors are charged daily parking and swimming fees; visitors must park in the area designated by the park.
• Cabin 1 has 6 steps leading to the cabin; Cabin 2 has a ramp leading to the cabin; Cabin 3 has 5 steps leading to the cabin; Cabin 4 has 5 steps leading to the cabin.
• Cabin 2 is universally accessible with a tub with handrails.

Total sites of each type: Three-bedroom cabin, timber frame, water view, 4 each 

Site types: Three-Three bedrooms, maximum capacity eight: two bathrooms; one bedroom with a queen-size bed; one bedroom with two twin beds; one bedroom with two sets of bunk beds (room sleeps four); no bed rentals. Cabin 2 is universally accessible.
 

Lodges

The park features one six-bedroom lodge for rental. Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, the lodge is rented for a six-night minimum beginning on Sunday. The six-night requirement is reduced to a required four-night stay three months out and dropped to two nights in the last month before arrival. A two-night minimum stay is required for the rest of the year.  Cabins and the lodge are open year-round and may be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Extra beds are unavailable for these dwellings.

Reservation cancellation and transfer policies.

Directions for lodge guests to registration office: Register at the Contact Station near the Main Office at the entrance off of Route 655 (Beach Rd). Those arriving late will find check-in information posted outside the contact station.

From Feb. 15 through April 30, a burn ban is in effect from midnight to 4 p.m. No open fires, including charcoal fires, are allowed until after 4 p.m. unless a camp host is on-site.

• Check-in is 4 p.m., check-out is 10 a.m.
• Maximum occupancy is 16; No bed rentals.
• Maximum six cars; additional parking is very limited and may not be available. Parking on grass or on the side of the road is prohibited. Guests will find a limited overflow parking area by the main office. A parking fee is charged for additional cars.
• A $10 fee is charged per pet per night. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area. They are not allowed at the pool. Pets may not be left unattended at any time.
• No smoking in the lodge.
• The lodge has three bathrooms (one universally accessible) and six bedrooms. The Kitchen-dining-living area has an open floor plan with a universally accessible kitchen, dining area, living area and bedrooms.
• Climate controlled with central heating, air conditioning and a gas fireplace.
• No phone, TV, or wifi.
• No linens are provided. Guests must bring sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mat, kitchen towels and cloths. Pillows are provided.
• The kitchen is equipped with an electric range/oven, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, drip coffee maker, pots, pans, dishwasher, ice maker, dishes and utensils.
• The living room area has a washer and dryer.
• Bring food, dishwasher detergent, dish towels, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, laundry detergent, body wash/soap, bath towels, books, board games or cards.
• Dining Area: one table seats ten and there are six additional seats at the counter.
• Living Area: two sofas, one coffee table, two chairs, and two end tables, fireplace with gas logs.
• Six bedrooms:
  • Two bedrooms each have one queen-size bed and one dresser
  • Two bedrooms each have two twin beds and one dresser
  • Two bedrooms have two sets of bunk beds (each room sleeps four)
• 6 bedrooms with nightstands, lamps, closet with hangers, clock radio, and pillows:
• The lodge has a universally accessible picnic table, fire-ring and a charcoal pedestal grill. Firewood can be purchased by the main office.
• One covered porch on the front; a second covered porch on the back of the lodge with rocking chairs and a view of the water.
• There is a recycling bin in the lodge; a recycling and dumpster station is located in the campground. There are no outside trash cans or pick-up service. Guests will be asked to take their trash and recycling to the dumpsters at the end of their stay.
• Out of respect to other cabin guests, large gatherings and camping are not allowed in the cabin area.
• State law permits alcohol use only in private areas (inside a cabin or camping unit) or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m. Visitors are charged daily parking and swimming fees; visitors must park in the area designated by the park.
• The Lodge has a ramp and three steps leading to the cabin.

Total sites of each type: Six-bedroom lodge, timber frame, water view, 1 each. 

Site types: Six bedrooms, maximum capacity 16: three bathrooms, one that is universally accessible; two bedrooms each with a queen-size bed; two bedrooms each with two twin beds; two bedrooms each with two sets of bunk beds (each room sleeps four); no bed rentals.

Yurts

Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter. Functionally speaking, it's a cross between a tent and a cabin. Pocahontas has four yurts in the main campground and is tucked neatly into wooded areas for privacy and extra shade. Each yurt has a large wooden deck with patio tables, a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate. Reservations are required. Parking for two vehicles allowed. Those with additional vehicles must pay a daily parking fee and park in the overflow lot by the park office.

Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m. The rental season begins on the first Friday in March and ends on the first Sunday of December. Cabin rental and cancellation policies apply. There is a two-night minimum rental during the rest of the camping season.

• Maximum occupancy 4. Sleeps 3 - One queen-sized and a twin-sized trundle pull-out. Guests must bring sleeping bags or linens: sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mat, kitchen towels and cloths.
• No smoking, cooking or pets allowed in the yurt.
• Each yurt has no electricity or water of its own, but a common-use water spigot and electric pedestal for battery charging are near the parking area by yurts 3 and 4.
• Dining table seats four.
• No heat or air-conditioning.
• Guests use campground bathhouse 4, about 500 feet away.
• Yurt 3 is ADA-accessible.

Camping Cabin

Camp Cabins: six sites (Camp Cabins 01-06)

• Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m.
• Units are situated in pairs (01-02, 03-04, and 05-06); each pair shares a water spigot and parking
• Linens not provided. Guests must bring sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mat, kitchen towels and cloths.
• Four people maximum; no extra bed rentals
• No extra tents or other camping units allowed on site
• Two-night minimum
• No smoking or cooking allowed inside cabins
• No bathroom, kitchen, fireplace, air conditioning or heat (no insulation in walls).
• Each has two sets of bunk beds with thin mattresses, a table, four chairs, a porch, windows with screens, a door that locks, four electrical outlets, one USB plugin, one lighted ceiling fan, an outside picnic table, a fire ring and a lantern post
• Use campground bathhouse for bathroom and showers
• Two-car parking area
• Camp Cabin 06 is ADA-accessible and has ramp entry from the parking lot

Camping

Camping is available year-round.

All campsites have electric and water hookups (no sewer), grills, picnic tables and lantern holders. There are centrally located restrooms with hot showers. Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is at 1 p.m. Campsite availability cannot be guaranteed until 4 p.m., but campers may arrive early to enjoy the park until the site is ready. 

- Map of all campsites
- Photos of the sites

• Swimming and boat launching is free for overnight guests. Refunds and rain checks will not be given should swimming be unavailable for reasons beyond the park staff's control.
• All sites accept 20 and 30-amp current; sites 66 through 129 accept 50-amp.
• Firewood is available for sale in the campground or park office.
• Two vehicles and the camping unit are allowed at each campsite. Extra vehicles must park in overflow parking and pay the daily parking fee.
• Each campsite has a steel fire ring that can be used for cooking and campfires.
• Visitors to overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. and are required to pay the daily parking fee.

Total sites of each type: E/W, 111; Buddy, 5

Site types:

E/W - Electric and water hookups; RVs up to 40 feet, bathhouse with hot showers. Tents must fit on a 20' x 20' tent pad. Guests needing 50-amp service should consider site-specific sites in the 66-129 loop.

E/W Site-Specific - Electric and water hookups; bathhouse with hot showers. Various equipment sizes depending on site choice.

Buddy - Buddy site for a maximum of 18 people; electric and water group site; three campsites in each buddy site; tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 50 feet; tents must fit on 20' x 20' tent pad. The cancellation fee for buddy sites is higher; the park's five buddy sites are apart from each other. 

Other park facilities

Algonquian Ecology Camp and Swift Creek Camp (Camp 3) - Built by the CCC, these two camps offer accommodations for large groups wanting to camp together. The camps have from two to four cabin groups and an activity-dining hall that has a kitchen. Each cabin group has four or five cabins (each of which can accommodate from four to six people), a leader's cabin that sleeps two, a shared restroom and shower facility, and a lodge. The cabins are rustic and have bunk beds and mattresses only, as well as a ceiling light. The lodge has a fireplace, a large charcoal grill, a covered outdoor pit grill, electricity, electric baseboard heat and a water spigot. Each building has screened windows and a campfire ring for cooking or a fire. Each cabin group accommodates up to 28 people. No smoking is allowed in any of the facilities. No additional camping units may be used in the area. Group cabin users are required to pay daily swimming fees, although at a reduced rate. The rental of these facilities includes parking. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance and are made through the park office.

Powhatan and Swift Creek Banquet Halls - These buildings are part of each group camp and may be rented individually for meetings, wedding receptions and other gatherings. Each hall has a commercial-grade kitchen with stainless steel sinks and countertops, a commercial-grade refrigerator, a freezer, an ice machine and an oven. Tables and chairs for up to 125 people are included; each building has central heat and air-conditioning. The Swift Creek hall has a gas-log fireplace while Powhatan hall has a wood-burning fireplace. No smoking is allowed.

Banquet hall rental agreement.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. Call 800-933-7275 to reserve.

Bright Hope Equestrian Center - Located across Beach Road from the main park entrance, the area is perfect for shows and special events. The center consists of a gated and fenced 216 by 117-foot show ring with a crumb rubber and sand riding surface, a gated and fenced 161 by 83-foot warm-up ring with a crumb rubber and sand riding surface, picnic tables, charcoal grills and a restroom facility. The area is open from 8 a.m. until dark and has a horse trailer parking area that accommodates about 30 trailers as well as a separate parking area for about 30 vehicles without trailers. The center is available for reservation or can be used on a first-come, first-served basis when not reserved. There is a daily ring-use fee when not reserved. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275.

Heritage Amphitheater - First built by the CCC in 1938 and rebuilt in 1997, this outdoor venue holds up to 2,000. It's well-suited for concerts, stage performances and other large gatherings. The amphitheater has bench seating for up to 350, and additional spectators take seats on a gentle, grassy slope. The area has an elevated stage with a backdrop, restrooms, walkways, and a ticket booth. Vendors can set up booths and displays and have activities in an exhibit area at the top of the amphitheater hill.

Recreation

TRAILS

Pocahontas has more than 90 miles of trail for users of all skill levels.

Hiking - A total of about 10 miles of trail for hiking only, including a paved spillway trail for those with disabilities.

Biking - Pocahontas has more than 44 miles of directional mountain bike trails, including traditional single-track, machine-built flow and hand-cycle friendly trails. Along with the James River Parks Systems trails, these trails comprise the IMBA bronze-level Richmond Regional Ride Center.

Please visit our mountain biking page for more detailed information about Pocahontas' mountain bike trails.

See the current bike trail status here.

Multi-Use - About 33 miles of forest roads and trails help comprise the trail system for combined use by hikers, bikers and equestrians. Standalone forest roads provide roughly 12 miles of additional opportunities.

SWIMMING

The park's Aquatic Recreation Center is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day. The center has a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, three-foot and five-foot deep leisure pools, two tubular water slides and an activity pool.  Click here for park fees.

Lake swimming is prohibited.

During the summer months, enjoy a day of free swimming for each night of overnight camping for registered guests. However, it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. Refunds for swimming to overnight guests will not be given under any circumstances. Group cabin guests do not receive free swimming but do receive discounted swimming prices - please refer to the fees pages for details. Click here for the facility's rules.

Children 12 and under must be under the supervision and control of a responsible adult at all times while inside the pool complex.

The following items are prohibited:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Glass of any kind (inside of the Pool Complex)
• Foul or vulgar language
• Cotton under any circumstances (Proper swimwear includes nylon and polyester swim trunks)
• Floats, pool noodles or inflatables other than Coast Guard-approved Portable Flotation Devises (PFDs, life-jackets)
• Water guns
• Snorkels
• Balls, frisbees and similar toys meant to be thrown

Inclement weather: Please check the weather forecast before you come to the pool. The pool will close for 30 minutes for thunder or lightning. Refunds are not offered. Rain checks, good for a period of 12 months from the date of issue, may be issued to any paying customer (does not apply to free swimming vouchers) if the swimming area is forced to close for 60 minutes or more due to inclement weather. Rain checks will not be issued if the facility closes due to weather after 4 p.m. Rain checks may be issued only to patrons present at the swimming area at the time of closure and the original receipt must be presented.

Groups: Those who wish to register for the group rate (minimum 20 people) for using the aquatic center must call the park office at least seven days in advance of arrival. All group swim fees must be paid at one time when entering the swimming facility. Group rates are unavailable on weekends and holidays. Frequent use groups (daycares, etc.) can purchase a Naturally Yours annual pass per vehicle instead of paying high-capacity parking fees each time.

Snack bar: The Deep End snack bar is located at the Aquatics Recreation Center and is open during the same hours. You can find many tasty snack and lunch options here such as pizza, hot dogs, chicken tenders, ice cream, sodas and more. There is a covered picnic pavilion with tables inside the pool complex that is conveniently available for dining. The Deep End also has an outside window for service to patrons who are not inside the pool complex.

FISHING, BOATING

During daylight hours only, enjoy fishing at Swift Creek and Beaver lakes. There's a concrete boat ramp at Swift Creek Lake. Gas-powered motors are prohibited, but electric motors are allowed. A valid Virginia fishing license is required and may be purchased online. The ramp may be closed when Swift Creek Lake has high water levels or is frozen over.

The park rents paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, rentals are available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday; the last rental goes out at 5 p.m. Rentals vary by season and are weather-dependent. Contact the park office for more information about boat rentals or the lake's status.

HORSES

There are no horse rentals, but more than 13 miles of bridle trails are within the park's multiple-use trail system. No overnight accommodations for horses at the park. You'll find full-service equine facilities at Brandywine Farms nearby. Horses may disembark at the Bright Hope Horse Complex, the horse trailer parking lot on Beach Road or the Dvorak Forest Trail parking area. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park.

Bright Hope Horse Complex: Complete with a large parking lot, picnic tables, a restroom and two exercise rings (50 by 100 feet and 20 by 60 feet), this day-use facility offers equestrians easy access to the Bright Hope Multi-use Trail. Individuals may use the rings for training – a daily fee required – or reserved for group use during daylight hours—Call 804-796-4255 to reserve the space.

HUNTING

The park offers managed hunt opportunities in November and December each year. These hunts are by reservation only. The number of hunters and hunt zones is limited and must be reserved in advance. Reservations for these hunts are typically made available in late September.

Additionally, a special archery hunt season by permit only is available from early October through December during the state's early and late archery seasons. Selected areas of the park are open to archery hunting, and you must first obtain a permit through the park office. This hunt is Mondays through Thursdays only. Details on these hunts are typically posted in mid-September. Contact the park office for information about the hunts, available areas, and a permit.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Click here for its general facilities guide.

Biking trails are being built here faster than new maps can be printed, but interactive maps of all the park's bike trails are on the Trail Forks website. They also have a handy smartphone app.

Download (external link for use with Avenza App) the geo-referenced map

Download the geo-referenced map for this park

Nearby Attractions

There are many cultural and recreational attractions nearby. Visit these localities' websites for more information.

• Chesterfield County
• Richmond
• Petersburg

Other attractions

• Brandywine Farms
• Richmond Raceway
• Ironbridge Sports Complex

Picnic Shelters

The park's seven shelters are available for rent online or by calling 1-800-933-PARK. There are two sizes, large and small. Shelters 2, 3, 4 and 5 are large; shelters 1, 6, and 7 are small. Parking fees are not included in shelter rental. Click here for park fees. Shelters can be rented from 8 a.m. to dark (all day).

Those who also wish to register for the group rate at the aquatic center must give the park a full week's notice so that park staff can adjust lifeguard staffing and ensure that too many groups are not registered for the same time.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

• Shelter 1 (small): This shelter accommodates 30-40. It's adjacent to the playground and near a restroom. It's in a heavily wooded area, and there are many additional tables nearby under the trees. There is a 160-foot walk on a level gravel walkway to the parking lot, but there is no vehicle access directly at the shelter for unloading. The shelter has a large grill and is available for rent year-round. There are no electrical outlets or water spigots.
• Shelter 2 (large): This shelter accommodates 70-80. It is the closest to the aqua center/pool complex, boating areas and restroom, and it overlooks Swift Creek Lake. There is a paved walkway to the restrooms and aqua center. Horseshoe pits and volleyball nets are just downhill of the shelter. (Patrons must bring their own equipment.) The area around this shelter is moderately shaded and grassy, and this shelter is available for rent year-round. There is a large grill for cooking, but no water spigot or electrical outlets are provided.
• Shelter 3 (large): This shelter accommodates 70-80. It is about 400 feet from the aqua center/pool complex and boating areas. It overlooks a steep, fenced drop-off to Swift Creek Lake. It's near facilities but far enough away for peaceful, quiet picnicking. A large picnic grill is provided. The shelter is not well suited for seniors as there's a steep, 60-foot downhill walk from the parking lot. It is in a wooded, well-shaded area. The shelter has no water or electricity and no vehicle access for unloading.
• Shelter 4 (large): This shelter accommodates 70-80, with no additional tables around the shelter. This shelter is not within easy walking distance to the aqua center/pool, playground, and boating areas. It has paved walkways and is only 10 feet from parking. It has universally accessible picnic tables, a large grill and a water spigot. The restroom is 120 feet away. This shelter is in a moderately wooded area; a small stream well suited for novice or young anglers is only a short walk away. There is no electricity.
• Shelter 5 (large): This shelter accommodates 70-80. It is not within easy walking distance to the aqua center/pool, playground and boating areas. This shelter features a fireplace, water spigot, large grill and universally accessible picnic tables. It's in a moderately shaded area; a small stream well suited for novice or young anglers is only a short walk away. The shelter is 40 feet from parking and 160 feet from the restroom. There is no electricity. There is no vehicle access (for unloading) directly adjacent to this shelter.
• Shelter 6 (small): This shelter accommodates 30-40 and there are no additional tables around the shelter. This shelter is not within easy walking distance to the aqua center/pool, playground and boating areas. This shelter does feature a water spigot, large grill and universally accessible picnic tables. The shelter is moderately shaded and a small stream that is well suited for novice or young anglers is nearby. The shelter is 100 feet from parking and 375 feet from the restroom. There are no electrical outlets. There is no vehicular access (for unloading) next to this shelter.
• Shelter 7 (small): This shelter accommodates 30-40; there are no additional tables nearby. This shelter is not within easy walking distance to the aqua center/pool, playground and boating areas. There is a paved walkway 30 feet from the parking area. The restroom is about 350 feet away. This shelter is moderately shaded. The shelter has a water spigot, universally accessible tables and large grill. There is no electricity.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

Powhatan and Swift Creek dining halls - These buildings are part of each group camp and may be rented individually for meetings, weddings and receptions, and other gatherings. Each hall has a commercial-grade kitchen with stainless steel sinks and countertops, a commercial-grade refrigerator, a freezer, an ice machine and an oven. Tables and chairs for up to 125 people are included; each building has central heat and air-conditioning. The Swift Creek hall has a gas-log fireplace. Call the park, 804- 796-4255, for details or to arrange a tour of the facilities. Starting on Jan. 1, 2019, payment in full will be required at the time of reservation. Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. Here's the rental hall agreement, and this brochure details group camping facilities. Call 800-933-7275 to reserve.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 61 days or more in advance of the reservation start date will be charged a 50% non-refundable cancellation fee. Cancellations made 60 days or less before the reservation start date are not eligible for a refund.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP, CAMP STORE

The main office at the park entrance sells gifts, mementos and snacks. The campground store, which is open seasonally, also has souvenirs, toiletry items and camping supplies. The Nature Center and Discovery Center are in the visitor center, about 2.5 miles from the main park entrance, and has live animal exhibits, park information and interactive displays. Visitor center hours vary throughout the year so call the park ahead of time.

RESTAURANT

None. This park has a snack bar in season.

LAUNDRY

A 24-hour facility with three washers and dryers, a soap machine and a change machine is located in the campground by the camp store.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

The visitor center, which provides information about the park’s features and amenities, also houses the Nature Center and the Discovery Center. 

The Nature Center showcases native wildlife. Visitors will see a beehive, pelts and bones of native species, and live snakes, turtles and other reptiles.

The Discovery Center lets visitors explore an interactive camp-scape including a model yurt. Guests can also preview the park’s mountain bike trails via a stationary bike virtual reality display. The center was opened in 2017 thanks in part to help from the Garden Club of Virginia and corporate and private donors.

SPECIAL FEATURES

CCC Museum: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum is housed in an original CCC building. It highlights the many accomplishments of the CCC.

Heritage Amphitheater - First built by the CCC in 1938 and rebuilt in 1997, this outdoor venue holds up to 2,000. It's well-suited for concerts, stage performances and other large gatherings. The amphitheater has bench seating for up to 350, and additional spectators take seats on a gentle, grassy slope. The area has an elevated stage with a backdrop, restrooms, walkways, a concession stand and a ticket booth. Vendors often set up booths and displays and have activities in an exhibit area at the top of the amphitheater hill.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

• Campground:  The bathhouses are fully accessible.
• Camping Cabin 6 and Yurt 3 are ADA-accessible.
• Cabin 2 and the Lodge are ADA-accessible.
• Picnic shelters 2, 4 and 7 are ground-level and universally accessible.
• Swimming pool: The pool concession, pool and bathhouses are ground-level and accessible. Universally accessible parking is in the main parking lot, and sidewalks lead to the pool entrance. There is a wheelchair lift available in the 3-foot pool.
• Visitor Center: Accessible with paved sidewalks from the parking lot and accessible restrooms.
• CCC Museum: Fully accessible by ramp.
• Trails and fishing: The Spillway Trail behind the CCC Museum is paved and follows a steep, downhill path down a hill to the Beaver Lake dam, where guests may view wildlife. Accessible fishing and easy parking are available at the park's Swift Creek Lake boat ramp.
• Amphitheater: The outdoor amphitheater is accessible, with steep paved sidewalks from the ticket booth area. The park assists guests in getting to and from the amphitheater parking lot and seating for park-sponsored events.
• Group cabin areas: Banquet halls are accessible. Cabin and lodges are not accessible as each has two or three entrance steps. Gravel paths lead to bathhouses and may not be accessible for some.
• Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, electric wheelchairs and electric scooters that meet the federal definition for wheelchairs are allowed to enable people with disabilities to use the trails.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Pocahontas presents many programs for park visitors during the year. Programs include guided nature hikes, campfire programs, family and children's programs, and night hikes.

Also, the park is the perfect outdoor classroom for students of all ages. Its staff provides outreach and onsite programs that are available on request. Environmental education field trips and outreach programs align with public school standards of learning (SOL) curricula and, in most cases, can be adapted to individual class needs. Fees are based on the particular program, the number of students and the time involved. Pocahontas also offers recreational and environmental education field trips and outreach programs for private groups, including scouts, youth groups, nature clubs, etc., available upon request.

Additional Self-Guided Opportunities:

• Pocahontas State Park Jr. Ranger Book
• Civilian Conservation Corps Word Search 

For more information, email rebecca.whalen@dcr.virginia.gov or call 804-796-4472.

CCC Museum: In 1933, the country was in the grips of the Great Depression. Millions were out of work and hungry. As part of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, 500,000 unemployed young men were put to work in forests, parks and rangelands across the country. Thus the Civilian Conservation Corps  (CCC) was born. Visit the CCC museum, housed in the original craft building, to see highlights of the corps' many accomplishments in Virginia.

Be sure to enjoy this year's Pocahontas Premieres! summer performances featuring rising and established performers from across the state. Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

The park has an impressive, fun-filled pool aquatic center, boat rentals and a snack bar during the summer months. A camp store within the laundry building is open seasonally. Open year-round, a gift shop in the park office offers souvenirs.

HISTORY

This recreational park was built on farmland and timbered forest by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) for people in the Richmond-Petersburg-Hopewell area. From 1938 through 1942, the park was operated by the National Park Service (NPS) as the Swift Creek Recreational Demonstration Area, and from 1942 through 1945, it was a recreation area for soldiers during World War II. NPS donated the facility to Virginia State Parks on June 6, 1946, making it the largest Virginia state park with more than 7,925 acres, 300 buildings, 20 miles of road, 20 miles of trails and three lakes. 

A contest with a $25 war bond prize was held among local high schools to name the new park. Nancy Roberts, a senior at Thomas Dale High School, submitted the winning entry, Pocahontas Memorial State Park. Pocahontas was the daughter of Chief Powhatan, who ruled over tribes in the Powhatan Confederacy of the Algonquin Nation. Legend has it that she saved Capt. John Smith's life when he was held captive by the Powhatan Confederacy. Pocahontas later married John Rolfe, a tobacco planter, and was known at the time of her death as Lady Rebecca Rolfe. She died in London from an undetermined illness.

The area was renamed Pocahontas State Park and Pocahontas State Forest and was jointly operated by DCR and the Virginia Department of Forestry. Today the entire area is operated by DCR as Pocahontas State Park.

VOLUNTEERING

Pocahontas has an active community of volunteers who contribute more than 20,000 hours a year. They support the park by joining the nonprofit Friends of Pocahontas State Park, chopping firewood, helping at concerts, building trails, greeting visitors, gardening, monitoring wildlife and more. Those interested in volunteering should complete our volunteer application. Contact the park's volunteer coordinator: pocahontasvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov; 804-914-4020.

FRIENDS GROUP

Feel like lending nature a hand? Learn how you can help out. The Pocahontas State Park Friends group is a hands-on volunteer 501c3 organization dedicated to preserving and supporting the park. There are no dues or charges, and the group meets at the park on the third Tuesday of each month.

MASTER PLAN

Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here for this park's master plan.