Twin Lakes State Park

General Information

In the heart of central Virginia, this 548-acre, historic park offers many cultural, environmental and recreational activities. Overnight accommodations include a 33-site campground and 11 climate-controlled cabins. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and lakeside picnicking. The Cedar Crest Conference Center on Prince Edward Lake is available for weddings, family gatherings, retreats and business meetings.

Hours

Dawn - dusk.

Location

Twin Lakes State Park is near Farmville, about an hour southwest of Richmond. To get there, take U.S. 360 West of Burkeville to Route 613 (Indian Springs Rd.). Then go east on Route 629 (Twin Lakes Rd.).

Its address is 788 Twin Lakes Rd., Green Bay, VA 23942-2525.
Latitude, 37.174829, Longitude, -78.273242.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three to four hours; Richmond, one to one and a half hours; Tidewater/ Norfolk/ Virginia Beach, two and a half to three hours; Roanoke, three hours

Park Size

548 acres. Prince Edward Lake is 36 acres, Goodwin Lake is 15 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

Camping, cabins and lodge. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-7275. Click here for park fees. Those interested in reserving the Cedar Crest Conference Center, a day-use facility, should call 434-392-3435.

• Click here for details on cancellation and transfer policies. 

Cabins | Camping

Cabins

Twin Lakes State Park is home to multiple cabin types and sizes, ranging from two-bedroom cabins to a six-bedroom lodge. Continue reading for more details regarding minimum stays, check-in procedures, things to note, and cabin details.

Cabin Minimum Stays

Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, all cabins and the lodge are rented for a six-night minimum beginning on a specified start date that varies by cabin. 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 lodges are open year-round and may be reserved up to 11 months in advance. 

Cabin Check-in

Check-in time is 4 p.m. on the arrival date; Check-out is 10 a.m. on the departure date.

Cabin guests should register at the Park Office/Gift Shop upon arrival. Those arriving after 4:30 p.m. may access their cabin by entering the last four digits of their reservation number on the keypad at the front door of their cabin, then register the following morning to obtain additional passes. 

Included in each Cabin

• Picnic table, lantern hanger, pedestal grill and fire ring available outside
• Kitchens with a refrigerator, electric stove, drip coffee maker, microwave oven, toaster, dishes, glassware, utensils, basic pots and pans appropriate for cabin capacity, and dish detergent
• AM-FM clock radio

Things to note about Cabin Rentals

Linens are not provided. Guests should bring sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mats, kitchen towels and cloths. Guests should also bring toiletries, food, coffee filters, and any special cooking supplies, like cooking spray. This park offers no additional bed rentals. Cabins have no TV, telephone, or Wi-Fi access. A $10 fee is charged per pet per night when you make your reservation.

Cabins 1 and 2

• Each accommodates up to eight people
• Two bathrooms
• Three bedrooms (one with a queen bed, one with two twin beds, and the last with two bunk sets) 
• Open floor plan
• Gas-log fireplace
• Dishwasher
• Wrap-around porch with rocking chairs
• Cabin 2 has full ADA accessibility with a ramp and accessible tub; Cabin 1 has an accessible shower but no ramp into the cabin

Cabin 5 (The Martin Cottage)

• Accommodates up to four people
• One bathroom
• Two bedrooms (one with a full-sized bed, the other with two twin beds)
• Homey atmosphere

Cabin 6

• Accommodates up to six people
• One bathroom
• Two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, the other with two bunk sets) 
• Wood-burning fireplace

Cabins 7 and 8

• Each accommodates up to six people
• One bathroom
• Two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, the other with two bunk sets)
• Screened porch
• Wood-burning fireplace

Cabins 9 and 10

• Each accommodates up to six people
• Waterfront views
• One bathroom
• Two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, the other with two bunk sets)
• Screened porch
• Wood-burning fireplace
• Those with limited physical mobility may have difficulty with concrete stairs leading to these cabins

Cabin 11

• Accommodates up to six people
• Waterfront views
• One bathroom
• Two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, the other with two bunk sets)
• Wood-burning fireplace
• Those with limited mobility may have difficulty with concrete stairs leading to this cabin

Bowen Lodge

The Bowen Lodge at Twin Lakes State Park, also known as Cabin 3, is the park’s largest overnight facility. Minimum stays, check-in procedures, things to note, and what’s included that apply to cabins also apply to the Bowen Lodge.

• Accommodates up to 16 people
• Waterfront views
• Three bathrooms
• Six bedrooms (two rooms have a queen bed, another two rooms have two twin beds each, and the other bedrooms each have two bunk sets
• Open floor plan with large common area with living room, kitchen and dining area
• Gas-log fireplace
• Porches with rocking chairs
• ADA Accessible
• Washer and dryer

Camping

Open from the first Friday in March until the first Monday in December, the campground at Twin Lakes is comprised of 32 sites, ranging in size to accommodate anything from a tent to a 36’ RV. Campground reservations are site-specific, meaning you reserve a particular site number when you make your reservation.
Campground map

Continue reading for more details regarding what’s included with your reservation, check-in procedures, and things to note.

All campsites include

• Water and electric (20 and 30-amp) hookups.
• Fire ring with grill (can be used for cooking or campfire)
• Parking for two vehicles (additional vehicles must be parked in a designated parking area and are subject to daily parking fees)

Check-in procedures

Campers will find their site marked with their last name upon arrival. A single parking pass will be clipped to the site marker. Campers can visit the Camp Host (the first site at the right of the campground entrance) or the Park Office/Gift Shop for an additional parking pass.

Things to note about Campground Reservations

All reservations include access to a centralized, modern bath house and dump station. To prevent the spread of harmful insects, please refrain from bringing firewood from outside the park. Firewood will be available for purchase in the campground. Visitors to overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. There is no charge for pets. The park does not offer Wi-Fi access.

Site Types and Sizes

Tent/Popup – Sized for tents and popups up to 20 feet long

25ft – Sized for RVs up to 25 feet long

30ft – Sized for RVs up to 30 feet long

36ft – Sized for RVs up to 36 feet long

Total sites of each type: EW Tent/Popup, 11; EW 25ft, 11; EW 30ft, 7; EW RV36, 4

Recreation

TRAILS

Six miles of hiking trails take the visitor through hardwood forests and along the lakes. An 8-mile, non-loop multi-use trail in the adjacent Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest is open to hikers, bikers and horses. Bikers and horseback riders 16 and older must have a state forest permit, which can be purchased wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, to utilize the trail.

SWIMMING

Unguarded swimming is available in the designated swimming area of Goodwin Lake year-round at no cost. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.

FISHING, BOATING

The park’s Prince Edward and Goodwin lakes are great for fishing. Both have sunfish, largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish. A valid Virginia freshwater fishing license, which may be purchased at the main office, is required.

Boating is allowed on both lakes and electric motors may be used. There is a public boat launch for each lake. 

HORSES

None, but the nearby state forest's multi-use trail allows horses. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse. Horseback riders must have a state forest permit, which may be purchased at the park office, online, or wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

HUNTING

None at this park, but hunting is popular in the adjacent state forest. Licenses and permits apply.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

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

Download the geo-referenced map for this park

Nearby Attractions

• Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park 
• High Bridge Trail State Park
• Holliday Lake State Park
• Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
• Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest
• Lee’s Retreat Driving Tour
• The Historic town of Farmville
• Longwood University Visual Arts Center
• Moton Museum
• The American Civil War Museum
• Crewe Historic Railroad Park
• The Adventure Park at Sandy River Retreat (zip lines, canopy rope courses)
• Virginia's Heartland Regional Visitor Center.

Picnic Shelters

The park has two picnic shelters for rent. The rental period runs from 8 a.m. to dusk for the day. A daily parking fee is also charged per vehicle. Boat rental and boat trailer parking fees are additional charges. Here's a full list of park fees. Call 800-933-7275 to rent a shelter.

Shelter 1 accommodates up to 60 and offers a great view of Goodwin Lake. It's also near a playground. Additional seating is available around the shelter if vacant. This shelter has universally accessible parking and an adjacent walkway.

Shelter 2 is near the swimming area and accommodates up to 25. The rustic shelter is made from cedar trunks and beams. Additional seating is available around the shelter if vacant. If you need help getting to the shelter, please let park staff know when you arrive.

Cancellation: Those canceling a reservation 15 or more days before the reservation date will receive a refund less a cancellation fee. No refund will be given for those who cancel in fewer than 15 days.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING, CONFERENCE AND WEDDING FACILITIES

Cedar Crest Center at Twin Lakes State Park is the natural choice for your special event. The location boasts waterfront views of Prince Edward Lake, an outdoor gazebo, several picnic shelters, a spacious deck and three climate-controlled indoor rooms for guests to enjoy, the largest of which seats 135. Included with your rental is access to a caterer’s kitchen and guest parking at your event. Download a printable guide to this event space. Learn about weddings at Twin Lakes.

For smaller get-togethers and those that do not require audiovisual equipment, consider renting one of the park’s two picnic shelters that overlook Goodwin Lake. Shelter One rents for $90 per day and can accommodate approximately 60 people. Shelter Two can accommodate approximately 25 people and rents for $60 per day. Additional seating may be available nearby the shelter if vacant. Parking fees are not included with shelter rentals.

Bowen Lodge, a waterfront cabin and the largest of the park’s overnight facilities (six bedrooms), can sleep up to 16, and features a large open-concept kitchen and dining area perfect for smaller events.

Call 434-392-3435 to schedule a tour of the facilities mentioned above. To reserve, call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK (7275).

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

The park's office has a gift shop and a camp store open year-round.

RESTAURANT

Visit the concession stand at the beach for hot snacks and cool treats, open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

LAUNDRY

The closest laundry facility is in Crewe, about 10 miles from the park.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

Inside the Spot, a building at the beach, visitors will find the Nature Nook. It hosts hands-on nature programs in the summer.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Cedar Crest Center

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

• Cabin 2 and the Bowen Lodge (cabin 3) are ADA-accessible.
• Day use area: Picnic area restroom facility (sinks, toilet), concrete sidewalk access and designated disability parking; wheelchair clearances into the building make this area accessible. Picnic shelter 1 is wheelchair accessible and includes one ADA-compliant picnic table.
• Concession building: This building includes ADA-compliant doorways and concrete walks for access to the building and from the building to the beach. Restrooms are universally accessible, and there are marked parking areas.
• The Cedar Crest Conference Center pavilion is universally accessible. The bathrooms at the conference center are also universally accessible.
• 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

Nature hikes, night hikes, canoe trips, children’s programs, campfire programs and children's nature craft programs. Some programs have fees. Click here to view all park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs. Fees for specific programs are included in the listing.

CONCESSIONS

Visit the back window in the large building located by the swimming beach at Goodwin Lake between Memorial Day and Labor Day to grab a snack, a cool treat, or beach toys.

HISTORY

The land for Twin Lakes State Park was initially bought from struggling farmers by the federal government during the Great Depression. Two parks, Goodwin Lake Recreational Area and Prince Edward Lake were founded in 1939. In 1948, M. Conrad Martin was denied access to Staunton River State Park, and a subsequent lawsuit filed against the state led to the establishment of Prince Edward State Park as Virginia’s eighth state park in 1950. The two lake parks operated as racially segregated parks until the early 1960s. In 1976, the parks merged, and the site was renamed Twin Lakes State Park in 1986.

• Prince Edward State Park
• Oliver Hill
• Maceo Martin
• Herbert Doswell
• Edgar Latham

FRIENDS GROUP

Feel like lending nature a hand? This friends group of hands-on volunteers is dedicated to preserving the park and supporting its mission. Call 434-392-3435 for more information.

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.