Widewater State Park

General Information

On a peninsula where Aquia Creek and the Potomac River meet, Widewater provides access to both bodies of water. The park lies on non-contiguous parcels interspersed by private property. Three parcels are open for access. The park has a visitor center, picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, canoe-kayak launches, a motorboat launch, hiking trails and paddle-in camping. The park highlights the area’s natural, historic and recreational resources.

Hours

8 a.m. to dusk.

Location

Widewater State Park is in northeastern Stafford County, about 40 miles south of Washington, D.C., and 20 miles northeast of Fredericksburg. From I-95, take Aquia Harbor Exit 143A, then go north on U.S. 1. Jefferson Davis Hwy. Turn right onto Telegraph Rd (Route 637), and then onto Widewater Rd. (Route 611). Widewater Rd. turns into Arkendale Rd. (Route 633) after about four miles. Turn left onto Brent Point Rd. (Route 658).
The park is in several parcels on Brent Point Rd. Latitude, 38.428475. Longitude, -77.334705.
Drive Time: Northern Virginia, an hour; Richmond, one and a half hours; Tidewater-Norfolk-Virginia Beach, two and a half hours; Roanoke, four hours.

Park Size

1,089 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

Widewater has no cabins or full-service camping.

Widewater has no cabins or traditional campsites as the park is under construction.  Currently, there are four primitive paddle-in campsites where only tents can be used. Call the park for further details about these sites. The park’s master plan includes areas of development for both cabins and traditional campgrounds (tent and RVs) once initial construction is completed.

For information on the availability of other parks' overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.

Recreation

TRAILS

There are currently two 1-mile-long hiking trails at Widewater: Long Pond Trail and Holly Marsh Trail.  Near the Visitor Center is  Long Pond Trail, which makes a wide loop around the Visitor Center and runs along sections of both Aquia Creek and Long Pond. Holly Marsh Trail connects with Long Pond Trail, providing access to the Potomac Picnic Area and borders the Holly Marsh. At its’ end/start, this wooded hike provides a striking view of the Potomac River. Both trails are ranked as easy and are for hiking only. There are currently other trails under development in the park, but hiking on them is strictly prohibited while construction is going on.

SWIMMING

There are no designated swimming areas. Swimming is hazardous because of swift currents, sudden drop-offs and unseen obstructions.

FISHING, BOATING

The Potomac River is an excellent fishery for largemouth bass; other sport fish include catfish, perch, and striped bass. This section of river is tidal and is considered fresh water. A Virginia or Maryland freshwater fishing license is required when fishing on the main stem of the Potomac River.  When fishing on Aquia Creek or in Long Pond, a Virginia freshwater fishing license is required. The park also honors Potomac River Fisheries Commission licenses.

Car-top launches that are suitable for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available at both the Aquia Creek and Potomac River. The park also has a motorboat launch area with direct access to the Potomac River, featuring one ramp and parking for up to 50 trailers. There is currently no horsepower restriction. The boat ramp is open every day from 5 a.m. to dusk. As closing times change throughout the year, please call the park office for current closing times. Overnight boating is permitted, but parking fees will apply for both days. You must enter to launch before the gate closes at dusk. After dusk, the gate will automatically open to allow vehicles to leave.

HORSES

None.

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

Stafford County offers many places and activities for the whole family. Nearby are Patawomeck Park, Smith Lake Park, Government Island, Stafford County Civil War Park, Aquia Landing Park and Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve. Fredericksburg, which is fairly close, also has restaurants, shops and historical sites.

Picnic Shelters

The park has four picnic shelters: two next to the Visitor Center and two at the Potomac River recreational area. Each shelter has access to parking, restrooms and a playground. These shelters are available for day use but can also be rented all day for a fee. Please refer to the Prices and Fees section for pricing details.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

None.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

The park’s Visitor Center is in the Aquia Creek parcel near shelters one and two and Long Pond Trail. Exhibits detail the history of Widewater, including Captain John Smith’s landing and the Indians of the Chesapeake region, the glory days of fishing on the Potomac, Langley’s early experiments with aircraft launched from boats, local African-American artist Palmer Hayden, and the Ghost Fleet of Widewater and Mallows Bay. Live animals that can be found in the region are on display as well. There is also a gift shop within the Visitor Center where park merchandise, drinks and snacks can be purchased. The Visitor Center is open Monday-Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the weekdays and variable seasonal hours on the weekends. Please call the park office for current Visitor Center hours.

RESTAURANT

None.

LAUNDRY

None.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

Currently, there is no Environmental Education Center at this park, but there are plans for development of one in the park’s master plan.

SPECIAL FEATURES

None.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

The visitor center is ADA accessible, and there are ADA accessible restrooms in each developed parcel. 

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Interpretive programs offered at this park vary throughout the year depending on the season and weather. Programs include nature hikes, kayaking tours, plant identification, astronomy, crafts and many more. Some programs may have fees. Click here to view all parks’ events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs. Special educational programs for school groups are also possible. Contact Chief Ranger Ellen Hillborn at ellen.hillborn@dcr.virginia.gov for further details.

CONCESSIONS

None.

HISTORY

The state acquired this land from Dominion Resources in 2006. Dominion originally planned on using the site for an electrical generation facility. A master plan for the park was written in 2008. An advisory committee comprised of Stafford County residents, adjacent landowners, government officials, user groups and local businesses crafted the plan with the guidance of the public. The committee defined goals, objectives and a park purpose statement for the park.

The purpose of Widewater State Park is to provide premier water and land-based educational outdoor recreational opportunities while protecting and interpreting the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of the peninsula of land cradled between Aquia Creek and the Potomac River in Stafford County.

FRIENDS GROUP

The Friends of Widewater State Park is a volunteer group that helps the park staff in assisting visitors and protecting the surrounding natural resources. You can get more information and contact them through their Facebook page or by emailing the group directly at  widewater.friends@gmail.com.

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.