Picnic Spots Near Me in Wake

Named for Native Americans who lived in the area for hundreds of years, Occoneechee is on the John H. Kerr Reservoir, better known as Buggs Island Lake, and is popular with anglers and boaters. Facilities include cabins, campsites, an equestrian campground, picnic shelters, an amphitheater, a playground, boat ramps, and a private concession offering boat rentals and snacks. Occoneechee Marina offers a fuel dock and boat slips with water and electric service for annual rentals. Six slips are available for rent to overnight camping and cabin guests. The park also has 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The visitor center and museum introduce visitors to Native American history and the indigenous Occoneechee people.

Providing 24-hour access Virginia’s largest lake, three boat ramps open the door to 48,000 acres of fishing, boating and aquatic recreation. Forty-eight campsites are available for tent and RV campers. Some sites are right on the shoreline, providing easy fishing and boating access. The park also has 13 cabins that allow guests to enjoy the comforts of home as well as beautiful views of the lake. An equestrian campground with 11 sites and 11 covered horse stalls offers easy access to the park’s trail system. Occoneechee also has picnic areas near the lake, a playground, boat rentals and a lakefront amphitheater.

Camping

Half the sites may be specifically reserved; the rest are assigned upon arrival.

Campsites have round grills on a cement pad on the ground. The grill can be used to make a campfire or for cooking. Campfires are allowed only in designated area.
All sites are color-coded. If you arrive late, set up on a site that's coded with the color you were assigned. Register at the visitor center the next morning.
Only Campground C has waterfront sites with water and electric hookups (C Orange EW-W 30ft sites).
Only Campground B (B Green EW 35ft) sites allow equipment up to 35' long. The remaining campsites in the park allow equipment up to 30' long. Campground B sites (B Green EW 35ft) are open only from May 1 through Oct. 1.
Campground C has waterfront sites without utilities (C Red Std-W 30ft) and can accommodate equipment up to only 30' long.
Firewood is for sale; to help prevent the spread of invasive species, please do not bring your own firewood. Hardwood firewood from Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William is not allowed.
Campgrounds have bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets.
Two vehicles are allowed per site. A daily parking fee is charged for additional vehicles. The number allowed at each campsite varies, depending on site design. Vehicles parked at a campsite must be parked in the designated parking area. Camper vehicles that don't fit on the site, whether or not a special camper vehicle fee is required for them, must park in the designated overflow parking area.
Only those registered on the site may stay the night; other guests must leave the park by 10 p.m.
Dogs are allowed and must at all times be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Owners must clean up pet waste and properly bag and dispose of it.
Total sites of each type: Standard, 3; EW, 33; StdWaterview, 6; EW Waterview, 6

Site type:

Campground B

B Green EW 35ft: Electric and water; RVs up to 35 feet allowed only in Campground B (no exceptions); various equipment; no sewer. Accepts outlets for 20 and 30-amp current. These sites are not on the lake.

Campground C

C Purple Std 30ft: Various equipment, no hookups; RVs up to 30 feet only.

C Blue EW 30ft: RVs up to 30 feet in Campground C (no exceptions); various equipment; electric and water hook-ups. Accepts outlets for 20 and 30-amp current.

C Red Std-W 30ft: Waterfront sites for various equipment with no hookups; RVs up to 30 feet only (no exception).

C Orange EW-W 30ft: Waterfront site for various equipment with electric and water hookups; RVs up to 30 feet (no exceptions). Accepts outlets for 20 and 30-amp current. These types of sites are in Campground C only.

Total campsites: 48.

Occoneechee Equestrian Campground: Eleven 100 by 24-foot campsites with electricity; eleven 12 by 12-foot covered stalls (not specifically assigned). This campground operates from the first Friday in March to the first Monday in December. Check-in is 4 p.m., check-out is 1 p.m.

One vehicle in addition to RV or horse trailer, popup or two small tents; maximum occupancy is six people per campsite. The campground is designed mainly for self-sustaining horse trailers and RVs, but equestrian customers with other camping equipment are welcome. Trails are open but may be in poor condition after heavy rain. The park is stabilizing the trails with material to prevent such conditions in the future.

Each site has a 50-amp electrical pedestal.
Each campsite has only electric hookups (no water hookups) and a gravel driveway, pedestal grill, picnic table and lantern posts. Water is available in three central areas.
This campground also has a central wash-down rack and 75-foot diameter exercise ring.
Campers must have a reservation for a stall for each horse.
Horse stalls may be rented only along with the rental of a campsite in the equestrian campground. The campsite also must be occupied by someone. All horses brought to the park by overnight guests must be kept in rental stalls.
Vault toilets are provided; no bathhouse.
Each campsite is pull-through, 100 by 24 feet, and accommodates trailers up to 65 feet long.
The two hitching posts are for temporary use; horses must be confined to a covered stall and will not be allowed to graze or be tied out on the grounds.

Recreation

TRAILS
About 3.1 miles of walking trails wind through woodlands throughout the park. Two self–guided interpretive trails introduce visitors to the Terrace Garden - Occoneechee Plantation site and the Tutelo Birding-Wildlife Trail. The park also has 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

SWIMMING
The park has a spray ground but no designated swimming areas per se.

Splash Spray Ground

When it's warm outside, everyone loves random sprays of cool, refreshing water. The spray ground area has playground equipment, two charcoal grills, a picnic shelter, restrooms and 25 parking spaces. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, it's open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. It’s also open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in May prior to Memorial Day and in September after Labor Day. Admission is included in daily parking, camping and cabin fees.

FISHING, BOATING

Buggs Island Lake and connecting Lake Gaston are famous for the number and size of fish there. Striped and largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and perch are plentiful. Three boat ramps provide motorized and non-motorized boat access to Buggs Island Lake. A Buggs Island Special Pass that covers boat launching and parking for Occoneechee and Staunton River state parks is available. Call 800-933-PARK for more information. Pontoon and fishing boats, including safety equipment, can be rented at the main boat ramp from Clarksville Marine Rentals Inc.

Boating: Available year-round. Motorboats are allowed. Three boat launching ramps are available for access to Buggs Island Lake for both motorized and non-motorized boats. Call 800-933-PARK to purchase an annual boat launch passport.

Pontoons, single and double kayaks, and paddle boards, including safety equipment, may be rented from Clarksville Marine Rentals at the main boat ramp. On weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it's open 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and by appointment at all other times during the year. Boats must be returned by 6 p.m. Thirty gallons of gas are included in the pontoon rental. Call 434-374-2525 or 434-374-2755 to make reservations.

ARCHERY RANGE

The park has a 10-target outdoor range. Guests must bring their own equipment. Daily parking fees apply.

HORSES

Horses are allowed on the Panhandle Multi-use Trail. Equestrian camping is available

There are no horse rentals. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park.

HUNTING
The Occoneechee Panhandle Area provides public hunting for those with a valid state hunting license; you must register at the area's access gate.

Tucked neatly into the heart of Virginia, about 25 miles from the North Carolina border, Staunton River offers much to families and outdoor enthusiasts. The 2,400-acre park offers woodlands, meadows and shoreline along the Dan and Staunton rivers. Cabins built in the 1930s by the CCC and a campground offer overnight lodging. The equestrian campground offers large campsites and horse stalls. Access to Virginia's largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, offers freshwater fishing and boating, along with water skiing and many other aquatic activities. The park also has Olympic-sized and wading pools, picnic shelters, three playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, several boat launches and more than 17 miles of multi-use trails.

Camping

Half the sites may be specifically reserved; the rest are assigned upon arrival.

Each campsite has fire rings that can be used for campfires or cooking.
Swimming and boat launching free with overnight reservations, but if your stay depends on launching your boat, please call the park since boat launching is dependent on water level.
Firewood is sold at the park.
Accepts outlets for 20 and 30-amp current.
Laundry facility is in the campground bathhouse. Check with the park's visitor center for the facility's availability during off-season.
Recycling stations are throughout the park.
Boaters should remove boats from the water after use as there are no docking facilities in the camping area.
Visitors to overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. and are subject to parking fees. They must park in assigned area if campsite area already has the maximum of two vehicles parked.
All camping equipment and vehicles must be set up and parked on the timbered area of the site.
There is no access to the rivers or lake from the campground.
The campground is not on the water. There are no waterfront sites.
The bathhouse is heated and has hot showers.
There are no sewer hookups, but there is a dump station.
If you need help during the summer months, please see the camp hosts, who are on site 25.
Any equipment that will not fit on your site must be parked in the overflow parking area.
During the summer months, campsites are assigned based on reservations, equipment length, and special needs and requests.
Total sites of each type: EW 45-ft, 4; EW 30-ft, 10; EW pop/tent, 20; Tent Std., 13

Site type:

EW 30-ft - Electric and water hookups, various equipment up to 30 feet, bathhouse available.

EW Pop/Tent - Electric and water hookups, popup and tent campers up to 20 feet, bathhouse available.

EW 45-ft - Electric and water hookups, pull-through up to 45 feet, RVs only, bathhouse available.

Tent Std - Tents only, no hookups, bathhouse available.

Total campsites: 47

Equestrian Camping: Electric and water hookups and a central dump station are available. Sites 1-10 are pull-through with paved surfacing and can accommodate a camping unit up to 50 feet long and one vehicle. Sites 11-13 are back-in with a gravel surface and a tent pad and can accommodate camping units up to 30 feet long with one vehicle. There are 20 covered horse stalls, a bathhouse with showers and a picnic shelter. Picnic tables, fire-rings and charcoal grills are available at each site.

All sites have electric pedestals, which have 20, 30 and 50-amp outlets.
All equipment must be kept on the paved or graveled area at the campsite.
Proof of a negative Coggins test is required.
Horses must be kept in a stall when not being ridden. Horses may not be tied up in open areas, day-use areas or around the campsites. Horses may only be ridden on designated trails and are not permitted on paved roads within the park.
Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and attended to at all times.
Campers are encouraged to clean their stalls. Pitchforks, wheelbarrows and buckets are available.

Recreation

TRAILS
Hiking and self-guided trails; horses allowed on multi-use trail. Ten wooded trails provide miles of hiking along the Dan and Staunton rivers as well as Buggs Island Lake.  Multi-use trails are open for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Bring your own horse and bike.

Note: To prevent damage to the park's trails, trails are often closed during wet conditions. Please call the park at (434) 572-4623 prior to your visit to ensure that the trails are available for use.

SWIMMING
The park has an Olympic sized pool and a wading pool open from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. The larger pool has a 70-foot waterslide known as "the Moccasin" as well as a smaller log slide in the shallow end. The Pollywog Pond has a frog slide and many fun water toys for kids and toddlers. (You must be less than 45 inches tall to play in the Pollywog Pond.) The pool complex is open from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and includes a bathhouse and concessions area. In-season, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the camping lodge, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances. Also, prior to mid-June and after mid-August, pool hours may vary. Contact the visitor center for details.

The pool facility can be rented for after-hours use on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the visitor center for rental details.

FISHING, BOATING
The Dan and Staunton rivers and Buggs Island Lake are famous for the number and size of fish there. Bass, bluegill, crappie and perch are plentiful. The park has a boat launch. A Buggs Island Special Pass that covers boat launching and parking for Occoneechee and Staunton River state parks is available. A valid Virginia fishing license is required; purchase one in the park's visitor center. Annual boat launch passports are available by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

No boat rentals at this park. Guests must bring their own boats. Boat launching ramp is available. These facilities may not be accessible if the water level is too high or low. If your visit depends on the ability to launch your boat, please call the park in advance. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted on Buggs Island Lake.

STRONOMICAL OBSERVATION
The park was designated as the 25th International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association in July 2015. The park hosts guided observing sessions monthly throughout the summer and sessions for special astronomical events throughout the year. The Chapel Hill Astronomical Observational Society has donated two Newtonian-reflector telescopes that may be rented at the visitor center. The telescope, two lenses, a star map, printed instructions and hands-on tutorial by park staff come with rental.

The park hosts the Staunton River Star Party, along with the Chapel Hill Astronomical Observational Society, every March and October. Registration is required, however each Saturday night during the event is free and open to the public.

A field next the visitor center is available year-round for astronomical observing. Parking fees apply. Contact the visitor center for more information.

HORSES
Horseback riders are allowed on multi-use trail. There are no horse rentals in the park or nearby, but there are overnight facilities for horses at the park. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park. Horses must be kept on designated trails and are not allowed on park roads, in camping areas or in day-use areas.

DISC GOLF
Staunton River is home to a challenging, woodsy nine-hole disc golf course, the only such course in the state park system. The course, created as a pilot project, opened in late 2017.

About us:

Seven Bends State Park is a day-use park located in the geographically unique Seven Bends area of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Seven Bends State Park provides public access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and features two hand-carry boat launches, picnic areas, one single family-sized picnic shelter, vault restrooms, and 8 miles of hiking trails. The park provides water and land based outdoor recreational and educational opportunities while protecting and interpreting the spectacular scenic viewshed and geological, natural and historical resources of the storied seven bends area.

The 37th state park was dedicated on September 24, 2016, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1988, the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park is more than just the bridge; beautiful forests and rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain and vistas of surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature’s splendor. Access these via 7 miles of hiking trails, including  Cedar Creek Trail that leads from the park’s Visitor Center under the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade. Seasonal living history programs connect you to the past and cover how people once used the area’s resources for survival and inspiration. Start at the visitor center where you will find exhibits and a gift shop.

On the second largest freshwater lake in the state, this picturesque park is the water enthusiast's paradise. There are numerous water activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier. Families can also enjoy picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheater, special programs, camping, miles of trails and cabins with boat docks.

Camping

Half the sites may be specifically reserved; the rest are assigned upon arrival.

All campsites have in-ground grills for cooking and campfires.
Firewood is available for a small fee (sorry - no complimentary wood for campers). Do not bring firewood.
One vehicle permitted in parking lot per tent site (Tent Std). Extra vehicles must park in overflow parking.
Guests will find boat-trailer and additional parking at the overflow lot about 50 yards from the campground entrance. There's no electricity at the overflow lot.
Visitors to overnight guests must pay to park vehicle in parking lot, pay for any day use services and leave the park by 10 p.m..
Fifty sites; all in the woods; no waterfront. Various equipment. Up to 50 feet (not all sites).
Full-service bathhouse with hot showers and wash sink for dishes.
All sites have a picnic table, fire ring grill and a post for a lantern.
Sites EW 30ft BackIn and EW 50ftPulThru have water and electric hookups.
A dump station is available free of charge for campers who stay in the park; non-overnight guests must pay a small fee to use the dump station.
Total sites of each type: TENT, 25

Site type: Tent Std - Tents only. No water and electricity. RVs, pop-up trailers and vans are not allowed on tent sites. All sites have a small gravel surface. The area has only a general parking lot, so only one vehicle is allowed per site. No boats or trailers allowed in tent site parking area. Tent campers with boats must park their boats in the overflow parking area at the entrance to the campground. Bathhouse available.

Total sites of each type: EW 30ft BackIn, 19; EW 50ftPulThru, 5; Tent Std, 26

Site type:

EW 30ft BackIn - Tent/van/pop-up/camper/RV up to 30 feet. Gravel sites. Five are minimum impact sites. Sites located in the woods. This site is well-suited for campers towing a small boat. Water and electric sites. All equipment must fit on the site and not encroach on natural areas.

EW 50ftPulThru, 5 - Tent/van/pop-up/camper/RV up to 50'. These gravel, pull-through sites are recommended for campers with large RVs or larger boats. Because of the gravel, tent set-ups are discouraged. Campers with smaller boat should request site type EW 30ft BackIn. Water and electricity available. All equipment must fit on the site and not encroach on natural areas.

RV sites (EW 30ft BackIn and EW 50ftPulThru, accept outlets for 20 and 30 amp current. There are no waterfront sites at this park. These sites have electric and water, and a bathhouse is available.

General campground information:

A trail not advertised for day use leads to the water for fishing at anytime, however there are no designated swimming areas and the mooring of boats is not permitted.
Campers pulling a boat trailer will have to bring the boat back to the site or overflow park each night as there are no mooring facilities at the park. Reminder: There is no charge to launch for overnight campers.
There is one site that may be used as a universally accessible site. The park is unable to hold it. This site has a universally accessible picnic table and pedestal grill.
The campground remains open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday of December. Reservations are strongly encouraged during prime season.

Recreation

TRAILS

There are 13 hiking trails ranging from half a mile to three miles long. Trails meander through the park’s various features, including hardwood forests, pine forests, secluded coves and picturesque vistas. They are open year-round during daylight hours.

SWIMMING

The park’s 500-foot beach is one of two public beaches on the lake. Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. Weather and other issues may at times force suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is not advised.

The beach and snack bar are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Beach hours may be limited during the last two weeks of August. Call the park for open-beach hours during this time.

FISHING, BOATING

Located on Smith Mountain Lake, the park offers ample opportunities for shore and boat fishing. You’ll find striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and several other species.

Fishing tournaments are scheduled at the park office. A special-use permit application, which may be obtained from the office, is required and must be submitted at least two weeks prior to a tournament. Tournaments are scheduled first-come, first-served.

Boat launching fee required for day-use public; overnight guests launch for free. There are no overnight mooring areas except in the cabin area for cabin guests only. The campers must return their boats to the campsite or overflow parking area. Boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, hydrobikes, paddleboats, pontoon boats, ski boats and jet skis) are available at the park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park concessionaire also rents boats offsite the rest of the year. Reservations are taken for those wishing to rent more than six hours. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, call 540-297-3642 for information and reservations; call 540-721-1639 the rest of the year. Call 800-933-PARK to buy an annual boat launch pass.

A traditional family park for 75 years, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide. Amid some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy interpretive programs, four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, tent and trailer camping, and a restaurant overlooking the lake. The park also has 32 cabins and three lodges that accommodate 15, 16 and 18 guests each.

Camping

Douthat is known for delightful, inviting campsites. Some offer a splendid view of Douthat Lake. (Note: Water is unavailable at individual campsites from November through March because of freezing weather. As hot water is still available in the bathhouse, camping fees are not reduced.) The campgrounds are pet-friendly. Generators may not be used in any campgrounds.

Firewood is for sale. Because of the possibility of destructive invasive species, do not bring firewood.
Late arriving campers will find an envelope with their name on it to the left of the park office door. It includes instructions on how and when to register the following morning. Park maps are provided so that these campers may find their campground. The park office is the first building on the right after exiting I-64 and passing the collection booth.
Campsites have grills for cooking or a campfire. All fires must be kept within the grill. Picnic tables and lantern posts are also provided.
Two vehicles per campsite in addition to camping unit; extra vehicles must park in overflow parking area, and parking fees apply for extra vehicles. All equipment must be placed within site's gravel borders. Campsite vehicle area is crushed run gravel; tent pad is pea gravel for drainage.
Park visitors not registered for cabin/campground use must pay parking fee and leave the park by 10 p.m.
Total sites of each type: A-StdLake Lakeside, 19; B-EW Beaver Dam Horse, 14; C-EW White Oak, 31; D-EW Whispering Pines, 23

Site type:

A - StdLake Lakeside - Nineteen RV or tent sites with gravel pads. Maximum RV length is 40 feet with parking for tow or towed vehicles on sites. The campground has dump stations, showers and flush toilets. Sites have no water hookup, but there are water spigots throughout the campground. Those needing electricity should use the White Oak or Whispering Pines Campground; generators are not allowed.

B - EW Beaver Dam (equestrian camping). Fourteen mostly shaded RV or tent sites (four pull-throughs) with gravel pads, electricity (30 and 50-amp service) and water (no sewer hookups at site). Maximum RV length is 40 feet with parking for tow or towed vehicles on sites. The campground has dump stations, showers and flush toilets. There are 14 covered stalls rented separately from camping sites. Guests must provide their own hay and water bucket and must clean up after their horses. The park provides a rake, shovel and wheelbarrow. Stalls measure 12 by 12 feet. Only one horse is allowed per stall. Horses are not permitted to stay in trailers or any other area of the park. At least one person must stay in the campground overnight for the entire duration of the stall reservation.

C - EW White Oak - EW White Oak - Thirty-one mostly shaded RV or tent sites with gravel pads, electricity (30-amp service) and water (no sewer hookups at site). Maximum RV length is 40 feet with parking for tow or towed vehicles on sites. The campground has dump stations, showers and flush toilets.

D - EW Whispering Pines - Twenty-three RV or tent sites with gravel pads, electricity (30 and 50-amp service) and water (no sewer hookups at site). Maximum RV length is 50 feet with parking for tow or towed vehicles on sites. The campground has dump stations, showers and flush toilets. A playground is nearby.

Total sites: 87

Recreation

TRAILS
Hiking, bridle and mountain bike trails (no horse rentals). There are more than 40 miles of wooded hiking trails to choose from throughout the year, ranging from easy to difficult. Many park trails are open to mountain bikers, however hikers have the right-of-way. Douthat has 6 miles of bridle trails. Visit the park office for a map depicting trails at Douthat.

SWIMMING
Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. Operating hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday to Sunday and on holidays, and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Weather and other issues may at times force suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited

FISHING, BOATING
Douthat Lake is a 50-acre fee-fishing lake stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout twice a week during the fee season. The lake also offers excellent largemouth bass fishing and fair opportunities for landing sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish. It’s also an excellent lake for chain pickerel with October being the top month. A special trout fishing area for the kids also has been created on a section of Wilson Creek just below the dam. Fishing is not allowed five days before the first Saturday in April in Douthat Lake or in Wilson Creek upstream of Douthat Lake and from the base of the dam to the Bath-Allegheny county line. Licenses and permits required vary during the year.

Special seasonal regulations apply at Douthat Lake. Everyone 16 and older must have a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license. In addition, a Virginia Trout license or daily fishing permit is required, depending on the season. There is a daily creel limit of six trout with a seven inch minimum. One pole per person allowed, separate stringers required. Fishing hours are posted at the park.

In addition to the fishing license requirement, the following rules may apply, depending on when and where the person will be fishing. Licenses and permits are available at the camp store and wherever Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) licenses are sold.

Changes to the fee fishing area at Douthat State Park: The lower end of Wilson Creek, from the Bath-Alleghany county line downstream to the end of park property, will no longer be stocked during the fee season. This segment of Wilson Creek will be category
“C” stocked trout water Oct. 1 through June 15 and will be referred to as "Wilson Creek (Lower)." Also, the segment of Wilson Creek upstream of Douthat Lake, within park boundaries, will be extended. Beginning April 6, 2019, that area will include
Douthat Lake and Wilson Creek upstream of Douthat Lake and from the base of the dam to the Bath-Allegheny county line. All other rules and regulations pertaining to the fee
fishing area will be unchanged.
When stocking is suspended between June 16 and Sept. 15, the daily permit fee or trout stamp is not required, and fishing is allowed until 10 p.m. (Virginia freshwater fishing license still required.) Feel free to contact the park for status.
Between the first Saturday in April to June 15 and from Sept. 16 to Oct. 31, the lake and stretches of Wilson Creek are stocked twice a week, water conditions permitting. At these times, requirements include purchasing a Virginia freshwater fishing license and a daily permit. They are sold at the park and wherever VDGIF licenses are sold.
November 1 through the last weekend in March: Stocking continues on a random basis. Requirements include a Virginia freshwater fishing license and Virginia trout stamp.
Special fishing rules applying to children:

Those less than 16 years old don't need a license. Virginia residents under 13 may fish the entire park without a permit if under the direct supervision of an adult who has a fishing license and daily fishing permit, if applicable. The combined creel limit for all children and the adult fishing under that permit is six trout.
A special area is available in the park for those 12 and under. They must have their own permit or must be accompanied by an adult who has purchased a daily permit. Only children are allowed to fish in the area.
Call 434-525-FISH to hear VDGIF's recorded message listing trout stocking activity. DGIF administers fishing licenses and regulations; call 804-367-1000

Boating: Funyaks and Jon boats, with and without electric motors, can be rented from the first Saturday in April through the end of October. Also, canoes, paddleboats, hydrobikes and paddleboards may be rented from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor day. If no one is at the boathouse, guests should go to the camp store for help.

A boat launch ramp is available for guests with their own non-gasoline powered boat. No launching fee is charged, but boats must be moored in designated areas. Year-round boat storage is also available from the park for a fee. No gas powered equipment is allowed on the lake.

HORSES
There's an equestrian campground at the northern end of the park. The campground offers access to the park's multi-use trail. There's also a horse trailer parking lot located at Flat Run trailhead. No horse rentals.

About

Home of the legendary fairy stones, this park is well known for its 168-acre lake adjoining Philpott Reservoir. The park is just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Attractions include cabins, a campground, group camping, an equestrian campground, a conference center, hiking trails, lake swimming, rowboats, canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, picnicking and two playgrounds, including one in the water.

Camping

Campsites have a fire ring that can be used for campfires and cooking. Two vehicles plus the camping unit are allowed per campsite, and all vehicles must be kept on the paved area of the campsite. Additional parking is approximately a half mile from the campground area and parking fees are charged. Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area. Dogs must be attended at all times. Dog owners are expected to clean up after their pets and dispose of their waste in appropriate receptacles. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m.

otal sites: Yellow, 42; Green, 8; GrpTent, 6

Site types:

Yellow sites, up to 30' RVs, pop-ups, tents; have sandy tent pad

Green sites, no tents; up to 30' RVs or pop-ups only; doesn't have a sandy tent pad

Yellow and Green sites: All sites listed above have electric and water hook-ups, no sewer. There are 12' by 14' sandy tent pads on Yellow sites only (tents must fit on pads); no tents are permitted on Green sites. All equipment and vehicles must be on the pavement and sandy tent pad at all times. This includes tents, trailers, vehicles, dining flies and other equipment. All sites are shaded. No sewer hookups, but there is a dump station.

Group Camp: Must rent at least three sites to qualify (GrpTent 01-06 Sites). All standard tent sites; no hookups; tents only. Must fit tent on 16' x 16' pad. Each has a grill, picnic table and lantern holder.

Tents only.
No water or electricity.
Rented to groups only.
Central bathhouse with running water and hot showers.
Extra tables, large grill and campfire ring available for group activities.
Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet when not in an enclosed area. Pets must be attended at all times.

Equestrian Camp: Electric-water sites. Sites can hold a camping unit up to 50 feet long. No tents are allowed. Sites accept 20, 30 and 50-amp current. One vehicle and the camping unit are allowed on each site. All sites are graveled pull-through sites and have no shade. All equipment and the vehicle must be kept on the gravel area at all times. Pit toilets only. There is a common campfire area with three picnic tables and a fire-ring at each end of the campground. All sites and the lower common area are ADA-accessible. Individual sites don't have picnic tables and fire-rings. The equestrian campground is 1.25 miles from the main recreational area and the group campground. Campers may use the group campground for showers between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Equestrian campground has no dump station. Campers may use the dump station in the main campground but should be advised the road to the main campground is hilly with sharp curves. Proof of negative Coggins test is required. Horses must remain in stalls while not being ridden. Non-horse campers may camp here if a site has not been reserved within 30 days before the desired date. Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m.Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet when not in an enclosed area.

Recreation

TRAILS
Most of the park's Little Mountain Trail System, 10 miles, is multi-use. Multi-use trails are open to hiking, cycling and horseback riding. The remaining trails, parts of the Little Mountain system and all of the Stuart's Knob system, are for pedestrian use only.

SWIMMING
Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. A bathhouse, concession area and toys are available. Weather and other issues may at times force suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.

FISHING, BOATING
The 168-acre Fairy Stone Lake is great for family fishing and boating. Paddle this serene lake in your canoe or kayak.

Boat rentals are available daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cabin guests may also be able to rent boats for 24-hour periods during those four months; contact the park for details. Boat rentals may be unavailable because of inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Ample pan fish are just waiting to be caught, so it’s the perfect place to teach the kids fishing skills. For more serious anglers, the lake offers some good largemouth bass. Bluegill, crappie, catfish and October-stocked trout round out the park's lake fishing. Just up the road is Philpott Reservoir, which offers good largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. It’s also a good lake for walleye.

Fishing is allowed with a valid Virginia fishing license. Fishing licenses are sold in the park office. A fishing area is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.

A boat launch ramp is available. The use of gas-powered boats is prohibited here, but electric trolling motors are permitted. Gas-powered boats may be used at the Philpott Reservoir, 20 minutes from the park. Rowboats, paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes may be rented during the summer season.

HORSES
Although no horses are rented here, they are allowed on the park's multi-use trails, and the park has an area designated for horse trailers. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park.

HUNTING
Hunting is allowed only in designated areas. About half the park's land is open to hunting. Hunting is never allowed near the public facilities - i.e., the beach, cabins and campground. Next to the park is the Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which has a 5,000-acre deer management area.

Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. The park has a full-service marina with docking slips, supplies, fuel, boat rentals and refreshments. The Water's Edge Meeting Facility is perfect for weddings, receptions and reunions, and wedding packages are available. There's also a gift shop. Three lodges and 13 cabins overlook the 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. The historic Howe House has interactive exhibits describing the ecology of the lake and the surrounding areas.

Hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Camping

Vehicles: At campsites, two vehicles per site in addition to camping unit. All others are charged the standard parking fee. Camping guests may use the boat launch for up to two boats at no additional charge.
Two camping units are allowed per campsite; only one axled camper is allowed per site.
Campsites have recently been renovated for guest comfort and park resource protection. All equipment and vehicles must be kept within the site bordered by 6 x 6 inch timbers. Additional vehicles must be parked in the lot adjacent to the campground contact station or in the Campground D parking lot.
Visitors to overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. and are charged the normal parking fee.
Each campsite has a fire ring type with a metal grill. All rest on the ground and can be used for campfires.
Firewood is available for a small fee. Please do not bring your own as it may have insects that could harm the park's trees.
Generators are not permitted in the campground.
Electric-water sites accept 20 and 30 amp current.
Campground D: Accommodates large RV units up to 40 feet on sites specifically reserved as indicated on site chart. Sites that aren't specifically reserved can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long. Water and electric hookups except in March and November when there is electricity but no water. Also, in April and late October, availability of water depends on the weather. There are no sewer hook-ups, but there is a dump station. The area is sparsely wooded and mostly flat. Most large RV sites are pull-through. Restroom is universally accessible. Sites D-27 and D-35 are near the bathhouse and are universally accessible.
Campgrounds A, B and C: Will accommodate a mix of equipment; however, mostly tents and small trailers up to 20 feet long. No hookups for electric and water. Campgrounds are mostly wooded. Terrain varies from level to hilly.
Total sites of each type: STD, 64; E/W, 39

Site type:

STD - Various equipment up to 20 feet; campgrounds A, B, & C. No hookups.
E/W - Various equipment up to 40 feet. Cold weather may affect the availability of water - see above.
Total campsites: 103

Group campsite - Standard tent site; no hookups, tents only. Maximum of 35 people, 10 tents and 10 vehicles. Two grills, six picnic tables, no lantern hangers.

No water or electricity.
Rented only to groups.
In Campground D, which has a bathhouse with running water and hot showers.
Generators are not permitted.

Recreation

TRAILS
The park has six trails - a total of 7 miles of easy-rating hike or bike trails - open year-round. Plant life is predominantly representative of a mature oak-hickory-poplar forest. Extensive reforestation is ongoing. White-tailed deer, various birds, raccoons, squirrels and other species are common.

Within the trail system lies a 5K cross-country trail designed by Boy Scout troop 244. The trail starts on Lakeview Trail in front of the Water's Edge Meeting Facility and ends in front of the lodges. It's great for seasoned and novice runners. Those interested in hosting a 5K at the park should contact the park office.

The park's Shady Ridge Trail, a .66-mile self-guided interpretive loop trail, is part of TRACK Trail Adventures, a program that uses brochures to help kids explore nature. A different story unfolds with each page of the brochure.

SWIMMING
Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. The swimming area has a diving tower, snack bar and gift shop. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Weather and other issues may at times force suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is not advised.

FISHING, BOATING
Motorboats permitted. Except for the beach and cabin area, fishing is permitted from the shoreline throughout the park. Bass, catfish, muskie, walleye and striped bass are among the popular sport fish found in the lake. A valid Virginia freshwater-fishing license is required. Licenses may be purchased at the Water's Edge gift shop when it's open or at the park office during off-season.

The park and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries recently installed various fish attractors to improve fishing for both shoreline and boating anglers.

The park offers boat slip rental, a launch ramp (no charge to overnight guests), gasoline sales, fishing supplies and licenses, and a gift shop. Long-term boat slips are available by calling the park at 540-643-2500. Overnight dock rentals are available by calling 800-933-7275, Monday through Friday. Boats longer than 24 feet cannot be accommodated. Check-in is 4 p.m., check out is 3 p.m. There's a 14-night maximum stay limit.

Claytor Lake Water Sports at the marina offers a variety of pontoons, motorboats, canoes and kayaks,  can handle all your boat rental needs. They also rent bicycles for all ages and sizes.

HORSES

None at this park, but horse rental is available at New River Trail State Park, which is about 30 minutes away.

New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. Several places in the park provide horse, canoe and bike rentals, boat launches and gift shops. Fishing is popular, and primitive camping sites dot the trail. The park hosts a horse arena, and guided horseback trips are available. There are access points to the trail at Allisonia, Cliffview, Draper, Dora Junction (near Pulaski), Foster Falls, Fries, Galax, Hiwassee and Ivanhoe. Horse trailer parking is available at Allisonia, Austinville, Cliffview, Dora Junction, Draper, Fries and Foster Falls.

 - Two tunnels: 135 feet and 193 feet long
 - Three major bridges: Hiwassee - 951 feet; Ivanhoe - 670 feet; Fries Junction - 1,089 feet
 - Nearly 30 smaller bridges and trestles
 - A historic shot tower used more than 200 years ago to make ammunition

Camping

New River Trail State Park has three primitive campgrounds: Cliffview, Millrace and Double Shoals. There's no vehicular access to the campsites and no showers or bathhouses.

Cliffview Campground (Carroll County near Galax) is a trailside campground with primitive tent camping only. It overlooks Chestnut Creek. Access is from the Dannelly Fitness Complex parking lot and across a footbridge (no direct vehicle access). Ten primitive campsites are available. Three horse campsites are available with an enclosed area for the horses. There are no covered stalls. Horse campers must park trailers at the Cliffview Ranger Station, which is about one mile from the campground. Horses may not cross the Dannelly Complex footbridge. Note: This campground is 24 miles from the Millrace Campground.

All sites are timbered and marked. Each site has a fire ring, lantern post, picnic table, access to the New River Trail and non-flush toilet. Drinking water is available. One site, CV001, is universally accessible and is reserved last if not required for a disabled camper.

Reservations are required. Same day reservations are permitted. Campers must leave their confirmation letter on their car's dashboard for overnight parking. Campers will need access to a fax machine or will need to pick up the letter at the Cliffview office if there is insufficient time to receive the letter by mail.

Note: Running water at Cliffview Campground is shut off November through March. Customers must bring water during that time.

Number of sites of each type: Primitive Tent, 10; Primitive Horse, 3

Site types:

CV001-CV010: Site CV001 is universally accessible and is the last to be rented if not required by a disabled guest.

CVH011-CVH013: Horse sites - There is an enclosed area for the horses. The area is available at no additional charge.

Millrace Campground (Wythe County at Foster Falls). This campground overlooks the New River. There is no vehicular access to the campground. There is a short hike to the sites from the parking lot. There are 21 primitive tent camping sites. Note: This campground is 24 miles from Cliffview Campground.

All sites are timbered and marked. Each has a fire ring, lantern post, picnic table, access to the New River Trail and non-flush toilet. Drinking water is available. One site, MR012, is universally accessible and is reserved last if not required for a disabled camper. There is no life-guarded swimming. The New River's current is unpredictable and potentially dangerous; underwater hazards are possible.

Reservations are required. Same day reservations are permitted. Campers must leave their confirmation letter on their dashboard for overnight parking. Campers will need access to a fax machine or need to pick up the letter at the Foster Falls office if there is insufficient time to receive the letter by mail.

Directions: From I-77, take Exit 24. Go east on State Route 69 to SR 52. Go north to SR 608. Go east and follow signs.

Number of sites of each type: Primitive Tent, 21

Site Type:

MR001-MR021: Site MR012 is ADA (universally accessible). This site is reserved last if not required by disabled citizen.

Double Shoals Campground is an honor system campground. First-come, first-served and no reservations. Two primitive sites only. Campers must bring their own water. It is part of the New River Canoe Trail and is accessible only by river or trail. The Town of Fries is the closest access. Location is mile marker P-40 on the Fries branch of New River Trail State Park.

Recreation

TRAILS
The 57-mile multi-use trail is great for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Those seeking extra adventure will love the Hoover Mountain Biking Area. It has five loops with seven trails, which are off-limits for horses and golf carts. All trails are rated easy or moderate. Access is between the Allisonia Boat Ramp and Hiwassee River Bridge on Julia Simpkins Road in Allisonia.

SWIMMING
There are no designated swimming areas, but tubing the New River is popular here. Call the Foster Falls Boat and Bike Livery at 276-699-1034 to rent tubes.

FISHING, BOATING
This linear park parallels a 39-mile stretch of the New River. Boat ramps are available at Allisonia, Foster Falls and Austinville. The river supports outstanding populations of just about every major freshwater game fish in the state. You’ll find smallmouth bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, striped bass, white bass, hybrid striped bass, muskellunge, walleye, black crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, yellow perch, redbreast sunfish and bluegill. State records caught in the New River include muskellunge (45 pounds, 8 ounces), smallmouth bass (8 pounds, 1 ounce) and yellow perch (2 pounds, 7 ounces). The state record spotted bass came (3 pounds, 10 ounces) from nearby Claytor Lake. The New River is bound to yield many more record-setting catches in the future.

The park also rents kayaks and canoes at the Foster Falls Boat and Bike Livery, opened seasonally Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April to Memorial Day, open seven days a week Memorial Day to Labor Day and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays again from Labor Day through October. For more information please call  276-699-1034.

HORSES
Guided trail rides are available April through October (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Call Foster Falls Horse Livery, 276-699-2460, for rates and reservations. Bringing your own horse? Except for a two-mile section from Galax to Cliffview, the trail is available for horseback riding. Equestrian campsites are available at the Cliffview campground. No stalls or covered area for horses but there are hitching posts. Horse trailers for day-use access must be parked at the Austinville, Cliffview, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe, Pulaski (Dora Junction) and Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex (Foster Falls) entrances only. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park.

Horse complex

The Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex, which opened in 2008, is one of two such state-owned facilities in Virginia. It's the only rentable arena in Wythe County.

The complex sits on 16.5 acres and has a 170 by 250 foot arena with a calf-roping shoot box and back pins, bleacher seating for 600 spectators, and spectator and participant parking.

The complex can be rented for special events for a full day or half a day. Amenities included in the rental are the grounds, gate fee, concession building (which includes a refrigerator and microwave), announcer’s booth, tractor and drag, barrels and poles. The arena has seven 4,500-watt light poles around it.

Visitors may also bring their own horse and ride in the arena for $5 a day.

The Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex is easily accessible off of Interstate 77. Take exit 24, Poplar Camp, to Rt. 69 Lead Mines Road to Highway 52 north. About 2 miles later, turn right onto Foster Falls Road and take the first left.

Long a family favorite known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains, Hungry Mother has a sandy beach with bathhouse, boats (fishing, canoe, kayak and paddle) and a boat launch, and a universally accessible fishing pier. Guests also enjoy its campgrounds, cabins, gift shop, visitor center, six-bedroom family lodge that sleeps 15, hiking and biking trails, and restaurant. Hungry Mother is also home to the Hemlock Haven Conference Center, available for retreats, conferences and special events. Catering is available.

Camping

Firewood is for sale.
People visiting overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. and pay parking fees.
Two vehicles per campsite in addition to camping unit allowed. Others must park in parking area and pay parking fee.
Each campsite has a round fire ring on the ground which can be used for cooking and campfires.
Hungry Mother allows guests to reserve specific campsites. All sites in the Creekside Campground are reserved specifically.

Total sites of each type: Hungry Mother proper - TENT, 11; E/W, 20. Camp Burson - EWS, 30; E/W, 20.

Camp Burson Camping - This campground is 1 mile before the park's main entrance.

Camp Burson guests register at Camp Burson during prime season or at the Discovery Center during off-season or when the Camp Burson office is closed. Camp Burson guests will need to drive or hike to the park's main gate to gain access to all other amenities at the park - swimming, restaurant, concessions, gift shops, cabins, other campgrounds, Hemlock Haven, etc.

Site types in Hungry Mother proper

Creekside campground (E/W, 20 sites) - Various equipment, electric and water hookups; tents, popup campers and RVs up to 30 feet; back-in sites and limited pull-through sites; accept outlets for 20 and 30 amp current (50-amp current available at Camp Burson only). Bathhouse. All sites are paved. Guests with tents are encouraged to bring an air mattress. There's a very sharp turn in the road leading to the Creekside campground so guests with large RVs and trailers should take extra care.

Royal Oak campground (11 TENT sites, 1 yurt) - Tents only. Bathhouse. Camping equipment must fit on 20 by 20-foot pad. No hookups.

Burson EWS (30 electric, water and sewer hookup sites in Camp Burson only, and not near other Hungry Mother campgrounds) - Various equipment, electric, water, sewer hookups; tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 35 feet; back-in sites and limited pull-through sites; accept outlets for 20, 30 and 50-amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring air mattress. (Carefully read the info above regarding Camp Burson sites.)

Burson E/W (20 electric and water hookup sites, no sewer, and not near other Hungry Mother campgrounds) – Various equipment; electric and water, no sewer; tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 35 feet; back-in sites; accept outlets for 20, 30, and 50-amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring air mattress. (Carefully read the info above regarding Camp Burson sites.)

Total campsites: 81 total in the park; 50 of which are in Camp Burson

Recreation

TRAILS
Hiking, bicycle trails and self-guided trails. More than 17 miles of trails are open year-round.

Hungry Mother offers self-guided programs for all ages and interests. The Kids in Parks Track Trail is a .6-mile paved trail that helps children and adults learn about various plants and animals in the park. The park also offers a geocaching program that takes guests on a “treasure hunt.” The Discovery Center has information about the program and geocaching in general. Guests may also visit the Discovery Center to check out one of four Park Packs for up to three days. Each pack contains supplies, equipment and games for learning about and identifying flora and fauna.

SWIMMING
Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. Weather and other issues may at times force suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.

The swimming beach has a bathhouse and concession area. From the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, guarded swimming and a snack bar are available 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Operating hours are weather dependent.

FISHING, BOATING
The 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake within the park supports a host of sport fish including largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid striped and spotted bass as well as crappie, channel and flathead catfish, carp, sunfish, rock bass, muskellunge and walleye. The channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, walleyes and musky are stocked every year.

A valid Virginia fishing license is required.

Boat launching is available for non-gasoline powered boats. A boat launching ramp and universally accessible fishing pier have also been developed. Boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats and jon boats are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and on weekends through October, weather permitting.

HUNTING
About 800 acres on Walker Mountain are open to deer and small game hunting annually. A valid Virginia hunting license is required. Check with the park office regarding specific areas that are open for hunting.

Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.

Hours

8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Camping

Grayson Highlands allows guests to reserve specific campsites.

Total sites of each type: E/W, 36. STD, 28. HorseE/W, 23. Wide Covered Stall, 20. OpnStall, 19. Wide Open Stall, 5. RV50-EW, 4. GrpTentStd (GT1), 1. CampLodge, 1.

Site type:

E/W - Electric and water sites; 20 and 30-amp; various equipment. Up to 40 feet. No horses allowed.

STD - Standard campsites; no hookups; various equipment. Up to 40 feet. One tent site is universally accessible. No horses allowed.

HorseE/W - Stable area campsites; electric and water hookups; 50-amp; various equipment. Up to 40 feet. Horses are allowed only in this area. Equestrian campers get priority booking, but any camper may make a reservation beginning 30 days prior to arrival. This area is also used for primitive camping in March, April and November.

Wide Covered Stall - Covered stalls for horses, about 8 x 10 feet; stable area; park provides sawdust for stalls. Bring your own hay bag and water bucket.

OpnStall - Open horse stalls, about 5 x 8 feet; some amenities in stalls. Bring your own hay bag and water bucket.

Wide Open Stall – Open horse stalls, about 8 x 10 feet; some amenities in stalls. Bring your own hay bag and water bucket.

GrpTentStd - Please see below for details.

Total campsites: 89

All campsites are dirt/gravel with picnic tables and grills at each site. Maximum of six campers per site.
Most sites are wooded; one site is universally accessible near bathhouse.
The horse campground is far from the park's other campgrounds.
Each site has a fire-ring for cooking and campfires.
Firewood and ice are available at the park.
Please deposit all trash in the dumpster as you exit the campground. Recycling containers are next to the dumpster.
No more than two vehicles and a camping unit are allowed per campsite. A parking fee will be charged for each additional vehicle.
There's additional parking beside and across from the Country Store.
Guests can visit overnight campers but must leave the park by 10 p.m.; no one is to roam around the park campground after 10 p.m.
Note: Primitive camping is centralized in stable area campground (HorseE/W) during March and April and in November; there are pit toilets only, and water is unavailable at this location. Drinking water is available in the park office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and from an outside spigot after hours. Camping fees are lower during the primitive camping season.

Group Camping: Grayson Highlands has a group camping area (GrpTentStd).

This group camping area accommodates up to 35 campers. Sites have no water or electric hook-ups. No minimum number of campers to be considered a group.
A standard bathhouse is about 500 feet away, and water is available within 50 feet of the campground. Toilets are within 100 feet. Parking is available beside the camp store or a lot across from the store - campers will have to walk between 20 and 40 yards to reach the camping area. Tents only are permitted.
The group camping area is between the Country Store and the turn-off loop to the regular campground. The group area has five large tent pads, five picnic tables and three fire rings.
Groups may apply at the park for a special use permit allowing use of the amphitheater and a large fire ring. (This might prove useful for special ceremonies, such as those undertaken by scout groups.) There is a small processing fee for the permit, which must be approved two weeks beforehand. The permit must be arranged through the park.
The cancellation fee for group camping is higher than that for other camping.

Recreation

TRAILS
Hiking, bicycle trails (mountain bikes only), horse trails, self-guided trails.

Backpacking

The park has long been a gateway to the state’s highest peak, Mount Rogers, as well as the Appalachian Trail and the Grayson Highlands. As the popularity of outdoor recreation has grown, so has the number of visitors to the highlands. As many as 6,000 overnight visitors and many day hikers visit the area a year. This increased usage has raised concern for protection of the fragile highlands by the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNRA), the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and Grayson Highlands State Park. Please abide by the following guidelines when planning a visit to the backcountry.

Weather at the park can be harsh, so those planning to access the AT from the park should be familiar with its severe weather policy and associated procedures.
Limit group sizes to no more than 10 in the high country and wilderness areas.

Shelters along the A.T. are intended for through or section hikers and groups of no more than four. Do not plan to stay at or camp near Thomas Knob Shelter or the Wise Shelter.
Backcountry camping is not allowed within Grayson Highlands State Park, including at Wise Shelter, but camping is allowed in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNRA). Hikers traveling north on the A.T. will exit the park when they cross Big Wilson Creek just past the Wise Shelter fence are welcome to camp across the creek from the shelter, on the MRNRA.
Practice Leave No Trace.

Consider setting up your camp away from the A.T., perhaps off a horse trail or a foot trail in the area. Park staff would be happy to suggest various routes or camping locations. Feel free to call park staff when planning a visit.
Commercial groups must obtain a Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service. This requirement is for paid guided hikes but does not apply to scouts, schools or church groups. Call the MRNRA Headquarters at 276-783-5196 for details.

Bridle trails: More than nine miles of bridle paths wander through the park. These paths also lead to bridle trails in Jefferson National Forest. Parking facilities for horse trailers and overnight stables are available at the park. The park does not provide horses for trail rides.

Hiking trails: The park has 13 hiking trails which vary from .5 to just over 2 miles in length. These trails lead to panoramic vistas, scenic waterfalls and a 200 year old pioneer cabin. The park also offers access to the Appalachian Trail and trails in the surrounding Jefferson National Forest. Details about the park's trails are listed below.

Grayson Highlands State Park Trails

Note: A detailed map of all trails in the Mount Rogers area can be purchased at the park office.

Key: F = Foot Traffic; H = Horseback Riding; B = Mountain Bikes; X = Cross Country Skiing

Appalachian Spur Trail: mileage .8; F
Appalachian Trail: mileage (within park) 2.5; F
Rhododendron Trail: mileage 1.0; F, X
Cabin Creek Trail: mileage 1.8 loop; F
Big Pinnacle Trail: mileage 0.4; F
Twin Pinnacles Trail: mileage 1.6; F
Listening Rock Trail: mileage 1.4 loop; F
Haw Flats Trail: mileage .7 loop; F
Split Rock Trail: mileage .3 loop; F
Wilson Creek Trail: mileage 1.8; F
Wilburn Branch Trail: mileage 2.3; F, B
Stampers Branch Trail: mileage 1.7; F
Rock House Ridge Trail: mileage 1.3 loop; F
Horse Trail (east): mileage 3.2; H, F, B, X
Horse Trail (north): mileage 2.0; H, F, X
Seed Orchard Road: mileage 1.2; H, F, B, X
Old Upchurch Road: mileage 3.3; H, F, B, X
Wild Ponies

Hikers on the highlands trails are likely to encounter wild ponies. They were introduced to the park in 1974 to prevent reforestation of the highland balds. The pony herd is managed by the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association. During fall roundups of ponies for an auction held in conjunction with Grayson Highland’s annual Fall Festival, association members check the herd for health problems.

Visitors should not approach, feed or pet the ponies. They bite and kick when they feel threatened, and human food is bad for them.

Bouldering

Grayson Highlands is known as the best bouldering site in Virginia. On the park’s mountainous slopes are four main boulder fields and three smaller fields with more than 700 named climbing routes, also known as problems. The park’s geology, which is unique in the Southeast, makes it well-suited to bouldering. Climbers will find rhyolite at higher elevations as well as a metaconglomerate in a quartzite matrix elsewhere in the park. These provide steep faces with angular features including rails, flakes and edges that ensure bouldering opportunities for climbers of all skill levels.

Summer weather at the park is ideal for bouldering. Several boulder fields have an elevation of more than 4,900 feet, with temperatures in the 70s and cool breezes that allow climbing throughout summer.

The park welcomes climbers to enjoy bouldering opportunities but requires that Leave No Trace ethics be followed. Ropes and the chipping of rocks are not allowed. Climbing is inherently dangerous; all safety precautions should be taken. Stop by the contact station or office to register as a climber in case of emergency.

The park has four crash pads for rent. It also sells chalk, chalk bags and the Grayson Highlands Bouldering Guidebook. For more information about the bouldering opportunities at Grayson Highlands, visit the Mountain Project.

SWIMMING
None at this park.

FISHING, BOATING
Nearly 10 miles of wild trout streams lie within Grayson Highlands State Park. Cool mountain streams offer anglers native brook and wild rainbow trout as well as breathtaking scenery. All the streams in the park are Special Regulation Wildlife Trout Streams which require the use of single hooks and artificial lures, and all trout less than nine inches long must be released unharmed. All required state fishing licenses and creel limits apply to fishing within the park. A National Forest Permit is required when fishing national forest property, which borders the park along Wilson Creek.

Guided canoe trips are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day, depending on the water level of the river. The trips can accommodate groups of from six to 14. The trip takes place on the New River through "a land that time forgot." Take in cliffs, shaded pastures, lush woodlands and crisp, clear water. It's a six-mile trek and takes about six hours. Participants should bring lunch, drinking water and closed-toe shoes.

Big Wilson Creek, along the northeastern boundary of the park, offers 3.5 miles of fishable waters. From its headwaters to ¼-mile below it confluence with Little Wilson Creek, the stream is designated a "Special Regulation Wild Trout Stream." A sign marks the area. Below this point, the creek is designated a "Stocked Trout Stream" and requires a trout license in addition to the state fishing license. You can reach the creek via the Appalachian Trail at Massie Gap or by taking the Big Wilson Creek Trail from the main campground.

Wilburn Branch, near the central area of the park, provides 1.8 miles of fishable waters and is designated a "Special Regulation Wild Trout Stream." It can be accessed via the Stamper's Branch or Upchurch Road trail.

Mill Creek, which has 1.1 miles of fishable waters, is the park's southeastern corner. It too is a "Special Regulation Wild Trout Stream." Get there by taking Highway 58 East from the park's entrance, then turning left on SR 742 (Mill Creek Rd.). Access to the park's portion of the creek is on the left near a grove of white pines, about half a mile down Mill Creek Rd.

Quebec Branch, in the park's northern region, has 1.1 miles of fishable waters, all of which is designated a "Special Regulation Wild Trout Stream." This waterway sometimes has low water. Access it from the Appalachian Trail at Massie Gap or by taking the Seed Orchard Road Trail from Hickory Ridge Campground.

Cabin Creek of the park's western area has 2.1 miles of fishable water, all of which is designated a Special Regulation Wild Trout Stream. Wild rainbow and native brook trout inhabit the waters here; it's not stocked. Take the Cabin Creek Trail at Massie Gap to get there.

HORSES
Horse trails and horse camping facilities are available here, but no horses are for rent. See the park's camping description for information about overnight horse facilities here. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park.

Frontiersmen used to call a passage through the mountains a “break.” Such breaks were a rare thing indeed, offering the early settlers an opportunity to take their frontier lives to a new level. Layer upon layer of history welcomes today’s visitor, as does the still resplendent beauty of this unique 4600-acre park. Established in 1954 by an act of Congress initiated by the efforts of the two states it crosses, Virginia and Kentucky, it is now one of only two such interstate parks in the USA.

Visitors come to us year-round to enjoy the many recreational delights, whether they are bent on an active, sporting experience, or one more contemplative, such as our seven gorgeous overlooks. Wildlife abounds, as does the warm welcome, in cozy accommodations that feel just right in their setting.

Activities & Recreation:

Hiking Trails

More than 25 miles of hiking trails lace the park, varying from easy to difficult. Most are less than one mile long, but interconnected trails offer the more ambitious hiker a good choice of routes over varying terrain. Maps with descriptions of each trail are available at the Visitor Center. Trail names give clues to the outstanding physical features of each: Cold Spring, Geological, Grassy Creek, Grassy Overlook, Lake, Loop, Overlook, Prospectors’ Ridge, River, Towers, and Tower Tunnel. Both the Ridge and Geological trails are self-guided, with booklets available at the Visitor Center that detail points and notes of interest. But if you would prefer, guided hikes are scheduled throughout the summer. Additionally, if you call ahead, our Visitor Center staff will be happy to plan a guided hike to meet your family’s or group’s schedule.

Elevations measured many years ago show heights varying from 870 feet at the Russell Fork River in the canyon bottom to 1,978 feet at Clinchfield Overlook (where the Overlook Trail begins.) The advent of modern GPS units shows the elevations to be higher. Surfaces are hard-packed dirt and rock, and are well maintained with steps and handrails where needed. All are marked with colored blazes, with no intersecting trails having the same color. Cautions: Pets must be leashed and we ask that visitors stay away from exposed overlooks during thunderstorms. Bicycles are permitted only on the Mountain Bike Trail.

The extraordinary range and variety of trails offered the hiker in our park is significant. Below we offer detail on each to help you choose your path. And enjoy every step!

Biking (Mountain Bike Trail) & Rentals

The Mountain Bike Trail offers breathtaking scenery. The trail is a stack loop trail system offering up to nearly 12 miles of riding, from moderate to difficult. Depending on the route chosen, bikers may plan rides of varying length, with the possibilities of good climbs and long downhill runs. Positive reviews for this trail are posted regularly on the websites for hiking enthusiasts.

If you’d like to try out our Mountain Bike Trail or simply want to ride around the park but don’t have a bike, no worries! You can rent either a regular mountain bike or an e-bike for a half day (5 hours) or for a full day (10 hours).

Horseback Riding & Carriage Rides

Birding

On the wing, in the soft and sometimes tempestuous air. Nested in the sheltering canopy of the Appalachians. What do you see and what might you hear? With a two-note shriek, or more muted and varied cry, our feathered friends also reign here.

As a part of the Virginia Birding and wildlife trail, Breaks Interstate Park is home to a wide variety of birds. Some of those include the Swainson’s Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Turkey Vulture, Red Tail Hawk and Osprey.

In 2007, Peregrine Falcons were released into the park as the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries reintroduced the species into Southwest Virginia and Southeast Kentucky. These birds had been wiped out in the Eastern United States due to the use of pesticides and chemicals such as DDT in the 1940’s and 50’s. Until the reintroduction effort, the last documented sighting in the state of Virginia was at The Towers in Breaks Park. In April 2011, a pair of Peregrine Falcons were again spotted at Towers Overlook offering hope that members of the species has returned to its historical nesting spot.

Each winter the park participates in the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count. The information collected is reported to the Audubon Society, where it is used to determine increases or declines in area species. We welcome public participation in this event. Should you wish to join us, more information is available by contacting the park Visitor Center.

A checklist detailing the different species found here, as well as our ongoing Recent Sighting List are available at the Visitor Center.

Pedal Boats/Canoes

Pedal boats, hydro bikes, and canoes are available seasonally for rental by the hour or half hour on beautiful Laurel Lake. Visitors may use these boats as a means to explore, or for fishing.

Fishing

Laurel Lake, Beaver Pond, and the Russell Fork River offer a variety of fishing experiences, and the promise of a good catch. Laurel Lake, a twelve-acre man-made lake, and our two-acre Beaver Pond are stocked with bluegill and bass. The Russell Fork River is stocked with Rainbow Trout by Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries officials.

Laurel Lake is located adjacent to Splash! in the Park. The Lake Trail circles Laurel Lake, ensuring many access points for fishermen.

Beaver Pond is located near the cottages. It may be accessed by the Deer Trail, which goes around the perimeter of Beaver Pond.

The Russell Fork River may be accessed at several points, including Garden Hole and Ratliff Hole, both of which are within park boundaries, but located outside the entrance to the park’s facilities.

Fishing licenses are required. Temporary licenses are available at the park Visitor Center.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Visitor Center.