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.
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 (PDF)
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.
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 (PDF) 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
Inside the Discovery Center, a building at the beach, visitors will find natural and historical resources on display. The majority of educational hands-on nature and history programs are held here throughout the year.
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.
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.
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 (PDF) for this park's master plan.
The pictographs directly below show park offerings. Mouse-over the image for a short text description or view a legend in which each pictograph's meaning is expressed.
