There are 35 Fairy Stone State Park near Stuart Virginia, just 30 minutes West of Martinsville. From the family friendly swim beach, the picnic shelters, conference center and lodge to the camping, cabins and hiking trails – this is a fantastic gem situated in the Blue Ridge foothills!
Clean family friendly swim beach with lifeguards at Fairy Stone State Park
A fawn at Fairy Stone State Park
We met Park Ranger Charlene Goad who was both friendly and welcoming as we stopped by to snap some photos. We had seen some deer and she directed us to a spot where a mother doe was just seen with two twin fawns!
Fairy Stone State Park, the largest of Virginia's six original state parks, is home to its namesake "fairy stones." These rare mineral crosses and the park's scenic beauty, rich history and ample recreational opportunities make it a local and regional favorite.
Since we are celebrating 75 years of Virginia State Parks allow me to share a bit of history on Fairy Stone State Park:
In the late 1920s various groups across the commonwealth began working towards the establishment of state parks in Virginia. It wasn't until 1933, however, with the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that the state was able to begin building such a system. At that time, six areas were acquired, including Fairy Stone. Roanoke newspaper publisher Julius B. Fishburn donated the 4,639-acre site, making it the largest of the six original parks and one of the largest to this day.
The CCC provided the labor and materials for the construction of the park from 1933 until the CCC camp was removed in the spring of 1941. Roads, trails, picnic areas, cabins, a restaurant, bathhouse, dam and sanitation system are all part of the original CCC construction. Their handiwork is still evident in the park's log cabins.
Fairy Stone is4,537 acres, and has a 168-acre lake adjoining the Philpott Reservoir.
For 75th anniversary contests and events click here.
I hope you have the oppotunity to visit Fairy Stone State Park soon, don't wait for the weekend, go out any day of the week – the beach is open and a terrific place to cool off! You can pack a picnic or get a bite to eat at the concession stand where they sell ice creams, cold drinks and even pizza! Swimming fees midweek ages 13 and over is $3 and weekends $4 (kids age 3-12 are just $2).
Where is this fantastic park?
Fairy Stone State Park, 967 Fairystone Lake Drive, Stuart, VA 24171-9588; Phone: (276) 930-2424; Email:Click herefor a Google map (just 30 minutes West of Martinsville VA).