Everything runs on water, from cities, power plants to farms and even our bodies. We know that water it an integral part of our daily life. It is also a big part of our vacations and Virginia State Parks has it in aces!
If you want to know which click here to view our searchable database.
SWIMMING
When the heat is on, it's time to get wet. Whether you like a pool, lake, river or bay, Virginia State Parks are great places to cool off while enjoying nature's finest settings. Many swimming facilities also have snack bars and other amenities to make your dip even more agreeable. Even better, swimming is nearly always free for overnight guests. So pack up the kids, sunscreen, shades, beach towels and sun hat and head to a Virginia State Park.
For a list of parks offering swimming click here.
BYOB (Bring your own boat)
BOAT RENTALS
Most Virginia State Parks offer boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, Jon boats, various motorized boats or some mix of them all. The list below is sorted by region and the parks therein. Boat rental fees vary by park so contact the park for more details.
For a list of parks offering boat rentals click here.
PADDLING PROGRAMS
If you would like to participate in a ranger or interpreter led paddling program at one of your favorite Virginia State Parks, the park itself to get more information on any water event.
FISHING
Virginia is blessed with a wide variety of great fishing, from native trout in the western mountains to monster striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay. And our state parks give you access to the best the commonwealth has to offer.
Check out this handy grid at a glance:
| Park | water type | boat rental* | launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain parks | |||
| Claytor Lake | lake | row, motor, pontoon | marina, launch |
| Douthat | lake, stream | row, canoe, kayak | car top |
| Fairystone | lake | row, canoe, kayak | car top |
| Grayson Highlands | stream | na | na |
| Hungry Mother | lake | row, canoe, kayak | car top |
| Natural Tunnel | stream | na | na |
| New River Trail | river | canoe, kayak, raft, float trips | launch |
| Pinnacle (preserve) | river | na | na |
| Shenandoah | river | na | car top |
| Piedmont parks | |||
| Bear Creek Lake | lake | row, elec., canoe, kayak | car top |
| Holliday Lake | lake | row, elec., canoe, kayak | car top, launch |
| Lake Anna | lake | (motor boats permitted) | launch |
| Occoneechee | lake | pontoon, runabout (motor boats permitted) | launch |
| Pocahontas | lake | canoe | car top |
| Powhatan | river | na | car top |
| Sky Meadows | pond | na | na |
| Smith Mountain Lake | lake | (motor boats permitted) | launch |
| Staunton River | lake | (motor boats permitted) | launch |
| Twin Lakes | lake | canoe | car top, launch |
| Coastal | |||
| Belle Isle | salt, fresh (river) | fishing, canoe, kayak | na |
| Chippokes Plantation | salt, fresh (river) | na | na |
| False Cape | salt, fresh (ocean, bay) | na | na |
| First Landing | salt (bay) | (motor boats permitted) | launch |
| Kiptopeke | salt (bay) | kayak (motor boats permitted) | launch |
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